The Capital-Journal
Published Thursday, August 07, 2008

After reading about the E-Verify program that is available from the federal government to verify documents presented to employers, I believe this is a worthy program for our country and should be considered for implementation at every level of employment to protect U.S. jobs for legitimate U.S. workers. That's the purpose of the E-Verify program.

It can be implemented on a municipal level, and I believe it would be a good thing.

The proposal I am bringing before the city council is for Topeka, as an employer, to implement and comply with the federal e-Verify program (there is no cost to any employer to use this program) in its employment process. Included with this proposal is a requirement that companies who contract with the city of Topeka also be registered and comply with the E-Verify program in their respective businesses.

I have had small-business owners in our community indicate their reluctance over the contractor provision, but I also have heard positive comments — businesses seeking contracts with the city won't be competing against companies that may employ ineligible U.S. workers. That makes for a more even playing field.

On Tuesday, this proposal will be acted on by the Topeka City Council at the 6 p.m. meeting. Before the meeting will be a work session featuring Kris Kobach, a professor of Immigration Law and Constitution Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an advocate for U.S. worker rights. Kobach will address the council and answer any questions from council members about the E-Verify program.

The work session is open to the public and will begin at 5:15 p.m. The city council meeting will begin at 6.

JACK WOELFEL, Topeka city councilman, District 4

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