Posted on 04/05/2007 10:29:07 PM PDT by endthematrix
Bottom line, HB 1100 will make our streets and highways safer for everyone in Illinois. This is a public safety issue. HB 1100 affords immigrants the opportunity to secure a driver's certificate -- not a driver's license -- after passing a driver's exam, obtaining mandatory auto insurance, and paying a required $50 fee. We applaud the legislators who recognized the issue and put public safety ahead of politics.
The Illinois Nurserymen's Association partnered with the Illinois Immigration Coalition for Refuge Rights in support of HB 1100 largely because a significant percentage of the association's members rely on guest workers to supplement their work force. Without this infusion of immigrant labor, ripened apples and peaches would die on trees; there would be a backlog of residential and business landscape projects. The quality of life of Illinois citizens -- who have come to appreciate and desire quality outdoor living spaces -- would be adversely affected.
For the association and our members, this was another important step in assimilating into our society the many immigrants and guest workers who make up a significant percentage of our work force. This legislation brings them out of the shadows, ensures they get the proper training and oversight, and makes them accountable.
Dave Bender, executive director, Illinois Nurserymen's Association
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Dave Bender Executive Director e-mail:dbender@ina-online.org
Dave was named Executive Director of the INA in September 1999. Previously, Dave worked for former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, serving as Director of Advance, and Deputy Campaign manager for Edgar's record-setting 1994 re-election. Bender also served as the Illinois Campaign Chief for Senator Bob Dole's Presidential Campaign in 1996, and worked for the Bush-Quayle 92 re-election. In 1995, Governor Edgar appointed Dave to the #2 position at the Illinois Department of Agriculture -- a position that required Senate confirmation. In January 1999, Bender served a brief stint as Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Corinne Wood before coming to the INA. Currently, Dave is a volunteer press advance staff member for The White House and President George W. Bush.
http://www.ina-online.org/inastaff.htm
I don’t get it. The states refuse to help the Feds enforce immigration law (their words) but some have no problem in helping to subvert it.
Ping!
I’ve had it with Illinois and their repressive taxes, liberal social programs, rinos, being ruled by Chicago democrat/socialists, no concealed carry, the list goes on.
After almost 40 years here, I am actively looking for real estate in Missouri. I give up.
Sounds like Dave Bender does most of his namesake for illegals. The safest place for illegals in regard to Americans is back in their country of origin.
You and me both my friend.
L
: )
He just wants some of relatives to have licenses.
Driver drunk in crash that killed director
...but how would it have helped to give someone like this a license?
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) -- Bill Ketron has a warning for Illinois lawmakers: Be careful about letting illegal immigrants drive. The Tennessee state senator sponsored that state's 2004 law to create special driving "certificates" for illegal immigrants -- an idea being considered in Illinois.
Now the program has been suspended, and Ketron is sponsoring legislation to kill it entirely. People used forged documents to obtain the certificates, he said, and some came from other states to fraudulently get certificates then go home and exchange them for regular licenses.
"It's been a disaster," the Murfreesboro Republican said. "If they're proceeding with it [in Illinois], go into it with your eyes open."
snip
Bender thinks the $50 will help line his pockets. Only problem with his reasoning (cough) is illegals will merely laugh at it and continue driving without any paperwork.
We get these same “public safety” arguments in California every year. Why they think people who drive illegally now are simply going to stop if a license (or ‘certificate’) becomes available is beyond me. If they fail the driving test, they’re just going to keep driving anyway.
The whole thing is just an excuse for eliminating any differentiation between a citizen and a non-citizen.
Again, elected officials and useful idiots such as David Bender (whose work on Bob Dole’s presidential campaign makes me cringe) are siding with immigrant adovicacy groups with no loyalty to their fellow citizens to put the interests of illegal aliens ahead of the interests of American citizens.
It borders on treason.
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