Posted on 04/23/2015 10:13:52 AM PDT by SharpRightTurn
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - A bill that would offer in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants in Tennessee failed to pass the legislature on Wednesday.
View from the Hill
State lawmakers argued for more than two hours on the bill that has been four years in the making.
The issue had bipartisan support, but many teetered on if this was an education issue or about immigration reform.
Ultimately, the bill failed by a single vote.
Several students dressed in graduation caps and gowns came to the state House to support the bill. They carried signs to represent the jobs they hope to have someday.
"We have two choice: do we allow them to get an education or do we say, 'No, you're off on your own,'" said Rep. Rick Womick, R-Rockvale.
The students said they were disappointed but not defeated.
"It's very nerve-wracking to be there and to hear them talk about our future and our lives," said Cesar Bautista, who has been in Tennessee for 13 years.
Bautista would have qualified for in-state tuition under the bill. Currently, students recognized as "lawfully present" pay three times more to attend college because they don't qualify for in-state rates.
Bautista said he enrolled for three semesters at Volunteer State Community College before having to drop out.
"We couldn't really continue... making the payments," he said. "My mom, she had to get a second job to try to keep up with the payments. Ultimately, we had to drop out. I enrolled again and this time I'm just taking one class per semester."
Lawmakers went back and forth on whether the issue was fair or legal.
"I really don't think that this body, at least I hope a majority of this body, would not vote to affirm and to codify President Obama's executive order on amnesty," said Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough.
Immigrants' rights advocates said they are proud they've gotten this far after four years.
"I think here in the future, we are just going to work that much harder," said Eben Cathey, with the Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee Rights Coalition.
Three legislators were no-shows for the vote on Wednesday. Some said their expected yes votes would have made the difference.
The office of Rep. Darren Jernigan, D-Old Hickory, said he was attending a pre-scheduled conference in Washington. Jernigan sent out a tweet saying he hated he missed the vote.
Jernigan was excused by Speaker Beth Harwell last week. Harwell was also missing, but said she didn't support the measure.
Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville, was reportedly another yes vote, but had a meeting at work.
Hoo Boy
They be in trubble now
The ranting Chicano Terroristas are being bussed in right now
Indigeano riot comin’ up
Ridiculous. We are ruled by traitors. The vote should have been a unanimous hell no.
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