http://www.ocregister.com/education/anhi022w.shtml
District may bill Mexico
SCHOOLS: An Anahiem trustee wants to formally request the
nation pay $50 million toward the cost of educating illegal immigrants.
May 22, 1999
By RICHARD MANFREDI
The Orange County Register
ANAHEIM - Anaheim Union High School District trustees will
consider a resolution next week to bill the government of Mexico
$50 million for the education of illegal immigrants in the district.
The resolution, drafted by trustee Harald Martin, would
also have the district bill the Mexican government $10 million
a year for the future education of illegal immigrants. Martin
said he drafted the resolution out of frustration with the state's
policies with Mexico. Consular officials couldn't be reached for
comment.
"I just watched the governor kowtow to the president
of Mexico and saw everyone just get out of his way," Martin
said of Ernesto Zedillo's historic visit to the state this week.
"If he wants to be a partner with our government, that includes
paying for Mexicans who are living in the United States."
Martin, an Anaheim police officer and former trustee of the
Anaheim City School District, has been a vocal opponent of bilingual
education programs. The dollar amount is only a guess at how much
it costs the district to educate Mexican citizens living in the
district, Martin said, since the district cannot ask students
if they are illegal immigrants. Martin wants to go to the Mexican
Consulate in Santa Ana and hand officials a bill if the resolution
is approved. He admits they are unlikely to give him a check for
$50 million, in which case he would like the district to pursue
legal action
Martin hopes other school districts and agencies around the
country hear about the district's actions and take similar measures.
Trustee Slim Terrell said he was doubtful the district would ever
receive any money from the Mexican government, even if the resolution
were to pass. Trustees will meet Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at district
offices, 501 Crescent Way in Anaheim.
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