Bill would limit more services under Prop. 200
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
By Howard Fischer

PHOENIX - The House Appropriations Committee voted Tuesday night to deny a host of state services and privileges to people not in this country legally, including a higher education.

The legislation, approved on a 7-6 vote, greatly expands what voters approved in November in enacting Proposition 200. Under the terms of HB 2030, a person would have to prove citizenship or legal residency to become an adoptive parent; participate in the Family Literacy program; enroll in adult education services; and obtain housing assistance.
 
It also requires both the Department of Economic Security and Department of Health Services to verify the legal status of applicants for any state-funded programs. The only exception would be for emergency services.
 
Individuals not here legally could not attend state universities or community colleges, even if they paid the higher tuition charged to non-residents.
 
The proposal follows a post-election ruling by Attorney General Terry Goddard that Proposition 200 covers only a handful of state services. HB 2030 is designed to catch things that the sponsors of Proposition 200 missed.
 
Rep. Tom Boone, R-Glendale, said "it's just not right" for Arizonans to have to pay for services for people who crossed the border illegally.
 
Rep. Steve Gallardo, D-Phoenix, called the measure "unconscionable" because it will deny services to children and others in need. He said lawmakers should pass laws to penalize businesses that hire people here illegally.