Last Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature's Judiciary Committee killed LB963, which would have forbidden state agencies from giving undocumented immigrants state services and benefits.
In doing so they demonstrated sound judgment, foresight and a deep understanding of the economic future of Nebraska.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Mike Friend at the request of Gov. Dave Heineman. It would have overturned a 2006 bill passed by giving in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.
Passing LB963 would have harmed the University of Nebraska as well as Nebraska as a whole. Many of these undocumented immigrants were brought to Nebraska by their parents as they searched for a better life. By excluding them from the benefits of a college education, we confine them to the lowest rungs of the socioeconomic ladder and create a permanent lower class.
Heineman, along with Attorney General Jon Bruning, have come out against the Judiciary Committee's action. Urging the committee to reconsider the bill, they said that this was an issue of "saving tax dollars," "fairness and equity," and "efficient government."
Instead of recognizing the benefit to the state's economy that an educated workforce provides, Heineman, Bruning and Friend purposefully exclude members of our society from obtaining essential skills they need to find employment. Each of these students, after obtaining an education, will become a vital part of Nebraska's economy - contributing far more to the state than the cost of reduced tuition.
Besides, the number of students taking advantage of this program is exceptionally small - just 28 students out of the tens of thousands attending University of Nebraska colleges.
If efficient government really is the issue, then perhaps Bruning and Heineman ought to abdicate their offices. Their opposition to improving Nebraska's economy and to providing a fair deal for children who had no choice but to come here is anything but an efficient and wise use of state resources.
The Judiciary Committee acted wisely in killing LB963. Maybe that wisdom will rub off on our governor, too.
staffed@dailynebraskan.com
