Latino leaders protest Senate's removal of immigrant provisions - wisconsin

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/48253547.html

Latino leaders protest Senate's removal of immigrant provisions
By Georgia Pabst of the Journal Sentinel

Updated: Jun. 17, 2009 12:25 p.m.


Leaders in Milwaukee's Latino community expressed outrage Wednesday that state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and other Democrats removed provisions in the state budget that would allow some undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition and let illegal immigrants receive certificates that would allow them to legally drive.

Both measures had passed the Assembly and are included in the governor's budget. Voces de la Frontera and supporters have written hundreds of post cards and lobbied hard for both measures that were spearheaded in Madison by Rep. Pedro Colón (D-Milwaukee), the lone Latino in the Legislature.

But late Tuesday the Senate Democratic caucus removed both. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the director of Voces, an immigrants rights group, said she was told that Carpenter told legislators that Latinos in his district were opposed to both measures.

"It's an absolute disgrace and unbelievable that he would make such a statement," she said during a hastily called news conference Wednesday morning.

Carpenter, who represents a district with a large Latino population, could not be reached for comment.

"Education is the bridge to the 21st century, and never did I think Sen. Carpenter would stand in the way of education . . . ," said Ricardo Diaz, the director the United Community Center, which houses the Bruce Guadalupe School. His voice rising in anger, he added: "Senator, you need to move away from the front door and allow these children to get in."

Ald. James Witkowiak, who represents the largely Latino south side district, said: "These people are my neighbors and my friends and they are here to stay. They should be allowed to drive and get educational opportunities the same as anyone else."

Milwaukee School Board member Larry Miller added: "Shame on you, Senator Carpenter. This is an outrage. Our job is to support our students, and in-state tuition and driver's licenses are fundamental rights."

The driving certificate could not be used as federal identification at airports, but would allow those who can't prove citizenship to drive. It's been backed by a number of laws enforcement officials, including Milwaukee's Police Chief Ed Flynn.

"But late Tuesday the Senate DEMOCRATIC caucus removed both. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the director of Voces, an immigrants rights group, said she was told that Carpenter told legislators that LATINOS in his district were opposed to both measures. "

Wow. That is pretty disgraceful. You can always bet on one thing when it comes to politicians, they are spineless. I wonder how many lives this will ruin.

I feel for them.

How much do you want to bet that this guy is lying about what i bolded?

Wow.. Really, just wow.

Carpenter is just the scapegoat. Every Democrat knows otherwise.