Senator Nozzolio Vows to Vote Against Radical Legislation That Would Give Illegal Immigrants the Right to Vote and Hold Office in New York

Measure Pushed by Senate Democrats Would Become Law if Conference is Handed Keys to the Chamber:

 Senator Mike Nozzolio today vowed to lead the fight and vote against radical legislation sponsored by New York City Democrat Gustavo Rivera and State Senate Democrats that would give illegal immigrants the right to vote and hold office in New York State.

 Senator Nozzolio called the measure "an insult to law-abiding New Yorkers and a drain on the tax dollars of hardworking people."

 "This incredibly misplaced and dangerous bill is a clear illustration of the difference between Republicans and Democrats in the State Senate - -we're standing on the side of hardworking New Yorkers and their families, trying to make a difference so they can improve the quality of their lives and make ends meet. The Senate Democrat Conference, lead by New York City and enabled by their upstate colleagues, want to hand people, who are here illegally, the right to vote and hold public office. I will do all possible to stop this misguided bill from ever becoming law in New York State," Nozzolio said.

 This is not about preventing immigrants from entering the United States or New York. My maternal grandfather, both paternal grandparents, and my father immigrated to the United States, but they did so legally, and came with the desire to become American citizens and to contribute to society, their State and Nation. They did not expect to be treated differently. They were not looking for handouts, they sought freedoms and opportunities that they did not have in their home countries.

 In addition to the right to vote and run for and hold public office, the bill would also make hundreds of thousands of individuals who are in New York illegally, immediately eligible for taxpayer-funded welfare benefits, driving up property and state taxes.

 It would also allow illegal immigrants to serve on juries and hold professional licenses.

 "How misplaced are the priorities of these Senate Democrats that they think this bill would be acceptable in New York State?" Nozzolio concluded