DENVER – Colorado Senate Republicans on Thursday killed an effort to fully fund a program that provides driver’s licenses to immigrants in the country illegally.
The $166,000 needed to keep the program fully operational is available through a $50.50 fee that is charged to applicants. But the state can’t spend the money without authorization from the Legislature – a process that usually is noncontroversial and more of a formality.
Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee, however, rejected the spending authority earlier in the legislative session, resulting in a deadlock vote that halted a large chunk of funding available to the program.
Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Westminster, who has been leading the charge to restore funding, attempted to amend a Department of Revenue spending bill Thursday to provide the necessary funding. But the effort was shot down on a party-line vote.
“The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act was passed in 2013 to ensure that every single driver on our roads is licensed and insured and that they understand the rules of the road and the responsibilities that come with a driver’s license,” Ulibarri said in urging passage of the amendment.
But Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, pointed out that it is a new Legislature that is not beholden to the Democratic-controlled Assembly of 2013.
“I want to remind all of you that we are the current Legislature, and every two years – according to our constitution and the system of our republic – the people elect a Legislature, and it’s up to the current Legislature to determine what the proper policy is for the state,” Lundberg said.
Immigrant-rights advocates expressed frustration.
“It’s really disappointing to see lawmakers choose a particular narrative that advances specific political aims instead of public safety,” said Danny Quinlan, executive director of Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, which supports immigrants in Southwest Colorado.
The Durango area will be affected by the lack of funding. Four offices are likely to close as a result, leaving only one office open.
Observers believe the office in Denver will remain open. But offices in Grand Junction, Fort Collins, Aurora and Colorado Springs are likely to close. That means Durango-area applicants would need to drive a minimum of six hours to apply, which can be treacherous during winter.
With only one office open, the state will be able to serve only about 15 people per day, which means it could take more than a year for some people to obtain a license.
The debate on the Senate floor quickly turned into a conversation on illegal immigration. Lundberg pointed to failing federal policy after visiting the Mexican border in Texas.
“When they came here, they did not come here legally. That’s what we’re talking about for most in this program,” Lundberg said. “The problem is the federal system is broken, and it’s programs like this that unfortunately encourage more.”
Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Rollie Heath of Boulder attempted to move away from the politically charged immigration debate by pointing to the spending authority itself. He worries that Republicans are setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to slashing programs across the board.
“We can basically bring this state government to a halt on any fee-based programs that we have. Is that what we want to do? Is this the right policy we should adopt?” Heath asked. “This scares me to death.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
