This week it was announced that Assembly Republicans are mobilizing on the issue of illegal immigration by forming an Illegal Immigration Task Force, which will hold a series of hearings up and down the Golden State.  In the words of Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (pictured to the left), who was tapped by the Assembly Republican Caucus to head up this taskforce, “[It] will quantify the impact that illegal immigration has on California and propose real solutions to this devastating problem.”

Assemblywoman Audra Strickland also be heading up these hearings with DeVore.  We’ll anxiously await to see which other Assembly GOPers sign up for this taskforce.
 
Forming this task force was a brilliant idea.  In the latest statewide poll of such things, it was clearly shown that immigration is one of the top issues on the mind of California voters.  As a matter of fact, it is the most important issue for those voters who say they are voting to re-elect Governor Schwarzenegger this fall.  Stepping up to the plate on this issue, at this time, is the right thing to do.  Frankly, it should be the full legislature doing this — but if it is only the Republicans that are willing to confront this major public-policy issue heat on, than so be it.
 
The information gathered through these hearings, presumably with experts expected to testify in addition to members of the public, will provide an important and, I believe, eye opening case for the extreme and onerous impact of illegal immigration here in California.
 
The FlashReport looks forward to publishing the dates and locations of upcoming hearings that will take place around the state, and hopefully all of the members of the legislature, Republican and Democrat, will be invited to come and listen to testimony and discuss this important issue.
 
Kudos go to Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia (pictured to the right), and to his leadership team for stepping up on this issue.  The timing is perfect.  As Ronald Reagan once said, "If not us, then who?  If not now, then when?

This entry was posted on Friday, August 11th, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.