I am still confused by how the state can pass a bill like this when it is illegal for employers to hire illegal immigrants. If we are training our workforce, where will they work legally?

Or better, the fact they are in our country illegally, taking jobs from our own citizens.

Kudos to Representative Marks on this stance. I fully support this.

Thanks to David Marks for standing up on this, when most have quietly gone along. That is why you have my vote.

........and here I thought the referendum was to allow the voters to decide for themselves whether or not they support the Dream Act. Not to overturn it. More fuzzyspeak.

More political Grand Standing.

Hello. Is this a chat room?

When did Patch become a certain Councilman's personal news source? Patch has become the mouthpiece of the local republican party. I am greatly sadened by its transition from a news source to a right leading blog.

Maybe it is because David Marks is the most active and vocal member of the council. I think it has little to do with political leanings of Patch and more to do with who is involved and making a difference in the county. Shame on the other councilmembers for NOT taking the opportunity to reach out to their constituents via Patch.com. Keep up the good work Councilman Marks!

I know the other councilman didn't do anything, but it's a state issue. How about reporting on where the state representatives stand on the issue and what they have done!

Patch simply reported the news. Marks has been doing what has long been desired; providing feedback and reaching out to constituents with common concerns and something to offer us, and not just when our money and votes are needed. It wouldn't be as news-worthy if other politicians followed suit and cared more about the people they represent. Lead by example Mr. Marks and let them take shots at you- you will survive at least and probably sleep a whole lot better.

It is important to know how the people that were voted in by us feel about certain issues. Patch is seen by many people in this area and is a great vehicle for spreading news.

If you want a more Liberal point of view read my opinions. I have asked several times now, where in American Law do we punish children for things their parents do. There is a deafening silence to this question. I get answers like "what part of 'Illegal' don't you understand?" and "they are adults now and can just go home." What I understand is the situation is here and we have to deal with it. But the loud out cry here is another diversion from the conversation that should be occurring. We should be talking about how we can move forward. We need to get people back to work. wee need to get the housing market going again. We only live the American Dream, all of us, when we are all working and money is moving from hand to hand. Instead we are focusing on a minor portion of our population and making them scape goats.

If the child of the illegal parents is an American, he or she can apply for in-state tuition, the parents can not nor should not be able to.

No one is suggesting the parent should be able to apply for instate tuition. The law does not say they should or would be eligible for in state tuition.

So your concern is for the children brought here illegally by their illegal parents? I will assume you are suggesting that we should not "punish" the illegal kids for something their parents did...

If illegal aliens bring their (non-US resident) children here with them, the children, presumably now adults or very near the legal age, should not be eligible for in-state tuition. It is not a difficult concept to understand.

There is no punishment just the lack of reward! Please rethink your entitlement mentality.

Neversure,

What aspect of the legislation do you suspect I am unaware of?

Mr. Patro,

I very much am an advocate of a stronger community. Our communities are so terribly fragmented. I pray that we find common interests that draw us closer and not not contribute to the growing divide; the most common of which is our Americanism. To turn a blind eye to what it means to be an American, devalues our culture. We can still be compassionate, empathetic and charitable but we must do so with in the guidelines of both morality and law. We do not throw these children out or say you can not continue your pursuit of an American education. But we must, as Americans, all be willing to accept that we are not entitled to everything- life isnt fair. So if I move to Virginia during my son's senior year of HS, because he is accepted to their State University, and I/he am not awarded instate tuition, does that punish my son because of my "actions" of living in Maryland?

Thank you for a thoughtful debate. Our Communities are terribly fragmented. We need to work on solutions. Americans seem to be in defense mode. It has become easier to raise our voices instead of calmly discuss ways forward. Instead of defending or working to defend the In State Tuition Act let me ask for your ideas on how to curtail the influx on Illegals. Why does Corporate America seem to defend this continued flow? Is it because illegals accept lower wages, therefore allowing them to keep more profit? This is also an American Capitalistic Idea. This is Americanism. The lower echelon (workers) do the back braking work and the higher echelon (the stock holders) reap the benefits. Like you say "Life is unfair." The chips fall where they may.

I am glad to see someone touch on what I feel is the bigger picture - elections. We are reminded time and again that the right/moral thing to do sometimes takes the backseat. In this case, it really has little to do with educating people. I think most people would agree on the importance of an educated society.

But does anyone think the governor had a choice but to sign this bill? If he had not supported it, he would have seriously hurt the Dem party by turning on many potential voters.

What is likely to happen is that the bill will be overturned by the voters, thereby passing the buck. Best of both worlds for the Dem party.

You have introduced a separate tentacle of the immigration and illegal alien debate with the reference to private enterprise and its ability to use illegal workers. In other comments you have posted, you caution the community about classifying groups of people; respectfully, please consider the same when referring to "Corporate America" and "Profit." Both are constructive and positive ideals and should not be cancers in "Americanism."

Many individuals, agencies, enterprises, industries and institutions have lost their "moral compass." American leadership and the honest/moral pursuit of the American Dream has become diluted. This did not occur in a single action but rather over a relatively condensed period of years of symbiotic actions and reactions- each furthering the potential for decay in American communities. To this, our solution must come from individuals dedicated to living their own moral life with responsibility and acceptance. One person, one family, one neighborhood, one business, one city at a time.

To the children of illegals, we citizens of America know you are here and we are not willing to give you in state tuition. It is wrong to do so. If you feel differently, you also have the opportunity to be heard. And being heard, implies nothing more.

I am trying to be respectful with regard to diversity. I also do this with my view of Corporate America. I am by no means indicating a belief that all of Corporate America and profit are something to disparage. I myself own a small business and fully understand the need for, the motivations and benefits of making a profit. The first and most important is financial independence. This is a fantastic ideal that we should be teaching all our citizens. And elevate it to where immigrants also want to pursue it. If anyone reading that I define myself as a Liberal reads into that that I am anti –profit, he or she would be coming to an incorrect stereotypical conclusion. Tim is correct that greed and the use of illegal approaches are unethical, and therefore not truly an American Ideal. We must be as vigilant with these illegal activities as we should be about our liberty. My suggestions are to make entry more difficult and then absorb the children of illegals who are already here. I am not suggesting this would be permanent policy. And the conversation about passing this legislation to gain the Hispanic vote may be a truism, but it is also a distraction and intended to derail real solutions.