Posted by
Jason on Friday, July 07, 2006 10:54:46 AM
Limiting services to Illegals in Colorado could be heading for the
November ballot.
In a stunning close to the first day of the special session, five Senate
Democrats late Thursday sided with Republicans to send voters a measure
limiting services to illegal immigrants.
The defections made Republicans giddy, adding a dramatic twist in a
fast-moving session likely to set the stage for a bitter November
election.
The proposal to limit government services was the cornerstone of the
Democrats' agenda, but one they had expected to be signed into law and
put into effect immediately, and not be put on the ballot.
In committee, Democrats fought Republican efforts to put Senate
Bill 1 on the ballot, but were thwarted on the floor when a single
Democrat, Sen. Ron Tupa, of Boulder, broke ranks, leading other
Democrats to change their votes and side with the GOP.
The
amendment will ensure non-emergency taxpayer-funded public services
go only to those lawfully in Colorado. Persons not lawfully in the
United States will be prevented in Colorado from receiving public
services other than those directly related to public safety or
life-threatening emergencies, and K-12 education. Citizens and persons
who are in the country lawfully will not be affected by this amendment.