Activists in GOP work for repeal of (Utah) guest-worker law

[pampango]

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51497755-76/party-republican-county-bill.html.csp

“I’m just surprised and disappointed with our elected officials that supported this,” Witte said. “There are many facets of HB116 that come straight out of the Democrats’ platform. I’m surprised they supported something that goes against Republican ideals.”

The bill doesn’t take effect for two years and relies on getting federal waivers to function. Among its provisions, HB116 allows for workers and families to get permits to work and reside in Utah and register through the Department of Public Safety. It would cost $2,500 for an undocumented immigrant to obtain a permit — $1,000 if the person overstayed a visa.

Already there is a Facebook page set up seeking support to repeal HB116 and it includes Sen. Orrin Hatch, Eagle Forum founder and President Phyllis Schlafly, former NBA player Shawn Bradley and close to 300 other supporters. And Cherilyn Eagar, co-founder of the Utah Coalition on Illegal Immigration, has also drafted a resolution opposing HB116.

Beckham said lawmakers who voted for HB116 are also being targeted by tea party delegates — namely Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, and Rep. Holly Richardson, R-Cedar Hills — and they are actively searching for a Republican to run against Herbert in 2012. Beckham said he believes there are a few good candidates, but Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, is likely the favorite among those who want to repeal HB116.

Good to see the GOP base (read teabaggers) continuing to drag the party further to the right.

[bluestateguy]

1. Sounds like a law that could be used by employers to exploit cheap labor

If the teabaggers were smart they'd get help from labor unions that dislike these such laws, as they allow employers to exploit cheap non-citizen labor with crummy jobs that drive down wages for everybody else.