Gov. Napolitano

Related articles:

Napolitano's 'State of the State': more money for border enforcement, teacher pay Opinion by Ernesto Portillo Jr. : Napolitano's border proposals delight GOP, but what of liberals? Governor's Guard plan crosses political borderNapolitano tours border communities to assess effects of illegal immigration Governor defends border proposal

Other articles by Howard Fischer:

Burns: Brewer bungling her job House approves boost in funding for those seeking office next year 3 recommended to Brewer to fill seat on high court AZ can enact own greenhouse gas regsRecession reins in sprawl Pet bills aplenty pouring forth from Legislature Brewer wants budget right away, but not those other, lesser bills Flat-tax plan could hit walletsRepeal of ban on sparklers nears final OK Ballot-imposed limits on lawmakers battled

General
A1 Communications
Cable Techs Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION

PHOENIX — Gov. Janet Napolitano wants $100 million to help deal with illegal border crossers, expanded use of the Arizona National Guard and sanctions against firms that hire people not here legally.

The Democratic governor, in an election-year State of the State speech, called for a multi-pronged approach to illegal border cross-ers, both those who come for temporary work and those who intend to stay.

Her border proposals were greeted warmly, if a bit sarcastically, by Republican legislators who said they're glad Napolitano finally realizes the significance of the problem and that state action is needed.

Senate President Ken Bennett pronounced himself "pleased almost to the point of being ecstatic." Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, who has been at the forefront of efforts to deal with illegal entrants, suggested a political motive. "I'm glad she can read polls," he said.

Gubernatorial press aide Jeanine L'Ecuyer brushed aside the Republican comments. "All this talk about who came to the table first — at this point it doesn't matter," she said.

Napolitano's $100 million proposal matches exactly the figure Republicans proposed last week for border issues. How each side plans to spend the money, though, remains unclear.

The governor said she wants to add officers to the Department of Public Safety, as well as provide more dollars to border communities. She also wants more done to intercept vehicles stolen from the United States, which she said are "used to return to this country carrying loads of illegal immigrants."

Pearce also wants more money for DPS, though he hopes to set up a unit designed solely to deal with illegal entrants. And he wants cash for a wall or electronic monitoring.

Napolitano said she supports the use of technology but provided no specifics.

One of Napolitano's more controversial proposals is for sanctions against employers found guilty of knowingly hiring those not here legally — an idea floated last year by Pearce.

Napolitano said the details are still being worked out.