A bill that would allocate over $5 million of Wyoming money to assist southern states in building the border wall is being discussed by state lawmakers. SF0166, Border Wall and Sanctuary City Transport, would send $3 million to Texas and $2 million to Arizona to assist the states in paying for construction of a wall along the U.S./Mexico border as well as transporting immigrants to sanctuary cities in other states. An additional $250,000 would be sent to Florida to help them transport immigrants as well. 

Supporters of the bill argue that illegal immigration is leading to illegal drugs, like fentanyl, coming into Wyoming, so it’s in the state’s interest to help at the source of the problem. Opponents argue that it should be the Federal government’s responsibility to take care of the border and Wyoming should keep its money inside its own borders. 

The bill passed the Senate Appropriations committee by a 2-3 on Thursday but as of Tuesday morning was not yet scheduled to be heard by the full Senate body. 

During the Weekday Wake-up on SVI Radio (Swift 98.7 FM and The Spur 106.7/107.5 FM) Duke & Dahl asked listeners what their opinion on the bill was, and if they felt Wyoming should or shouldn’t send money to the border. Here are their responses. 

Support

“YES. Except no money to AZ because the governor won’t spend the money for its intended use.”

“For the wall only.”

“I support this bill, helping at the source will be a lot cheaper than helping clean up the aftermath.”

“Yes, because illegal immigrants affect everyone. Our tax dollars are doled out to these immigrants. Most are single young men. But as long as this administration pushes open borders will these proposed measures help in the long run?”

“I support it. The fact that my kids can’t even walk in a Walmart parking lot without the fear of picking up a dollar they found on the ground because it is probably laced with fentanyl is terrible. The government isn’t helping those poor Americans at the border.”

“I support the legislation, obviously the federal government isn’t doing its job to protect our borders and our people from the drug cartels and the flood of criminals and fentanyl and other drugs into our country. Unfortunately the burden of protection then falls to the states to protect their borders. Helping border states also helps to protect our state’s borders.”

“Yes! Originally from LA & have witnessed first hand the after effects of doing nothing.”

Do Not Support

“No, keep money here. There is only one solution to this problem, gather up all the illegals and get them back to where they belong. If we need money for this, fine the people who pay these illegal immigrants and let the people of the United States stop hiring illegal immigrants or you will pay. Let’s put American people to work, not illegals.”

“The Constitution directs the Federal Government to protect the borders. Keep states out of it.”

“As soon as Law Enforcement in Wyoming are paid a decent wage, then I’m all for it!!!!!”

“No ..we should wait .. we should not waste our money until our country is under a new administration that can make  more logical decisions about that border.. the southern states have a serious situation that they should ask the federal government to fix.”

“No, keep the money here, take care of the senior citizens and Veterans in the State of Wyoming.”

“Absolutely not!!!!”

“Absolutely not. When was the last time any state helped Wyoming out with the fossil fuel battle, fixing 1-80, or anything else? If states want programs such as these, they can pay for them. Border security falls 100 percent in the federal job category. DC needs to step up on this issue.”

“No way!”

Other

“I thought Mexico was going to pay for it.  You mean I was duped by Trump?”