Says Governor Heineman's bill to deny benefits to illegal immigrants deserves debate

ELKHORN – District 39 candidate Beau McCoy today expressed his frustration with the recent failure by the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee to advance a bill that would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving state benefits, including in-state tuition to colleges and universities.

“I am very disappointed with Dwite Pedersen’s vote against this important legislation,” McCoy said.  “This bill is deserving of debate in the full legislature.”

Pedersen, who currently represents District 39, said Friday that he could not support the bill because of the “rude behavior” of some immigration reform advocates. [LJS – 2.29.08]

“The actions of a vocal minority should not outweigh the real concerns about the impact of illegal immigration on schools, emergency rooms, and public safety,” said McCoy.

Other members of the Judiciary Committee said they would not support the bill because it would rewrite current law to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving in-state tuition.  McCoy called this provision of Governor Dave Heineman’s bill “necessary” and “important.”

“Granting in-state tuition to illegal immigrants is unfair and unreasonable,” McCoy said.  “Taxpayers should not be required to subsidize illegal behavior, and this provision must remain part of the bill.”

McCoy added that he would have voted differently were he in the legislature.

“I would support the Governor and the Attorney General and vote for this bill to become law, without question,” McCoy said.

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