Senate President Haridopolos Announces Immigration Meetings

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, signaled his intent Monday for a deliberative process in the development of immigration legislation, announcing a series of meetings that will begin Jan. 10.

Sen. Anitere Flores, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, will lead the meetings, which will frame the debate in the Senate over legislation that deals with immigration during the 2011 legislative session.

"It is critical that senators colect information in a comprehensive and dispassionate manner before debating the complexities of immigration policy. My goal is for facts, rather than feelings, to guide us through this process. I'm confident Senator Flores will do an outstanding job guiding committee members through this issue so that all sides are heard," Haridopolos said.