MA: Immigration Reform Act of 2012 (Failed)

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

I really like the idea of giving an incentive for immigrants to learn English. I feel like it would assit in creating a greater work place in our region.

Maybe instead of a earned income tax-credit we could have it that those that pass the English language test can be allowed to have their guest-worker program extended to 15 to 20 years?

Also are there any other cities that should be added?

I could live with that change, although I would definitely prefer the tax-credit (even if the amount was reduced significantly) since I think it would be more effective.  However, if the only way to pass this bill is to change the incentive to a five year extension of the guest-worker program, so be it. That said, I think that the earned-income tax-credit is still an idea that should, at the very least be revisited in the future.  I don't think there are any cities that need to be added, did you have any specific ones in mind?

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Is it necessary to provide these facilities? How about partnering with private organizations within the region that offer English classes?

I am inclined to say that it is necessary for the Mideast to provide the facilities.  I was willing to make the tax-credit concession, but it is important to make sure that in our efforts to lower the bill's cost, we don't dramatically reduce its effectiveness.  This sort of task is something that I believe the government could do a significantly better job of than the private sector.  Private organizations, well-intentioned as they may be, often lack the resources that are available to the government.  It is the same reason that (and this is in no way meant as a denigration of charity) social programs are often more successful than charities will ever be at addressing major societal issues such as poverty.  I am also somewhat wary of watering-down the bill because of the change to the tax-credit portion that will be made.  That being said, I am still at least somewhat open to this idea, would you mind elaborating, Governor?

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Section 1, Clause 3 is hereby amended to read:

•   Any first-generation immigrant who passes a region-issued English language exam at one of these centers will be allowed to remain in the region for an additional five years under the guest-worker program described in Section 2, Clause 1 of this bill.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Section 1, Clause 2 is amended to read:

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Rough draft. Thoughts?

I'm fine with the English language tests being issued at the DMV.  My problem with this amendment is that it does not include the English language education and career services piece.  I'm fine with looking for a solution other than building special centers, but I don't want to simply eliminate that portion of the bill (in other words, something else would need to carry out the function of those centers).  Making the tests available at the DMV is a good idea, however.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Section 1, Clause 2 is amended to read:

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Rough draft. Thoughts?

I'm fine with the English language tests being issued at the DMV.  My problem with this amendment is that it does not include the English language education and career services piece.  I'm fine with looking for a solution other than building special centers, but I don't want to simply eliminate that portion of the bill (in other words, something else would need to carry out the function of those centers).  Making the tests available at the DMV is a good idea, however.

Considering our economic environment, I'd feel more comfortable leaving it up to the immigrants to go out there and get the education required to take the test. Regardless, I'd say this is giving them a great opportunity to stay in our region for a few years longer.

Once again, I'd urge you to amend your amendment to include the English language education and career services piece.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Can you submit that to GM Shua for a cost analysis?

I PMed him about it and haven't heard back.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

10 million or so to build the centers,  8 million/yr to staff them, and 200 million/yr for the tax credits.

In that case, the tax credits are definitely out, but I don't think the rest is unreasonable.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

If we're looking at those low of figures, then I'd withdraw my amendment. Absolutely no on the tax credits, though.

I agree regarding the tax credits.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Will my amendment be included?  Or do I have to reintroduce it in the Assembly thread?

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Aye