Jerry Griffin,Marietta Daily Journal

King wrong to attack ACCG on immigration
March 17, 2010

DEAR EDITORIAL:

Tuesday’s MDJ column by D.A. King, “ACCG, GMA lobbying against stronger law on aliens,” misrepresented the willingness that the Association County Commissioners of Georgia has demonstrated to work on immigration legislation. It also failed to recognize the efforts put forth by this association to increase compliance with programs developed by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that illegal immigrants are not hired by or receive public benefits from government agencies.

ACCG is not actively opposing immigration legislation. The association supports public policy that promotes the employment of U.S. citizens and reduces the potential for government to hire or provide public benefits to illegal aliens. During the 2009 legislative session and again this year, ACCG has worked with the sponsors of immigration legislation to identify administrative concerns. ACCG seeks to develop a solution that not only will achieve their legislative goals, but also has clear definition and direction for local government and does not add additional administrative and financial burdens at a time when counties are also facing budget challenges.

The association also is committed to educating counties on federal and state laws through training, our Web site (www.accg.org) and other outreach efforts. In the last year, ACCG has increased awareness and participation in the federal SAVE and E-Verify programs among counties. For example, the number of Georgia counties enrolled in the SAVE program has grown from four in 2009 to over 100 with an active or pending status today. ACCG also has worked with the Department of Homeland Security to streamline the application process for SAVE to increase the time for approval which was taking at least six months. In addition, 97 percent of Georgia counties are in compliance with E-Verify.

The column also targeted the recent situation involving illegal immigrants working on the Cobb County Courthouse. In this situation, the county completed its due diligence through the E-Verify program in hiring the construction contactor. The hiring of the illegal immigrants occurred at the subcontractor level. Legislation proposed this year establishes a penalty on businesses that hire illegal immigrants that is not currently in place and should reduce the likelihood of this situation.

ACCG is committed to working on behalf of county governments and their communities by providing leadership training, cost effective services and public policy development and advocacy. Rather than focus on the development of a workable solution for local government on immigration reform, Mr. King chooses to attack an organization with a history of consensus building on legislative issues that is often sought out as a trusted voice by Georgia legislators who recognize ACCG’s understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local government.

Jerry R. Griffin
Executive Director
Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

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