Schwarzenegger to Repeal Law Giving Illegals Licenses
By Melanie Hunter
CNSNews.com Deputy Managing Editor
October 08, 2003
(CNSNews.com) - In his first press conference after Tuesday's recall in California, Governor-Elect Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday he plans to repeal the law that outgoing California Gov. Gray Davis approved allowing illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses.
Schwarzenegger said he plans to help undocumented immigrants, and he pointed to several proposals, specifically one introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) that gives temporary work permits to immigrants.
The governor elect also pointed to another proposal that gives undocumented immigrants who arrived before August 2003 the chance to apply for visas as long as they don't have a criminal background, but do have a job.
"I want to push in that direction to help undocumented immigrants. But this has nothing to do with the driver's license issue," Schwarzenegger said. He called the issue "a bogus issue, because it was done just quickly before the election, I think, in order to get votes."
Schwarzenegger said he plans to repeal the law, because he doesn't believe in it. He also plans to rescind the car tax as soon as possible. Schwarzenegger said he is consulting with his advisers on the necessary steps, but he expressed optimism that he will be successful in repealing the tax.
The governor elect said he plans to call for an outside audit of the state's financial state, and open the books for the public to see as well. He said he's not yet clear on the exact amount of the deficit.
"We don't really know exactly what the current operating deficit is. As you know, that when I began this campaign, they said it's $5 billion. During the campaign, it went to $7-8 billion. Just recently, it went to $10 billion," Schwarzenegger said.
"Just this morning, I found out that if this court case with the bonds goes through and it goes in the negative direction, it could be that our operating deficit is over $20 billion," Schwarzenegger added.
No matter what though, Schwarzenegger promised he would not raise taxes.
"I campaigned that I will not raise taxes and I say this again 'I will not raise taxes,'" said Schwarzenegger.
U.S. Congressman David Drier (R-Calif.) will head Schwarzenegger's transition team. Drier will announce the team on Thursday. |
