[CA] Assembly OKs bill allowing illegal immigrants to get licenses

AP ^ | 9/8/5 | STEVE LAWRENCE

[SmithL]

SACRAMENTO -- Another attempt to allow illegal immigrants to qualify for California driver's licenses is one step from the governor's desk and a likely veto after a heated Assembly debate that included charges of racism.

Lawmakers voted 42-34 late Wednesday to approve a bill by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, that would allow undocumented immigrants to get licenses that would have to be of a different design or color than standard licenses and would not be widely recognized as valid identification documents.

The bill's supporters said the measure would implement federal security requirements and improve highway safety by requiring that license applicants pass a driving test and by making them eligible to get auto insurance.

"It's vital that we all take responsibility for ensuring that all drivers are educated, tested and licensed," said Assemblyman Ron Calderon, D-Montebello. "Trained, tested and insured drivers enhance public safety for all of us."

But opponents said the bill amounted to rewarding illegal behavior by immigrants who burden the state's schools and hospitals.

"We're talking about people who broke into this country," said Assemblyman Jay La Suer, R-La Mesa.

"The reward is not the driver's license," replied Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont. "People come to this country for the jobs and a better opportunity."

[Black Tooth]

Lawmakers voted 42-34 late Wednesday to approve a bill by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles

These people are hell bent on doing exactly what they want, and just flat out ignoring the people.

[fr_freak]

"We're talking about people who broke into this country," said Assemblyman Jay La Suer, R-La Mesa.

I happened to catch part of this "discussion" on TV yesterday, and I've got to say that La Suer rocks. The man let the Dem retards have it. The funny part is that he said specifically that people are using the charge of "racism" to try to stifle opposition to this bill, and the very next speaker was a female Dem whackjob whose first words into the microphone were racism, racism, racism.

[television is just wrong]

They didn't. They probably didn't vote at all, and the illegal alien vote put this jerk in office.

[kellynla]

Well I called his office, identified myself and voiced my outrage to whoever answered the phone...

[television is just wrong]

Well I called his office, identified myself and voiced my outrage to whoever answered the phone...

Did they tell you they do not accept abusive phone calls? Or did they just hang up.

[kellynla]

"abusive?"

I wasn't "abusive" just outraged and upset!

[AMERIKA]

"Lawmakers voted 42-34" Wasn't the votes for Gay marriage about the same percentage as this?

[Black Tooth]

I wasn't "abusive" just outraged and upset!

They know the mood of the people right now. They just don't get it. It's like they are living in never never land.

[television is just wrong]

they call that abusive.