Black Caucus Chairman Warns of Economic Impact if Florida Passes Arizona Immigration Law

Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, sent a letter to Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, opposing immigration reform measures being introduced by Republicans in both houses of the Legislature.

Siplin warned that there could be severe damage to Florida's tourism economy if the measure passed.

Any discussion or consideration of legislation mirroring that of Arizonas recently signed immigration law could have a potentially detrimental effect on travel and tourism in the state, which could only serve to increase the devastation already occurring as a result of the oil spill, which necessitates extensive deliberation by our Legislature before considering introduction of a similar law, said Siplin, the chairman of the Black Caucus, on Friday.