Senator responds to Governor Heineman's criticism over immigration bill

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Senator Brad Ashford is responding to Governor Dave Heineman's claim that lawmakers are ignoring Nebraskans' wishes by not passing an immigration bill. Governor Heineman was supporting a bill that would have denied federal, state and local benefits to illegal immigrants. He said the measure ensured that tax dollars are being spent wisely.

But Senator Ashford says the legislation would also have repealed a state law allowing the children of illegal immigrants to attend the University of Nebraska and pay in-state tuition. Ashford says the measure is important to those high school graduates who hopefully will become productive, tax paying citizens of Nebraska. Ashford says committee members who voted down the legislation didn't object to the provisions requiring verification of citizenship before benefits would be awarded.