Governors Want More Federal Cash For Imprisoning Illegals

PHOENIX (AP) Governors of 10 states, including Brad Henry of Oklahoma, are urging President Bush to include full reimbursement for states' costs of imprisoning illegal immigrants convicted of crimes

Tuesday, November 21st 2006, 7:43 pm

By: News On 6

PHOENIX (AP) Governors of 10 states, including Brad Henry of Oklahoma, are urging President Bush to include full reimbursement for states' costs of imprisoning illegal immigrants convicted of crimes when he submits his proposed federal budget next year.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano's office says she and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were spearheading the effort to increase funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program administered by the U.S. Justice Department.

The letter says that until the federal government secures the border, the funding is needed and deserved by states that have, quote, "to fill this gap by policing the regions and incarcerating criminal aliens at their own considerable expense."

Other state governors who signed the letter were Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Thomas Vilsack of Iowa, Christine Gregoire of Washington, Phil Bredesen of Tennessee, Jon Corzine of New Jersey, Ted Kulongoski of Oregon and Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.