House panel OKs funding of study on undocumented immigrants' economic impact
By Sheena Mcfarland

The Salt Lake Tribune

Posted: 02/20/2009 12:11:02 AM MST


A bill that would fund a $150,000 study to determine the economic impacts of undocumented immigrants in Utah passed a House committee Friday.

HB107, sponsored by Rep. Stephen Clark, R-Provo, originally delayed the implementation of a comprehensive immigration reform bill passed last year, SB81. Now, the bill would fund the study and allow SB81 to take effect as planned in July.

Clark served on the immigration task force for the past year, and said while he heard emotional testimony, he heard few facts.

"People would testify about the economic impact illegal aliens impose upon our economy, but every time I asked where that data and information came from, no one could give an answer," Clark said. "It's important before we make critical decisions on immigration we know what the actual impact is."

Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, voted for the bill, but chided Clark for removing the implementation delay from the bill.

"It's extraordinarily unwise to move forward on SB81 when we don't have the basic information this would provide," King said.

Rep. Mike Morley, R-Spanish Fork, questioned the need for a study and voted against the bill.

"In Texas, where they cost $487 million, or in Arizona where they provide a $260 million benefit, is it any more illegal for an illegal to be in the country in Texas or Arizona?" he asked.

The bill passed the committee 8-4, and moves to the full House for further action.



smcfarland@sltrib.com



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