Senate to tackle immigration?
By Jean Ortiz The Associated Press
Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009 - 11:41:20 am CST

OMAHA -- A majority of state lawmakers who participated in an Associated Press pre-session survey say they favor policies that take a tougher stance against illegal immigration.

Those measures include restricting hiring of illegal immigrants and keeping illegal immigrants from collecting tax-funded benefits.

Twenty-four legislators said they support requiring employers to use a federal Internet-based employment eligibility verification system called E-Verify.

One said he could not support such a measure.

Fourteen said they were unsure and one skipped the question.

Nine senators did not participate in the survey.

“Although I do not like mandates and more paperwork, this is essential,â€