Jason4Gov.com

Jason Atkinson does NOT support Amnesty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2006

Contact: Lara Wettig
541-390-2401
lara@bendbroadband.com

Senator Jason Atkinson Takes a Stand

Central Point, Oregon – State Senator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point), candidate for the Republican Nomination for Governor of Oregon, announced today his continued support for legal immigration, calling for immediate reforms to Oregon's current crisis.

“As Governor of Oregon, I will uphold the Constitution and the laws of our state and work passionately to protect legal immigrants,” said Senator Atkinson. Atkinson said he will ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are given only to those who are in Oregon legally.

Atkinson's five part plan includes the following:

1. Calling for stronger federal border protection and enforcement of immigration laws already on the books. As Governor, Jason Atkinson will see to it that law enforcement in Oregon strictly enforces these laws.
2. Supporting federal and state employer sanctions that create civil and criminal penalties for those who employ illegal aliens and supports giving employers real time verification of eligibility.
3. Blocking access to state services like voting rights and driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, services that should be going to those people who are legally in Oregon.
4. Demanding greater accountability by state agencies that knowingly or willfully offer or provide non-emergency state services to illegal immigrants who are, by definition, breaking the law.
5. Finally, after removing incentives that lead to illegal immigration in the first instance, Atkinson will support a limited, temporary guest worker program to allow Oregon's agricultural economy to continue to operate in Oregon.

“This plan protects Oregonians, rejects amnesty, and stops the abuses of taxpayer money,” said Atkinson. “I will not support a plan that is amnesty by another name, regardless of who proposes the plan.”

Finally, Atkinson concluded, “Unfortunately my position on illegal immigration has been distorted by talk radio. I will not capitulate to the whims of any special interest nor will I allow my position on illegal immigration - or any issue for that matter - to be determined by someone else's personal political agenda.”

Atkinson was the first Republican candidate to outline these proposals last fall and his principled stand on the issue has lost him support from some who believe he would not be tough enough on illegals. Atkinson will travel to Washington, DC next week, in part, to lobby on this very issue.

As a candidate for Governor of Oregon and soon to be published author, Senator Jason Atkinson understands what it means to be an Oregonian. He respects Oregon's proud history and is committed to serve the citizens of Oregon. He is in the race for governor to give people their government back and recognizes the importance of industries like agriculture to our economy. For more information, please visit Atkinson for Governor

###