Free Republic

Thank you for sending me your email opposing SB 1162, which, among other things, included a provision to give driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Hearing from my fellow Californians is very important to me as I work to improve our great state. After extensive consideration and thorough deliberation from proponents and opponents of this issue, I have decided to veto this bill. To see my veto message for this bill, please visit the Official California Legislative Information website at: www.leginfo.ca.gov. Thank you again for writing to me. Your active participation in the democratic process will help ensure a brighter future...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation Thursday to allow illegal immigrants to obtain California driver's licenses, marking the eighth consecutive year such proposals have died. Senate Bill 1162 was a far weaker proposal than had been pushed in years past, recognizing the string of defeats and bitter political friction over the issue in an election year. The veto marked one of dozens of actions taken Thursday by Schwarzenegger, who is racing to meet a deadline of midnight Saturday to sign or veto about 500 bills remaining on his desk. Two high-profile bills signed by the Republican governor, Senate Bills 1655 and...

To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 1162 without my signature. This issue has been the subject of a number of prior legislative attempts. Last year I vetoed a similar measure, SB 60, because action on this issue is premature until federal regulations are promulgated to implement the REAL ID Act. We are still awaiting those regulations. Given the potential impact of the REAL ID Act on the public safety and homeland security of Californians, members of my administration are working with the federal government to develop those regulations and secure funds necessary to...

A bill allowing illegal immigrants to obtain state driver's licenses has passed the Legislature, but Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will veto it.

The state Assembly on Monday passed a pair of sweeping social policy changes -- a universal health care bill and a proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses -- that have virtually no chance of becoming law but could become fodder in the governor's race this fall. The bills represent heartfelt Democratic causes and are certain to draw vetoes from Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, should they reach his desk. They also highlight important differences between Schwarzenegger and his opponent, Democratic Treasurer Phil Angelides. The difference is sharpest on the driver's license bill: Schwarzenegger opposes it; Angelides said...

Students who came to the country illegally could apply for state financial aid when they attend California colleges and universities under legislation approved Tuesday by the Assembly in a party-line vote. Supporters said immigrant children who have graduated and completed at least three years of high school in California should not be penalized for their parents' decision to bring them to the U.S. illegally. "It is one small measure to help these kids that are working their butts off to live the American dream," said Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate. The bill would build upon existing state law...

Legislation to allow illegal immigrants in California apply for driver's licenses was resurrected Monday in a weakened version that's contingent on federal funding. Senate Bill 1162 by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, was approved by Democrats in the Assembly on a 42-34 vote, a week after Democrats derailed its precursor, fearing a voter backlash in November. The emotionally charged measure still requires confirmation by the state Senate, which passed an earlier version, SB 1160. It also faces a likely veto by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who vetoed similar legislation last year. Unlike SB 1160, the amended legislation does not require state...