The idea of funding free healthcare for undocumented immigrants using the hard-earned taxes of working citizens is being slammed as 'disgusting' by a former top advisor to the UK Prime Minister.
Steve Hilton, who once served as David Cameron's policy chief, has surprisingly emerged as a leading contender for California's next Governor. His campaign is built on bold promises of tax reductions and a sweeping overhaul of the state's systems. Hilton explains that his 'aggressive' outsider approach, aiming to dismantle the state's perceived bureaucratic bloat, is fueled by lessons learned from trying to fix what he sees as a 'broken Britain.'
But here's where it gets controversial... Polls currently show this former Downing Street advisor, who is now a Fox News host, leading the Republican field. He's even gaining ground on the Democratic candidates in California, a state that has historically leaned left. It's worth noting that no Republican has won the governorship in this liberal stronghold since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003. However, Hilton believes his unconventional campaign is resonating, thanks to a 'huge army now of grassroots supporters' and 'small dollar donors.'
He's made it clear he intends to curb illegal immigration and eliminate what he calls 'green climate taxes' that contribute to California having the highest cost of living in America. His vision for a new, 'Cali-fordible' era includes exempting Californians from state income taxes on earnings up to $100,000. Furthermore, he proposes lowering healthcare costs for residents by removing free insurance coverage for undocumented migrants.
Echoing a sentiment similar to Donald Trump's, Hilton declared to The Sun, "It’s time to make California golden again." Despite giving up his British citizenship to become an American, he sees striking parallels between the issues plaguing Britain and those affecting this once-powerful US state.
"Our electric bills are more than double the national average," he stated. "Then we’re going to look at all the bloat and the fraud and the waste and the corruption in our state government. The budget of the State of California has nearly doubled in the last five years. Is everything twice as good? No, it's worse."
Hilton departed Downing Street in 2012 after less than two years, reportedly frustrated by the slow pace of change and what he perceived as unchecked bureaucracy. In a memorable parting gesture, he suggested cutting £25 billion from the UK's benefits bill and laying off 90% of the nation's civil servants at the time.
He reflected on his UK experience, saying, "I point to my experience in the UK as one of the reasons, not because we can look back on that and say we did such a great job, almost the opposite, but I see the tricks of the bureaucracy. I saw firsthand. A, how hard it is, and B, how aggressive you have to be and I learned that lesson."
And this is the part most people miss... Hilton is particularly critical of incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom's stance on providing free healthcare to undocumented migrants, which Newsom has proudly stated he supports. Hilton vehemently disagrees, calling it "disgusting." He elaborated, "He’s stealing money from hard-working Californians who can barely afford their own healthcare, who work incredibly hard, often two or three jobs. He’s stealing their money to hand it out to people who shouldn’t be here, and subsidising them, giving them free health care."
While Newsom is considered a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the White House in 2028, Hilton dismisses him as "a complete joke." He added, "And everyone can see that when he’s in Davos, sort of, you know, prancing around, pretending he’s on the world stage, when he can’t even get his own house in order."
Hilton, who has previously supported both Brexit and Donald Trump, indicated that he would welcome the backing of the White House for his campaign. "I have a good relationship with the President. We know we’re friends. We talk from time to time. I haven’t asked, but I’d be honoured to have it," he said.
What are your thoughts on using taxpayer money for immigrant healthcare? Is it a necessary social service, or an unfair burden on citizens? Let us know in the comments below!
