Perry Puts Immigration Atop Session’s Agenda

[Joanne98]

Source: NYT

Three reasons Gov. Rick Perry declared sanctuary cities an “emergency item” for the Texas Legislature: A nativist electorate, a reluctance to mimic Arizona on immigration law and the closing commercial in his campaign for re-election last year.

Here’s one more: The first 60 days of a legislative session offer the governor a moment of control over the agenda, and he has decided to point the spotlight, for now, on immigration and property rights, the second issue he declared to be an emergency. He hasn’t done it yet, but passing voter photo ID is a good bet for the next act in the center ring.

The governor is, in effect, alone on the stage. Lawmakers can’t deliberate on bills for the first 60 days of the 140-day session unless he says so, by declaring emergencies. They don’t have to be emergencies, necessarily, but the process allows lawmakers to handle pressing business, while letting the governor drive the agenda during the session’s first weeks. For Mr. Perry, it’s a chance to deal with immigration matters before the budget, redistricting and other issues claim the limelight.

Mr. Perry’s focus on sanctuary cities — those that do not allow their police officers to enforce federal immigration laws — could offer him safe passage through the contentious immigration debate. Arizona wants its police to question the immigration status of anyone they suspect is in the country illegally. Mr. Perry wouldn’t require police to ask, but would allow it.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/us/16ttramsey.html

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There's a pattern developing here. The thugs are going to impose voter ID at the state level. Instead of debating it with them, I think we should start an organization that takes donations to help people pay for ID's if they can't afford it.

We need to start getting people ready to have all the 'papers please' they need for the election next year. Set it up this year with voter education and next year with money for ID's.

[Buzz Clik]

1. The Indiana legislature is also considering an immigration bill.

The Indiana bill is being structured to resemeble the one in Arizona. Indiana is currently suffering under the leadership of a Republican governor and big Republican majorities in the legislative branch.

Considering the self-induced chaos in the Democratic party, I don't know what the hell we're going to do to stop it.

[dkf]

2. Goodness how expensive are these?

A picture ID is a necessity in life. If they want to make picture IDs necessary, they should waive the fee for at least the first year.

[Joanne98]

6. I know it's a dumb argument. I have no idea why we're using it. We have idiot leaders!

[somone]

3. Yeah, this will fix his $25 billion budget deficit

[Rage for Order]

4. Texas is a sancutary state!

Texas state troopers can't inquire as to immigration status, and that's something that Perry could change immediately since he's governor. He's more interested in acting tough on illegal immigration than actually doing anything about it. I can see the campaign commercial now: "As governor, Rick Perry led the fight to rid Texas of sanctuary cities!"

What a fraud.

:eyes:

[Scottybeamer70]

5. and what Texas cities

did he name?.........not a one that I can find.
Maybe he thinks San Francisco and Los Angeles
have moved to Texas. Methinks the guv goodhair
has used a bit too much "do" on his "do".