Already back-peddling on sanctions for sanctuary cities
http://azstarnet.com/allheadlines/120316
AZ House backs off 'sanctuary' penalties
By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.16.2006
PHOENIX — Reversing course, the House of Representatives refused Wednesday to financially penalize cities and counties whose police departments don't enforce federal immigration laws.
The 32-28 vote to kill the legislation came amid complaints from some lawmakers the bill would amount to the state's taking control of the operations of local police agencies. The bill, which had been tentatively approved, would have denied cities that have "sanctuary" policies for illegal immigrants their share of state sales and income taxes.
Rep. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, said it's one thing to encourage local police to enforce federal laws that make it a crime to be in this country illegally. But she said this measure went a step too far.
"This bill . . . would penalize local law enforcement for not doing what they cannot do anyway, which is handle a federal problem without enough federal dollars to accomplish the task," she said, adding that withholding state money would only deprive police departments of needed funds.
"That will hamper their effectiveness to perform their current duties providing public safety to all of the citizens," she said.
The change of fortune upset Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who just a day earlier had convinced colleagues to give the measure preliminary approval. Pearce said local police have not only the power but also the obligation to enforce federal laws.
He said the fact that many police departments and their city councils don't want to do that job does not alter their obligation — or the fact that he believes more needs to be done to rid the state of illegal immigrants.
Rep. Marian McClure, R-Tucson, said she voted against the legislation because it would be up to the state treasurer to decide if a city or county is out of compliance. And there also is no way for a community to appeal the treasurer's findings that it has a sanctuary policy.
