Rep Flores Speaks At National Immigration Rally
7/25/2007
Rep Flores Speaks At National Immigration Rally
 
(Salem) State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) will address a rally and news conference 10 am Friday July 27th hosted by a national group called “State Legislators for Legal Immigration” . “It is an honor to be asked to speak at this event, especially at such a symbolic and historic location,” said Flores. The event will be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the origin of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. “Much of the debate over immigration deals with the “rule of law” by which we govern in America. What better place to talk about this issue?”
 
Representative Flores joined the national coalition this past spring after co-sponsoring over a dozen bills in the Oregon Legislature to reform immigration laws at the state level. 30 states have now joined this coalition spearheaded by Pennsylvania State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County). “Despite numerous attempts to generate support for meaningful reform in Oregon legislative leadership simply wasn’t interested,” explained Flores. “Instead, a handful of minor bills passed the House and only one significant new law was adopted by both chambers and signed by the Governor.” (SB 578)
 
Flores is in Philadelphia this week (July 25th-29th) for the 34th Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a non-partisan public-private partnership to help develop and network policy ideas for state legislators. More than 2,000 legislators, business and civic leaders will be on hand for this conference. Flores is a member of two ALEC taskforces; Education, and Health and Human Services.
 
Over 40 workshops on a variety of topics will be conducted through out the week. Keynote speakers at this year’s meeting include former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, Fox News commentator Neil Cavuto, and possibly a special appearance by President Bush.
 
“Obviously we are fighting an uphill battle to get leadership in the Oregon Legislature to take immigration reform seriously,” noted Flores. “However, I am not giving up and it is my hope this national coalition will help us build momentum.” She pointed out Oregon is still issuing drivers’ licenses and voter registrations without requiring proof of legal presence.
 
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