In a shift from traditional party lines, two California Republican lawmakers have publicly clashed over the issue of government-subsidized health benefits for undocumented residents.

Assemblymember Bill Essayli of Corona opposes a new law providing subsidized health coverage to undocumented immigrants while Assemblymember Devon Mathis of Porterville defends the healthcare expansion, arguing it reduces long-term health costs and supports working families vital to the state’s economy.

Mathis further argues that providing Medi-Cal to undocumented residents is a “fiscally conservative” move.

This debate highlights the shifting political landscape in California, where the idea of offering such benefits was once considered political suicide for both Democrats and Republicans.

Read more at Times of San Diego.