ATLANTA (June 17, 2010) – State Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) aligned with 14 other state senators this week in addressing how federal and state immigration laws are enforced in Georgia’s public education system. They each signed a letter, which was sent to all Board of Regents members, expressing their disapproval of how the Regents’ handle the presence of unlawful aliens in the education system.
“It is a privilege for legal citizens to be able to attend Georgia’s esteemed colleges or universities,” said Butterworth. “We must ensure our tax dollars are not used to educate illegal immigrants who could be taking away a seat in a classroom from one of our children.”
Each member of the Board of Regents received a letter detailing the reasons for disappointment from the senators. While they applauded the Regents recent resolution aimed at bringing Georgia into compliance with state and federal law, they noted that additional policy changes are critical in protecting Georgia’s eligible students and law-abiding taxpayers. Denying a legal Georgia resident an educational opportunity in favor of an unlawful alien was denounced as inconceivable. Additionally, since in-state tuition rates cover less that 30 percent of the total cost to educate a student in the public system, Georgia taxpayers are subsidizing ineligible students. State and federal law clearly states illegal aliens are not afforded this benefit. The senators concluded by urging the Regents to stop defending their previous actions and proactively address their non-compliant policies.
Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028