Running and ducking for cover
Nebraskans opposed to illegal immigration apparently are the most feared force on the state's political scene.
They certainly seem to have most of the state's politicians running and ducking for cover.
Poor mothers-to-be and their unborn children will suffer as a consequence.
The stark reality of the power wielded by the anti-illegal immigrant bloc was dramatized by events last week.
A contingent of state senators, including Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln and Sens. Jeremy Nordquist and Brad Ashford of Omaha, has been trying to find a way to restore prenatal coverage after federal officials said the state was not following Medicaid rules.
About 1,600 women lost coverage because of the change. More than 800 of them were illegal immigrants.
Gov. Dave Heineman opposed efforts to restore funding on the grounds that he doesn't want state funds going to illegal immigrants. (Once born, of course, the children will be U.S. citizens.)
Lining up on the other side were powerful pro-life organizations.
So far the battle has been one-sided. The effort to restore prenatal care has never even reached a vote.
Medical experts pointed out that fiscal prudence favored prenatal care. Dr. Lisa Peterson, president of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health, pointed out in a Journal Star Local View that just one premature birth due to the lack of prenatal care could cost $1 million.
The pro-life lobby argued that coverage should be extended out of respect for life. But they couldn't sway the governor and couldn't help round up 30 senators to override the governor's veto, despite reports that some mothers were seeking abortions because of the loss of prenatal care.
The most astounding demonstration of the power of the anti-illegal immigrant sentiment came when the governor and senators turned down an offer of $3 million in private donations arranged by Sen. Ashford to cover the state's share of prenatal coverage.
Remember, the decision means that more than 700 mothers-to-be with legal status will also lose their coverage. That group is almost equal in number to the affected illegal immigrants.
State officials have their priorities backward. They decided it was more important to deny care to those who came to this country illegally than to provide needed care to the law-abiding.
Fear ruled.
It's hard to imagine a more craven surrender to an energized voting bloc.
Fiscal responsibility, respect for the unborn and compassion for law-abiding mothers-to-be all support reinstatement of prenatal coverage. Every state official who said no should be ashamed.
A last-ditch effort is underway to see if there is a possibility of crafting a proposal that would restore prenatal coverage for legal residents without also sweeping up those in the country illegally. Judging from the way things have gone so far, we're not holding our breath.
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