Thank you for your comments urging me to take a strong stand against illegal immigration. I appreciate the time you have taken to make me aware of your concern. I have taken the liberty of adding your name to our mailing list to give you future updates on this issue.

Illegal immigration costs the taxpayers of California $10 billion every year. That's $10 billion that we could have used to build more schools, hire more teachers, widen miles of overcrowded freeways and improve public transportation or that could have been used to balance the state's budget. In addition, illegal immigration presents a serious and dangerous threat to national security. If a migrant worker can easily cross the border to find work, so can terrorists.

America is a great country of freedom, democracy, and justice for all. But those aren't just words' they're rewards for the thousands of immigrants who follow America's citizenship process. The hard work and commitment of those who have legally immigrated must be honored. Turning a blind eye to the thousands who cross the border illegally sends a message that citizenship is not valued, sacrifice is not respected, and that the government has neither the time nor the energy to do the right thing.

These are reasons why, during past legislative sessions, I have supported legislation that would have helped secure our border by allowing local police more latitude in working with the US Immigration Service on deportment of illegal immigrant offenders, allowing California to have its own Border Police to assist the federal government in sercuring our borders and legislation to prevent illegal immigrants from applying for a California Driver's License. I also voted for legislation to stop over $50 million in handouts to illegal immigrants attending our state colleges and a bill that would have made sure only US citizens maintained the right to vote in California elections. While most of this legislation failed passage, you can be assured that during this legislative session I will continue to be vigilant concerning this important issue.

It is always a pleasure to hear from my constituents. Please do no hesitate to contact me whenever you have concerns about State matters.

Sincerely,
Dave Cogdill
Senator 14th District

I couldn't have said it better. If only he was the govenor.