Vermont’s Senate Bill S.52 has sparked intense debate over its proposal to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to foreign nationals residing in the state. Sponsored by Senators Ruth Hardy (D-Addison), Alison Clarkson (D-Windsor), Tanya Vyhovsky (P-Chittenden Central), Virginia Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast), Martine Gulick (D-Chittenden Central), and Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden Southeast), the bill seeks to expand state-funded healthcare to income-eligible foreign nationals, regardless of immigration or criminal status.
The bill was introduced into the Senate in January but did not proceed to committee discussion and did not pass. It is not known – yet – if Hardy or the co-sponsors listed above intend to introduce the bill into the 2025 Legislature. Hardy has been emailed for comment. Current law provides Dr. Dynasaur coverage for all children regardless of immigration status. S.52 would expand coverage to all income-eligible Vermont residents, regardless of immigration status, adults and children alike.
While proponents emphasize the humanitarian aspects of the bill, critics argue it places an unsustainable financial burden on Vermont taxpayers while raising serious public safety and fairness concerns.
What S.52 Proposes
S.52 extends state-funded healthcare benefits—including medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage—to any foreign national, legal or illegal, residing in Vermont, as long as they meet income eligibility requirements. Unlike federal programs, the bill includes:
- No Work Requirement: Eligibility does not depend on whether the individual is employed or contributing to Vermont’s economy.
- No Residency Duration Requirement: A foreign national could qualify simply by being physically present in Vermont, even for a short period.
- No Criminal Background Checks: The bill prohibits Vermont state agencies from sharing enrollee information with federal authorities, meaning individuals with criminal records, including drug cartel members or those on terrorist watch lists, could qualify without federal oversight.
This broad scope means that S.52 is not limited to undocumented farm workers, a group often used to justify such proposals. Instead, the bill opens healthcare benefits to any foreign national, regardless of their legal or criminal status.
The Burden on Taxpayers
Critics of S.52 argue that Vermont taxpayers—already facing some of the highest tax burdens in the country—should not be forced to subsidize healthcare for foreign nationals, particularly those who entered the country illegally or have criminal histories.
“This isn’t just about providing healthcare to hardworking farm workers,” said one critic. “This bill covers anyone, from unemployed foreign nationals to individuals with criminal records. Vermont taxpayers are being asked to pay for a system that has no safeguards or accountability.”
The financial implications are significant. With no restrictions on residency duration or employment, Vermont could become a magnet for foreign nationals seeking state-funded benefits, further increasing the strain on taxpayers.
A Failure to Address Federal Problems
Proponents of S.52 argue that it fills a gap left by the federal government, particularly in industries like dairy farming that rely on migrant labor. However, critics point out that this gap exists because of flaws in the H-2A visa program, the federal system designed to provide legal pathways for agricultural laborers.
The H-2A visa program excludes year-round work, making it unsuitable for Vermont’s dairy industry. However, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), despite 33 years in Congress, has not taken significant action to address these shortcomings. While Sanders has consistently advocated for immigrant protections, he has not focused on fixing the specific issues that directly impact Vermont’s economy.
By contrast, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the H-2A Improvement Act (H.R. 1720) in 2011 to expand the program to year-round industries like dairy farming. However, the bill failed to advance, likely because it included provisions for broader immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship, instead of focusing on the immediate problem.
“Peter Welch aimed too high with his proposal, and Bernie Sanders has done nothing at all,” said one observer. “Meanwhile, Vermont taxpayers are left paying for the federal government’s failure to fix the system.”
A Broader, Troubling Scope
S.52’s broad eligibility criteria raise concerns beyond financial strain. Critics warn that by covering any foreign national, legal or illegal, regardless of criminal status, the bill inadvertently shields individuals who may pose public safety risks. Vermont’s prohibition on sharing enrollee information with federal authorities could protect those involved in criminal activities or who are otherwise flagged for deportation. Adding to this, Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark recently stated in an interview with Vermont Digger that she plans to actively oppose federal immigration deportation efforts, further highlighting the state’s stance against federal enforcement.
“This isn’t about compassion; it’s about enabling a broken system,” said another critic. “We’re talking about giving healthcare benefits to individuals who may have no ties to Vermont, haven’t contributed to the state, and could even be dangerous.”
A Simple Federal Fix
Many argue that S.52 would be unnecessary if Congress addressed the flaws in the H-2A visa program. A simple federal fix could:
- Expand the H-2A program to include year-round agricultural work.
- Simplify the application process to reduce bureaucracy for employers.
- Ensure legal pathways for migrant workers, eliminating the need for undocumented labor.
Such reforms would directly address Vermont’s labor needs while protecting taxpayers and ensuring that foreign nationals are properly vetted.
“Instead of creating a state program with no limits or accountability, why aren’t our federal representatives solving the actual problem?” one critic asked. “Fixing the H-2A program would help farmers, protect taxpayers, and remove the need for this kind of overreaching bill.”
Conclusion
S.52 reveals the unintended consequences of Vermont’s attempt to address federal inaction. By extending taxpayer-funded healthcare to any foreign national, legal or illegal, regardless of criminal status, the bill goes far beyond helping farm workers and raises serious concerns about fairness, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.
Until lawmakers like Sanders and Welch prioritize targeted solutions to fix the H-2A visa program, Vermont taxpayers will continue to bear the burden of federal failures, with state-level proposals like S.52 leaving more questions than answers.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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