By Frank Morris
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-654068.mp3
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt says he wants the state legislature to reaffirm existing policy, prohibiting illegal immigrants from obtaining state driver's licenses. The governor crisscrossed the state Monday promoting his proposal. KCUR's Frank Morris reports.
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People applying for driver's licenses already have to show proof of legal residency. Governor Blunt's proposal would simply add penalties for anyone helping an illegal alien to obtain a license. He says an East Coast initiative drove him to act.
Governor Matt Blunt: "The NY governor concocted a scheme to issue drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. A plan like that may sound good to politicians in New York, or Washington, but not here in Missouri."
In fact, the proposal went over like a lead balloon in New York, where legislative leaders threatened to stall the workings of state government, and Department of Motor Vehicle offices vowed not to comply, if the measure somehow made it into law. The governor there, Eliot Spitzer, withdrew it two weeks ago.
Governors Blunt and Spitzer do agree on one thing, both say the federal government has failed to reform immigration policy, leaving states to take the lead.