Illinois House votes to extend All Kids program

Posted on April 20, 2016
Bill Mitchell
State Rep. Bill Mitchell voted against a proposal to extend the All Kids program through Oct. 2019.
(Photo courtesy YouTube)

By Eric Stock

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ health insurance program that provides coverage for children would get a three-year extension under a plan that’s passed the Illinois House in a mostly party-line vote.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, didn’t support the All Kids health insurance plan when it was created in 2006 and he’s not a fan of it now.

“Just in the last six years the state of Illinois – which is insolvent – has spent $320 million for health care for illegal immigrants,” Mitchell declared. “No federal match, all state funded.”

“The Illinois House should be ashamed of itself.”

The program offers health insurance to children from low-income families, regardless of immigration status. It’s due to expire on July 1.

The measure, introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) awaits a vote in the Senate after passing the House by a 77-38 margin.

The All Kids program was an initiative of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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