DENVER – Democrats in the Colorado Legislature will again push to expand an immigrant driver’s license program after Republicans last year scaled it back.
Speaking at a news conference surrounded by undocumented immigrants – some of whom have waited two years without a license – advocates painted the issue as being about fairness and safety.
“When you pay your bills, when you pay your dues, when you learn the rules of the road, you get your diver’s license and you’re a part of the community,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, who will sponsor the legislation.
The bill – expected to be introduced in the coming weeks – would authorize spending for additional offices to serve undocumented immigrants. Sponsors say the measure would not require additional funds, as the program is paid for through fees assessed on applicants.
The issue hit a boiling point last year when Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee blocked a request to keep five offices open for $166,000. After negotiations, it was agreed upon to provide $66,000 in supplemental funding for the current fiscal year, allowing for three offices.
But the intent of the 2013 law that implemented the program was for at least 15 offices to serve undocumented drivers. This year, legislators want to expand the program from the three offices to 32 locations.
Recent reports of abuses have served as a backdrop for the legislation. Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, a Republican, is investigating reports of people exploiting long wait times by illegally selling appointments.
Proponents underscore that the Department of Revenue underestimated demand, which is why supporters believe the program should be expanded quickly. By doing so, more fees would be collected, which would allow for the program to serve more applicants.
“That’s the thing we’re supposed to do here. We’re supposed to govern and make sure that the programs and promises we make as a government work,” said Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Commerce City, who is carrying the bill in the Senate. “Every single person under this dome should be responsible for what we offer to our citizens and our residents.”
Some critics of the program suggest that immigrants in the country illegally should not be awarded driving privileges.
But Republican Rep. Don Coram of Montrose is more concerned with the practicality of expanding the program when motor vehicle offices are already backlogged.
“We always have unintended consequences, and how much is it going to increase the workload of the DMV office that I have right now that is giving extremely poor service?” Coram asked. “I don’t see how they can expand it that fast because I don’t think they have the personnel in place to do it.”
Proponents highlight safety issues, pointing out that the program ensures that all drivers know the rules of the road and carry insurance. It also makes it easier for law enforcement to handle routine traffic stops.
“We would much prefer to be dealing with a driver who has a state-issued identification, who we can be comfortable that this is the person, this is their ID, this has been issued by the state,” said Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, who spoke at the news conference. “It keeps minor infractions from becoming major issues.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com