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Consider and approve submittal of comment letter in response to the federal proposed change in the public charge rule published on October 10, 2018 in the Federal Register
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider and approve submittal of comment letter in response to the federal proposed change in the public charge rule published on October 10, 2018 in the Federal Register.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 13, 2018 the Board received a presentation and public comments on the federal proposed change in the public charge rule that will allow non-cash benefits to be considered in determining whether an individual is a public charge and thus prevent an individual from adjusting immigration status. The Board subsequently directed staff to work with the County’s federal advocacy team, Paragon Government Relations in Washington, D.C. to draft a public comment letter in response to the proposal and the attached draft public comment letter which incorporates public and staff comments is submitted for the Board’s consideration and approval. Public comments are due to the Federal Register during the 60-day public comment period which ends on December 10, 2018.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the County Administrative Office’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the draft public comment letter; however, the Board directed the draft letter be prepared based on public comment and staff information provided on November 13, 2018. The Board could direct changes to the letter prior its submittal.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Paragon Government Relations and Health and Social Services assisted in the preparation of the draft public comment letter.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION