Flood committee with e-mail messages, phone calls, bishop asks

Published: January 28, 2009

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is appealing to all Catholics to fight an anti-immigrant bill currently before the Arkansas House Judiciary Committee.

If approved, it would become a felony in the state to transport or shelter someone in the country illegally. It would also make it illegal to receive college scholarships and in-state college tuition. House Bill 1093 is similar to a law passed in Oklahoma in 2007, and Bishop Taylor was a vocal opponent of the law.

In an alert sent to priests Jan. 28, the bishop said, "The goal is to convince the members to let the bill die in committee and await federal action on immigration reform, which is the proper forum for immigration law."

Bishop Taylor said supporters of the bill "are sending enormous amounts of e-mail to legislators."

He is urging Catholics to e-mail or call committee members and let them know they are against the bill.

"This is the most important action you can take at this time to help Arkansas avoid legislation similar to the disastrous legislation passed in Oklahoma in 2007," the bishop said.

The following representatives serve on the Judiciary Committee:
Steve Harrelson, chairman
Joan Cash, vice chairwoman
Dawn Creekmore
Lindsley Smith
Tommy Lee Baker
David "Bubba" Powers
Johnnie Roebuck
Barry Hyde
Duncan Baird
Debra Hobbs
Andrea Lee
Butch Wilkins
Terry Rice
Darrin Williams
Steve Cole
Ann Clemmer
Davy Carter
Jim Nickels
Tiffany Rogers
Mary Slinkard