As I talk with local leaders in California, one of their budget concerns is the cost to local government of incarcerating criminals who are in the country illegally.  I am pleased to let you know that I am working with Senator Dianne Feinstein to help local governments with these costs.

I am cosponsoring Senator Feinstein’s legislation, the SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2009 (S. 168), to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for compensation to States incarcerating undocumented persons charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

California carries a large share of the burden of incarcerating undocumented persons, with almost $1 billion spent just last year.  The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) is intended to reimburse states and local governments for these costs.  However, it has been seriously underfunded for many years.  As a result, critical public safety funds are stretched even thinner in many regions. 

The SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2009 is a step in the right direction to fully reimburse states for the full costs of incarcerating undocumented persons who are either charged with or convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors.  You can count on me to work for the passage of this bill.