Arizona Governor Vetoes Two Immigration Bills

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Ariz. Gov. Vetoes Two Immigration Bills


Saturday May 21, 2005 5:01 AM

By JACQUES BILLEAUD

Associated Press Writer

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano vetoed two proposals Friday aimed at confronting the state's immigration problems, rejecting bills that would have prohibited illegal immigrants from receiving child care assistance and given police the power to enforce federal immigration laws.

The Democratic governor said the police-powers proposal would not have provided any additional money to fund the new duties, saying it would cost city officials $19 million in Phoenix, the nation's hub for transporting illegal workers.

The other bill would have prohibited illegal immigrants from attending adult education classes, receiving child care assistance and paying cheaper in-state tuition status at public universities.

``While I agree that public programs should not be available to those who consciously decide to come here illegally, this bill goes too far by punishing even longtime residents of this state who were brought here as small children by their parents,'' the governor wrote.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5021006,00.html