SENATE ADOPTS SWEEPING IMMIGRATION POLICY CHANGES:

May 27, 2010 - During its debate on the Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Budget, the Senate voted 28-10  to crack down on state subsidies for illegal immigrants and target employers who hire them. Working closely with Senate Ways and Means Chairman Steven C. Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) and Assistant Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester), Senator Baddour said: “This is a bipartisan solution to the illegal immigration problem in Massachusetts.  At a time when thousands of Massachusetts families are in desperate need of help, we need to ensure that the limited dollars that we have are spent assisting taxpaying citizens, not illegal immigrants," said Senator Baddour. He added, "We cannot and should not be spending monies from taxpayer-funded public benefit programs on those who are breaking the law.  I am pleased that over 30 public programs, including MassHealth, unemployment assistance, public housing, and in-state tuition administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will now be off limits to illegal immigrants."  

To learn more about Senator Baddour's further amendment, click on:

• Amendment Text (#172.1)
• Amendment Summary
• Video of the Senate Debate (Senator  Baddour's remarks at 6:42)
• Roll Call (28-10)

And click on the following to see local and natitonal press coverage:

• NECN "Emotions run high as Mass. lawmakers debate immigration bill"
• FOX25 "Senate passes immigration crackdown"
• Boston Globe "Senate vote hits illegal residents"
• Boston Herald "Senate OKs ban on benefits for illegals"
• New York Times "A Massachusetts move on immigration law"
• Eagle Tribune "Mass. Senate approves illegal immigrant crackdown"
• Boston Globe  "In the dead of night, a Senate surprise"