House favors hosting talks on immigration
"This is still a concept in design," said House Majority Leader David Clark, R-Santa Clara, Wednesday following a discussion on the idea at a House Republican Caucus meeting. When asked if they'd support such a meeting, nearly all present raised their hand.
"The House and the Senate often have the same idea, but a different angle," Clark said. "It would be helpful to have a cross section of ideas."
Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, said Democrats also supported the idea, as long as the discussion remains objective.
"We need different perspectives," Litvack said. "We don't need a forum based on political rhetoric. ... To me this is an opportunity to become better informed."
Legislative leaders had earlier approved a more formal summit, to which all lawmakers would be invited and paid to attend, at the request of Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper. On Wednesday, Clark said the meeting would more likely be an informal, caucus-style event, with voluntary attendance.
"I'd like to know what we can do as a state," said Rep. Lorie Fowlke, R-Orem, among lawmakers who questioned the state role versus the federal role.
Last year, federal immigration reform failed to materialize when the U.S. House and Senate didn't reach agreement. This year, the Democrats have control of Congress and there are renewed talks of action.
But Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, suggested it would be helpful to look at other states' legislation given that it's unsure what, if any, reform will come from Congress.
"In case the feds don't do anything this year, what are other states doing?" said Herrod, who sponsored failed legislation this year which would have prevented illegal immigrants from accessing state benefits that aren't federally mandated.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
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