Posted on 03/03/2007 2:02:55 PM PST by NormsRevenge
A Republican lawmaker who co-authored a bill that would give every child born in California a $500 savings account has withdrawn his support following a backlash within his own party.
Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, who had promoted the measure as a good investment, announced Friday he no longer supported the bill he had introduced two days before with Democrat Sen. Darrel Steinberg.
The surprise move came after fellow Republicans questioned the measure's $285 million cost and inclusion of children of illegal immigrants.
In a press release, Dutton said that thousands of Californians had asked him "what I was thinking" over the past 48 hours. Although he defended the savings account idea as a way for Republicans to help individuals become self-sufficient, Dutton said he could not support the bill because of the state's deteriorating fiscal stability.
"In light of the state's deteriorating fiscal situation, I cannot support the bill as currently written," Dutton said in a statement.
Under the measure, every child born in California after Jan. 1, 2008, would receive the money in a savings account. They could withdraw the money once they turn 18 for education expenses, a down payment on a home or retirement. It would cost taxpayers about $285 million a year.
Among the critics was state Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, who sent an e-mail to his supporters saying the bill would create "a new wave of illegal immigration."
Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said hysteria over immigration had pressured his colleague to withdraw his support.
"Let's get one thing straight: 90 percent of the calls and the talk radio and all the hysteria is about one issue and one issue only - immigration," Steinberg said. "It is all about xenophobia and there is a lot of hatred out there and we need to stand up against it. A kid is a kid is a kid."
If the bill is passed, California would be the first state in the nation with child savings accounts. A similar national savings program has been pending in Congress since 2005.
About 566,000 children are expected to be born in California next year.
If families added $50 a month to the state's initial contribution, the savings account would grow to nearly $17,500 at 5 percent interest over 18 years.
If you mean repeal, then yes. It would require a constitutional amendment voiding Amendment XXVI.
It's not a very "appealing" amendment.
"a bill that would give every child born in California a $500 savings account "
Is the political class absolutely crazy?
It's not enough to look the other way while a tidal wave of illegals crashes over the border -- now, the pols want to pay the illegals to have kids here, too!
Yes, it's important that Republicans send the message that individuals must be self-sufficient, and the best way to do that is by giving them government handouts. / s
They could withdraw the money once they turn 18 for education expenses, a down payment on a home or retirement.
RETIREMENT at 18? The ultimate liberal dream!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.