Council Members Consider Statement in Support of Illegal Immigrant Tuition Referendum

An effort to force a bill granting in-state tuition to some illegal immigrants to a referendum could get a boost from members of the Baltimore County Council.

Councilman Todd Huff, a Timonium Republican, said that while "everything is too premature" to provide details of the statement, he believes other council members could join him.

"[The council] doesn't usually meddle in the politics of the state and federal government, but what we want to do is put out a statement that encourages residents to sign the petition for economic reasons," Huff said.

County residents are signing the petition at rates higher than other surrounding counties. So far, more than 14,000 county residents signed the petition. Of those signatures, more than 12,000 — about 84 percent — were judged valid by the county board of elections.

Council Chairman John A. Olszewski Sr. said he's likely to support the statement.

"It's something I'd be supportive of," Olszewski said.

Olszewski said he hadn't signed the petition to place the law on the 2012 ballot but that he would, if given a chance.

"I do support the effort," said Olszewski. "I've just been too busy to sign it."

Some organizers of the petition drive were hoping the council would support the effort by passing a resolution.

Historically, the council has not used resolutions to take stands on political issues.

Olszewski, who once unsuccessfully tried to have the council pass a resolution supporting a proposed federal law affecting unions, said as chairman he agrees that the council should continue to stay out of state and federal issues.

"This is a means of showing support as individuals," Olszewski said.