(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 21, 2008 - House Republicans were disappointed Thursday because the majority Democrats unreasonably denied them the opportunity to add amendments to Senate Bill 345, which contained measures dealing with incorrect classification of employees. House Democrats, who hold a 51-49 majority, attempted to amend illegal-immigration legislation into the bill, but in a way that denied Republicans the same opportunity. "This Legislature is run by rules, and today has been an example of one of the most blatant violation of those rules and abuse of power by the Speaker," said Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood). "House Democrats are attempting to pass the buck on illegal immigration; I can't figure out whether they lack a position on this issue or if they are too impotent to stand up for it. The public is no longer willing to wait on the federal government to take action on immigration matters; it is now our responsibility to uphold the laws of our nation and state." House Democrats denied Republicans the opportunity to offer amendments to toughen sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants and to deny most state benefits to illegal immigrants. Republicans had already filed a measure with a get-tough attitude on illegal immigration, but Democrat Speaker B. Patrick Bauer refused to hand it down. |
