Immigration takes a backseat to the budget

Posted: Mar 04, 2011 8:45 PM PST
Updated: Mar 04, 2011 8:45 PM PST
Reporter: Jessica Chapin

TUCSON (KGUN9- TV) - The state's leading crusader against illegal immigration is putting his latest plans on hold. Senate President Russell Pearce announced the controversial immigration bills will take a backseat to the budget until they put their plan to a vote.

The immigration bills include SB 1611 and SB 1405, which would require proof of citizenship to receive a variety of public services including healthcare, housing, education and driving.

For Border Action Network director Jennifer Allen, the move is a step forward.

"It's a victory for all of Arizona," she said, "in that we're seeing finally our senate president prioritize, we hope, prioritize addressing the bad economic state of Arizona, to take serious this economic crisis."

But, while Allen agrees with the motion to put it on the back burner, she thinks the Senate should take it a step farther.

"Not only does the budget need to be addressed first, but these bills should simply be pulled," she said.

Spokesperson Mike Philipsen has made it clear Pearce does not believe there is anything wrong with the bills. They may only spend about a week out of the spotlight. Senator Frank Antenori says he supports the gesture, but he says the focus has been on budget the entire time. He says the Senate's goal is to vote on a budget plan in the next 10 days.

http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=14192377