ECC should focus on citizens first
Letter to the Editor
Published: 8/29/2010 12:04 AM.
2 comments

I was disappointed to see that Elgin Community College believes the taxpayers want them to help "undocumented students," aka illegal aliens. At their recent faculty convocation they presented a breakout session on helping illegal aliens enrolled at the college. The description of the session?

"The presentation will highlight challenges undocumented students face in postsecondary education and factors that enable them to succeed. Through a better understanding of the challenges undocumented students face and the strategies they use to navigate these challenges, educators can more effectively support this vulnerable population."

Taxes are high enough and our financial struggles mount. The state is broke. Why must we focus on helping students who shouldn't be in the United States in the first place?

ECC gets almost 5 percent of my property tax money, plus additional funds from taxes I pay to the state.

Here are the ECC Education Fund revenue sources: 51.2 percent from property taxes; 30.6 percent from tuition paid by the students; 8.5 percent from the Illinois State College Board; 5 percent from the Illinois State Pension (SURS).

Even if Dr. Sam and the board believe these students are entitled to benefits, they ought to be sensitive to the desires of the people who provide the revenue. They have no right to disregard the law.

If there is a question about public sentiment, they need look no further than the failure to pass Durbin's DREAM Act. Stop playing identity politics and start focusing on our own citizens.

Sam MacKinney

Elgin

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=403930&src=