Posted on 12/29/2005 3:33:05 PM PST by calcowgirl
Legislation to grant California driver's licenses to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants will be pushed in 2006 for the eighth year in a row - and this time the iron is hot for success, its author contends.
"The dynamics have changed dramatically, and in our favor," said Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles.
Cedillo said the new bill will be very similar to Senate Bill 60, vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in October.
California's political scene has shifted significantly since then, Cedillo said, citing three examples:
* All four of Schwarzenegger's government "reform" proposals were defeated in the Nov. 8 special election, prompting the governor to reach out to Democratic leaders.
* A shake-up of Schwarzenegger's top-level Cabinet elevated Republicans Fred Aguiar and Dan Dunmoyer, and Democrats Susan Kennedy and Daniel Zingale, all of whom Cedillo says are pragmatic, knowledgeable and not closed-minded on the issue.
* Even in conservative districts, voters are becoming less extremist, as evidenced by the recent Orange County election of state Sen. John Campbell, R-Irvine, over Jim Gilchrist to fill a vacant congressional seat, Cedillo said.
"This is the year," Cedillo said of prospects for his bill, which will be introduced when the Legislature reconvenes on Jan. 4.
(snip)
Supported by most Democratic lawmakers, Cedillo's push to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants has passed the Legislature each of the past six years but died in gubernatorial offices.
Gov. Gray Davis signed such legislation in 2003, but was recalled from office shortly thereafter, partly as a backlash to that decision.
Schwarzenegger, after succeeding Davis, persuaded the Legislature to repeal the bill before it became law.
Now two years later, Schwarzenegger may desire a closer rapport with Democratic leaders, but switching gears on SB 60 could backfire - especially in an election year, Mehlman said.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
Any idea when "One Bill Gil" is term limited out?
2010
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Support our Minutemen Patriots!
Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!
Deport all criminal invaders ~ Bump!
Where do we sign to impeach or recall this anti-american bastard?
If they return ~ Hang 'em High ~ Bump!
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