(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 28, 2008 - Senate Bill 345, dealing with illegal immigration, has now passed the House and the Senate, but due to disagreements regarding the language of the legislation, the bill now moves to conference committee. "We have a problem with undocumented workers causing a burden on the services we provide in the state of Indiana," Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland) said. "This bill is an attempt, while not perfect, to rein some of that in. I'm not at all pleased with the fact that we are putting all the enforcement responsibilities on business. "This issue must be tackled from the top level down. Strengthened border security, a legitimate guest-worker program and realistic quotas for allowing immigrants to come to this country are all crucial for a real solution. I'm supporting this bill, but will look for more ways to bolster Indiana's immigration policy, and hope the federal government will follow our lead and do the same." This bill will be heard next in a conference committee, which is composed of members of all four caucuses - House and Senate Republicans and House and Senate Democrats. Each caucus has one conferee and, generally, at least one advisor. They debate the bill, examine any alterations and come to an agreement before returning the bill to the House and Senate for final votes. Rep. Davis encourages constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h33@iga.in.gov, by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing him at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. |
