Great news to hear in NJ.


Lawmakers: Punish illegal hiring


By DON BENNETT • TOMS RIVER BUREAU • March 5, 2008

LACEY — Ninth District lawmakers said Monday they will support legislation designed to punish firms that hire people in the United States illegally.

Sen. Christopher J. Connors, R-Ocean, said he will back a plan by Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, to introduce the measure.

Connors said he introduced a measure in the past two sessions that would have barred companies hiring undocumented workers from state contracts, grants, loans and tax incentives and fining them $10,000 for each worker.

He said there are "significant costs" borne by taxpayers for the health care and education of the illegal immigrants and their children.

"It's time for the state to stop turning a blind eye to this unlawful activity and impose penalties on companies that knowingly hire illegal aliens," Connors said.

Assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt, R-Ocean, said cracking down on those who hire undocumented workers will reduce the flow of immigrants because they will not be able to find work.

Connors said the delegation also introduced bills to:

Bar undocumented workers from temporary disability and workers' compensation.

Require certification that those getting state funds or benefits directly or indirectly are in the country legally.

Both those proposals are in the Senate Labor Committee.


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