Initiative to Deny Aid and Education to Illegal Immigrants Qualifies for Ballot
SACRAMENTO — An initiative that would deny public education and social and health programs to illegal immigrants in California has qualified for the Nov. 8 statewide ballot.
The secretary of state’s office said Thursday that backers of the “save our state” measure turned in sufficient signatures.
The measure would deny many public services to illegal immigrants and would require police, teachers and health care workers to report suspected illegal immigrants to state and federal authorities.
Supporters say too much taxpayer money goes toward services for illegal immigrants. Gov. Pete Wilson has indicated his support for the measure, which is also backed by the Republican Party, GOP lawmakers and several taxpayer groups.
Opponents include state Treasurer Kathleen Brown, the Democratic candidate for governor; the California Teachers Assn; the California Medical Assn., and several labor and ethnic groups.
“The initiative is not only mean-spirited, it also is a prescription for public health disaster,” Linda Sawyer of the California Nurses Assn. said Thursday.
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