Yesterday I was treated to a spectacle throughout the day and during Floor Session. A major hot button issue here in Arizona that's recognized throughout the United States is immigration laws. Needless to say that it's very split at the legislature, with most Republicans endorsing heavier boarder patrol while Democrats disagree, heavily. Starting early in the day, the Committee on Border Security was very heated with certain Senators just walking out because of pure frustration. On the Floor it got really intense when, during third reading of bills, a bill involving funding for extra border security came up. Basically, 500,000 dollars would be used to start a new sort of border "police" however it seems more like a border militia to me.
Democrats heavily protested this because 1) They are generally not anti-immigration and 2) It seemed like unnecessary money that could go towards a different cause all together. Being as they were in the extreme minority, it didn't make a difference and the bill was passed. It was a prime example of the political process at work, with arguments and objections lasting for a good amount of time.
I knew when I started working for the Senate that I would, somewhere along the line, be around during a border security issue. Yesterday was that day and I found it fascinating. This issue will continue to be heavily debated not just in Arizona but all over the country. A certain Senator even said this is the kind of legislation that will make people laugh at us across the nation. It sounds harsh, but it's probably the truth.
Very interesting! I personally think Arizona has enough issues of its own to worry about rather than worrying about issues the federal government should be addressing. Education being one of them. Perhaps the legislature could funnel the $500k they earmarked for this legislation towards education so I don't have to pay 3% more for tuition next year. Anyways, I guess my political oppinions aren't part of the assignment. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that the eyes of the nation are watching what Arizona does regarding immigration. I recently saw that opponents of passing an SB 1070-like law in Massachusetts are using rhetoric about Arizona to defend their cause: http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/blog/dont-let-massachusetts-become-the-next-arizona/
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that link, Pam. I hadn't seen any information about Massachusetts moving to adopt similar immigration laws as Arizona.
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