None of my state legislators has replied to my e-mails regarding SB1175.  I am sending this to Representative JP Weiers as an e-mail and a paper letter, and I am going to give his office a call Monday.  I hope that will cover it.

Dear Representative JP Weiers:

I strongly urge you to support the House version of SB1175, which would make it a class 1 misdemeanor under state law for someone to be in Arizona who is not in the country legally.  A tax increase during a recession is a bad idea.  A tax increase during a recession that would be used at least in part to provide social services to illegal aliens and their families is a really, really bad idea.  It will inevitably serve as a magnet to hold illegal aliens in our state, and to attract even more.

I am unwilling to have my taxes raised to pay for their food stamps; I am unwilling to have my taxes raised to pay for their healthcare; I am unwilling to have my taxes raised to pay for their rent subsidies; I am unwilling to have my taxes raised to pay for the increased costs of police, courts and jails associated with that population; and I am unwilling to have my taxes raised to pay to put their children through our expensive public schools.

The Simpson-Mazzoli Bill was passed into law 23 years ago.  As far as immigration policy is concerned, it is clear that all three branches of our federal government have chosen to sacrifice America's general welfare on the altar of corporate interests. 

This situation is beyond belief.  Arizona's taxpayers cannot afford this abuse anymore.  Since the federal government is hopelessly sold out to the business communty, Arizonans' only hope is for state and local authorities to step into the gap. Sheriff Joe Arpaio cannot do it by himself.  We need every law enforcement agency in the state to start cooperating in the enforcement of immigration law, as would be required under the terms of SB1175. 

I would be greatly encouraged to hear some assurance that you will support this vital legislation.  Please let me know.

Sincerely,

John Lyon