Arkansas Illegal Immigrant Worker Bill Causes Debate

A proposed bill addressing illegal immigrants working in Arkansas and was met with some fierce debate. Illegal immigration is a hot button issue as Rep. Rick Green (R-Van Buren) introduced a bill that would prohibit Arkansas state contractors from hiring illegal immigrants. Green explained, that the bill was intended to keep illegal immigrants off state jobs. "It was to send a positive message to the people of our state that as legislators we're watching out for their tax money and making sure that it does not go to contribute to anything of illegal activity.”

However, very quickly despite support from the Arkansas American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (Arkansas AFL-CIO), Green was met with resistance from several committee members and did not get out of committee.... The full committee voted on House Bill 1024 was: Vote For (8): Representatives - Sandra Prater (D-Jacksonville), Marilyn Edwards (D-Fayetteville), Rick Green (R-Van Buren), Gregg Reep (D-Warren), Dawn Creekmore (D-Hensley), Mike Burris (D-Malvern), Sharon Dobbins (D-North Little Rock), Eddie Hawkins (D-Vilonia). Against (7): Stephanie Flowers (D-Pine Bluff), Stan Berry (R-Dover), Susan Schulte (R-Cabot), Daryl Pace (R-Siloam Springs), Jim Medley (R-Fort Smith), Roy Ragland (R-Marshall, Willie Hardy (D- Camden). Source Alyson Courtney, Today's THV

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Tags: Arkansas, government, illegal immigration, new jobs