Thread: IL: Vote delayed on driving certificates for illegals

Vote delayed on driving certificates for illegals

June 2, 2007
By Ben Lefebvre STAFF WRITER
The state budget brouhaha and last-minute cold feet from some Senate Republicans temporarily sank an expected vote this week on a controversial measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain state driving certificates.

The vote on the proposed Roadway Safety and Mandatory Insurance Act was postponed until November after its sponsor, state Sen. Antonio Munoz, D-Chicago, failed to call it up, apparently fearing it would fall shy of the 30 needed for approval. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

Those close to the action said a combination of soured relations among Democrats due to the budget impasse and several key Republicans withdrawing their support led to the postponement.

"If some of the budget negotiations had gone differently, this would have passed," said Joshua Hoyt, executive director for the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, a major supporter of the bill. "This was doable, but it got caught up in those larger fights."

Proponents had counted on three Republican senators to support the bill, which would make driving certificates available to anyone who submits to fingerprinting, passes a driving test, is at least 18 years old, and who provides a valid passport, federal tax identification number and proofs of residency and insurance. The certificates would be visually distinct from normal driver's licenses and could not be used as identification.

But Senate Deputy Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, one of the three Republicans who voted to move the bill from the executive committee to the Senate floor, said her past support only had been to "keep the discussion moving."

"Having said that, conceptually, as a whole, I don't think I would support it," she said. "My constituents are overwhelmingly opposed to it. We have a number of illegal immigrants, and they don't think they should be eased into the system."

Critics charge the certificates would "reward" undocumented immigrants. Supporters have said it would drive down auto accidents and insurance rates by coercing illegal immigrants already on the road to take driving lessons and buy insurance.

The state House passed the measure in March by a margin of four votes. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has indicated he would sign the bill if it makes it out of the General Assembly.

Hoyt said his group will try to convince more lawmakers to support the bill but that many are waiting to see the results of the federal government's own legislative wrangling over immigration.

"It's quite possible that all the illegals will be legal by November," he said.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... S1.article

Critics charge the certificates would "reward" undocumented immigrants. Supporters have said it would drive down auto accidents and insurance rates by coercing illegal immigrants already on the road to take driving lessons and buy insurance.

The more of this garbage I read the more insane I am beginning to think they all are. Why the hell is it okay for these illegal invaders to be granted a certificate to drive WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW HOW to encourage them to LEARN HOW AND BUY INSURANCE? Nevermind they can't SPEAK OR READ ENGLISH therefore they have no clue what the road signs mean and are driving drunk and killing Americans daily.

Good I'm glad to see that got stalled!!

"Having said that, conceptually, as a whole, I don't think I would support it," she said. "My constituents are overwhelmingly opposed to it. We have a number of illegal immigrants, and they don't think they should be eased into the system."

Refreshing...to hear a politican say she will oppose it because of her constituents made their wishes known. She must be an up and coming political star -Christine Radogno. I have seen her giving sound bites and quotes everywhere lately! We need her in Washington DC. Obama and Durkin may retire...

Jean, as always -thanks for the Illinois news. Especially this news!