Lili Navarrete challenged citizens to do homework. So we did.
At the Spokane, WA City Council legislative meeting on April 14, 2025 - Council Member Lili Navarrete spoke on resolution 2025-0025 “Expressing Opposition to Any Proposed Federal or State Cuts to Medicaid.” You can view the meeting by clicking here. Around minute 1:25:00 of the meeting, Council Member, in a somewhat exasperated manner shares …
“As a, you know … being a full time health equity organizer … uh, being my full time job … the cut for this would be so, so impactful. Um, one thing or a couple of things that I wanted to bring up, that was brought up tonight was, um, undocumented immigrants receiving Medicaid – that’s totally untrue that’s one hundred thousands time. Undocumented immigrants to not get benefits. It’s centuries cds were brought up. Let’s take a look at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue where there’s a ??? stuff for the family. So educate yourself.”
- Spokane Council Member Lili Navarette, 4/14/25
The commentary above was difficult to transcribe. Our apologies. We added emphasis on a couple comments from Council Member Navarrete.
So as to Council Member Navatette’s claims that “Undocumented immigrants do not get benefits” and “So educate yourself”, Please consider the following:
Washington State To Create $40M Fund For Undocumented Workers Hurt By Pandemic
Aug 11, 2020 - NorthWest Public Broadcasing, BY LILLY FOWLER / CROSSCUT
“Undocumented workers who lost income because of the coronavirus pandemic, but were passed over for federal assistance, will finally be getting some help in Washington state, thanks to a new $40 million relief fund.”
Rantz: Washington Dems diverted $460M to illegal immigrants into 2023
Feb 4, 2024 - BY JASON RANTZ / AM 770 KTTH host
“Washington State Democrats funneled hundreds of millions in tax dollars to over 100,000 illegal immigrants to circumvent the federal government. The funds were intended for COVID relief as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, but the state purposefully used the funds for illegal immigrants.”
Health coverage for all Washingtonians, regardless of citizenship or immigration status
Latino Center for Health | University of Washington
“New first-in-kind federal waiver aims to improve access for uninsured Washingtonians. Starting November 1, 2023, everyone who lives in Washington state regardless of citizenship or immigration status will have the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, for coverage starting January 2024. Premium assistance may also be available to undocumented adults with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).”
Western supports undocumented students …
Western Washington University website
“If you are an undocumented student who qualifies for Senate Bill 5194, or if you have DACA or work authorization, and will have lived in the State of Washington for one year prior to your first term at school, you will most likely be eligible to complete the WASFA.”
WA health care expansion for low-income immigrants on track to be maintained
Washington State Standard | BY: JACQUELYN JIMENEZ ROMERO - APRIL 18, 2025
“On July 1, 2024, Washington launched a program to offer Apple Health benefits to immigrants in the U.S. without legal authorization who meet certain eligibility guidelines. But the program, which is designed to mirror Medicaid, only had enough funding to cover up to 13,000 people.”
You do not need U.S. citizenship, a green card, or other immigration papers.
Washington Health Plan Finder website
“Your safety is important to us. Your information will not be used for immigration enforcement. Federal and state laws protect the privacy of people who apply for health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder. Information about immigration status will be used only to determine eligibility for coverage and not for immigration enforcement.”
Council Member Navarrete … Is this enough education?
This post isn’t about the Medicaid. This post is about credibility. When public servants use the last-word and the bully pulpit, they need to choose their words wisely. To state that undocumented people in Washington State “do not get benefits”, then to challenge citizens to “educate themselves” only to find through multiple sources and million$ of funding of undocumented citizens in our state - it’s time to come clean.