Larry Schumacher:
* On Coleman's attendence at the Cottonwood memorial service for the children killed in the bus crach and a letter from U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. and statements advocating that local law enforcement be required to check citizenship status when they stop people for traffic violations.
"Folks there were concerned about holding up their neighbors, not immigration policy."
"The federal government needs to do a better job cutting through the silos that make it difficult to know when someone's using a false Social Security ID."
"She (Bachmann) raises a legitimate concern, but in this case, it would not have been a factor because she had an ID card based on false documents."
"I don't think anyone is talking about local law enforcement being in the business of enforcing immigration."
"I don't think it was an issue when I was mayor (of St. Paul). I don't think I had that policy when I was mayor. If we had, I would've changed it."
He also disagreed with Michele Bachmann on the Mental Health Parity bill:
* On the Wellstone Mental Health Parity Act, which saw differing versions approved in the House and Senate last week. Bachmann voted against the House language, saying she preferred the Senate version:
"I signed onto the bill as soon as I got into the Senate. I know it was close to (late Sen. Paul Wellstone) his heart and I want to congratulate (U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn, the chief House author) for getting it done there as well."
"I think the House bill is a better bill, because it's a stronger bill. And I'm glad the House move forward on it."
"My concern is, if we don't get it done right now, I'm worried that this is going to be pushed to the side. So we need to find common ground and compromise. In the Senate, you've got to get to 60 votes to get it passed." |
|