Tallahassee, FL –  On the same day Rick Scott vetoed a nearly unanimously passed measure to let Dreamers drive legally, Florida AG Pam Bondi refused to join the bipartisan group of 35 attorneys general from across the United States who are coming together to voice their support for immigration reform. This rejection of common sense comes as no surprise after she championed the Arizona style immigration law when running for office in 2010 and signed on to an amicus brief when the law went before the Supreme Court just last year. Yesterday when asked about immigration reform at a bill signing with the Governor, Bondi refused to even take a position, saying she’s just “been so busy working on on these (other) issues.” Floridians deserve an attorney general and governor who embrace bipartisan compromise, not rigid ideology or apathy to an issue so crucial to our state. 

Background: 

Tampa Bay Times: “35 attorneys general back immigration reform, but not Pam Bondi.” A coalition of attorneys general from 35 U.S. states and territories have banded together to support comprehensive immigration reform. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is not among them, saying she has not decided whether she supports an overhaul of federal immigration policy…Supporting the Arizona law was a component of Bondi’s platform during her 2010 campaign and in 2012 she joined 15 other states in signing a “friend of the court” brief as Arizona prepared to defend its law before the U.S. Surpeme Court. The high court struck down much of the law but allowed the law enforcement provisions to remain. [Tampa Bay Times, 6/4/13]

Tampa Bay Times: “Gov. Scott vetoes immigrant driver license bill; Hispanic lawmakers call action ‘unconscionable.'” Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have allowed children of immigrants who are not U.S. citizens to get Florida driver licenses. Scott said he vetoed HB 235 because it would have benefited people who are covered by a change in federal policy instituted by President Barack Obama last year…The bill passed the Senate 36-0 and the House 115-2…The Florida Democratic Party excoriated the Republican governor’s action. [Tampa Bay Times, 6/4/13]