http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/c ... /icim.html Interim Study Committee on Immigration Issues** Check Committee Notices and Agendas for meetings that are being web cast.
Members: All State Senators Telephone: 1-800-382-9467
Sen. Dennis Kruse-R, Co-Chairperson,
s14@in.gov Sen. Ed Charbonneau-R,
s5@in.gov Sen. Michael Delph-R,
s29@in.gov Sen. Timothy Skinner-D,
s38@in.gov Sen. Richard Young-D,
s47@in.gov Sen. Frank Mrvan-D,
s1@in.govHouse Democrat Phone Numbers:
1-800-382-9842 or 317-232-9600
Rep. Scott Pelath-D, Co-Chairperson, (Michigan City)
h9@in.gov Rep. Vern Tincher-D (Riley)
h46@in.gov Rep. Mara Candalaria-Reardon-D (Munster)
h12@in.gov2008 House Republican Phone: 1-800-382-9841
Rep. Eric Koch-R ( )
h65@in.gov Rep. Timothy Harris-R ( )
h31@in.gov Rep. Jackie Walorski-R ( )
h21@in.gov ###
Mass email list for entire Immigration Study Committee:S14@in.gov; s5@in.gov; s29@in.gov; s38@in.gov; s47@in.gov; s1@in.gov; h9@in.gov; h46@in.gov; h12@in.gov; h65@in.gov; h31@in.gov; h21@in.gov###
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... 1304/LOCAL Immigration issues may find calmer forum in study panelAssociated Press
Posted: July 9, 2008
State lawmakers couldn't agree on a contentious immigration bill during this year's legislative session. But some hope legislators on a summer study committee can at least reach common ground on the facts surrounding the complex topic.
"We want to better understand the problem and the ramifications of the issue," said Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, who sponsored a proposal to crack down on businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
The immigration panel might have a harder time than most study committees in reaching a consensus.
Delph, one of its most outspoken members, butted heads this year with several lawmakers, lobbyists and the business community as he pushed for his immigration proposal. Another member is Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster, the only Hispanic member of the House.
The committee will be co-chaired by Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City.
The House and Senate passed versions of an immigration bill last session that would have created a three-tier punishment system for companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants after 2009. But lawmakers could not agree on a compromise measure.
The bill drew passionate rhetoric and political maneuvering during the session. The study committee might give lawmakers a more objective look at the issue, said political analyst Brian Vargus.
Kruse said he hopes the panel will examine the costs of illegal immigration to Hoosier taxpayers, including the price of health care, education, welfare and crime.
But the impact of illegal immigration isn't all negative, said Mary Jane Gonzalez, with the Indiana State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She said the committee also should look at the economic benefits of having illegal immigrants in the work force.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce hopes lawmakers will shift their focus from punishing employers who hire illegal workers to going after people living here illegally.
The study committee has not set meeting dates or agendas. Delph said he plans to propose an immigration bill next year.