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[2]Following weekend rallies around the country [3] calling for immigration reform, lawmakers are hoping to revive a bill that would cut old-age state pensions for some documented immigrants---a proposal that could help the state save an estimated $24 million. Last week, state Representative Jack Pommer (left), a Boulder Democrat and the budget committee chairman, asked the state to kill his pension bill, citing frustration that changes ate away at the savings. But yesterday, a similar bill emerged, following pressure from Republicans, who are threatening to withhold support for a larger budget bill if lawmakers don't tackle the pension issue first, reports The Associated Press [4]. Currently, documented immigrants are eligible to collect a retirement benefit of up to $699 a month, even if they're receiving financial support from another source. (Citizens receiving financial support from someone else aren't eligible for a pension.) Under the proposal, immigrants whose sponsors are able to support them would lose their pensions. Those whose sponsors can no longer take care of them would keep their pensions.
Links:
[1] http://www.5280.com/tag/authors/michael-de-yoanna
[2] http://www.5280.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Pommer-Jack.jpg
[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/us/politics/22immig.html?src=me
[4] http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EKIRSG4.htm