Updated: March 10, 2008 06:40 PM CDT

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Indiana Statehouse - Most years, illegal immigration would be a hot button issue. This year, however, it took a back seat to property taxes.
With four days left in the 115th General Assembly, lawmakers have a host of issues that remain to be dealt with, but one issue commands more attention than all the others combined.

"I think it's the focus on property taxes and the focus should be on property tax reform," said State Senator Mike Delph (R-Carmel).

Any other year, the Delph-Tincher bill dealing with illegal immigration might very well be the biggest issue on the table. It has prompted emotional debate in both the House and the Senate. But the fact remains, as of Monday no conferees have even been appointed on the bill to iron out differences between the two bodies. The idea is actually to crack down on the businesses which employ illegal immigrants.

Monday, Senator Delph and Representative Vern Tincher held a news conference in an effort to keep a spotlight on the bill.
"You could certainly do that," Sen. Delph said when asked what would be wrong with waiting to work on the bill next year. "You could certainly study the issues to death. My question is, 'Why?' My personal belief is the people who want to kill this bill are the people who want to profit from this illegal activity. They are standing by when their fellow human beings are being exploited for cheap labor and I just don't think that is right."

According to a new study issued by the University of Notre Dame, the legislation will affect 153,000 immigrants - 2.6% of the state's population - if it's passed. It also cites the loss of 87,000 workers or 2.2% of the overall labor force. Five billion dollars in gross domestic product, a $2.3 billion decrease in personal income and a $200 million shortfall in state taxes.
"We have until Friday to get a conference committee report signed and I am still confident we have time to do that," Delph said.

The House will only meet in committees until Thursday, so time is running out.


Video included at link.
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=7994935