IL - Cullerton lobbies for driver's license bill
Cullerton lobbies for driver's license bill
Measure to issue cards to illegal immigrants may face resistance in House
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Illinois Senate President John Cullerton joins hands Sunday with congregants at St. Pius V Church in Pilsen. Cullerton told churchgoers to urge their state representatives to back a Senate-passed measure that would allow illegal immigrants to get special driver's licenses. (Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune / December 9, 2012)
By Naomi Nix, Chicago Tribune reporter
December 10, 2012
Democratic state Senate President John Cullerton on Sunday continued his push for legislation that would give a special driver's license to illegal immigrants.
Cullerton told congregants at a packed Spanish-language service at St. Pius V Church in Pilsen that though the bill sailed through the Senate, he would need their help to get it through the House.
"The reason why we need to pass this legislation is not just so that illegal immigrants can drive, but also so that everyone will be safe," said Cullerton, whose talk was translated into Spanish. "I hope you can continue to encourage your legislators in the House of Representatives to vote for the bill."
Under the measure, an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants would be eligible for three-year renewable driver's licenses. The special licenses would require drivers to pass vision, written and road tests. It could not be used as an official form of identification.
Proponents argue that the legislation would make it easier for illegal immigrants to get insurance and improve safety on the roads, while others say the measure gives lawbreakers a free ride.
After the church service, a handful of congregants marched in the rain to South Ashland Avenue and West Cullerton Street to offer a blessing and one final pitch for the bill.
"We give thanks to God for the blessings of the Cullerton family," the Rev. Brendan Curran told the crowd gathered in a semicircle. "You have to get out there and call your legislators."
The measure passed the Senate 41-14 Tuesday and will likely go to the House next month, where some lawmakers have indicated it could face steeper resistance.
But Cullerton said he's hopeful the bill could win support in the House.
"Well, when you go first in the Senate and you get 41 votes, it makes it easier in the second chamber because the state representatives see that their senator voted for the bill. So it puts pressure on them ... to vote for it."
Cullerton's optimism is good news to Oscar Navarro. The 43-year-old regular at St. Pius said he hopes that the bill will not only improve highway safety but help illegal workers who struggle to get to work without a license.
"It's good for them," he said. "It is good for the community."
Democratic Senate President touts bill to give licenses to illegal immigrants - chicagotribune.com
