http://www.azstarnet.com/news/120133

Published: 03.15.2006

Denying services to illegal entrants may be up to voters
By Howard Fischer
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
PHOENIX — State senators voted Tuesday to ask voters to expand the scope of Proposition 200 and deny even more services to those not here legally.

A measure given preliminary approval says the state Department of Economic Security cannot provide subsidized child care to people not in this country legally. Another provision would deny adult education classes to the same people. A third says that any student enrolled at a community college or state university cannot get any kind of state-funded financial assistance.

Senators balked at a fourth provision spelling out that illegal immigrants automatically could not qualify for the lower tuition charged by community colleges and universities for Arizona residents.

Sen. Dean Martin, R-Phoenix, said the resolution simply puts on the ballot what voters thought they were approving in 2004.

The 2004 measure was billed by supporters as denying public benefits to those not here legally. But it was interpreted by Attorney General Terry Goddard to restrict access to only a handful of state services and programs.

Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale, said denying resident tuition goes too far. She said many of these students were brought here as children through no fault of their own.

"We ask that they do well in school, that they work hard, that they pass the AIMS test and then we tell them, sorry, that's as far as you can go without paying a high price," Gray said.

"What incentive are we giving them to do well in school," she continued. "If they don't do well they drop out, there's a far higher penalty to pay, society-wise, by having them in prison."

The measure is virtually identical to one vetoed last year by Gov. Janet Napolitano. But this one is crafted so that if it gains final Senate and House approval it bypasses the governor and goes directly to the ballot.