“As a former member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, who helped establish the US/Mexico Border Counties Coalition, I would like to thank the counties that participated in the study, especially Pima, Yuma and Santa Cruz Counties. 

“The study confirms what many of us on the border know, that there is a dearth of resources going to communities that are on the frontline in protecting this country.  The President has continuously worked to eliminate SCAAP funding.  I have always joined with the border caucus, and other members, to denounce that elimination and ensure SCAAP funding is available.

“The US/Mexico Border Counties Coalition report found that in FY06, Arizona border counties incurred a combined cost of $26.6 million from the general fund to provide law enforcement and criminal justice services to undocumented immigrants. 

“The federal government has a responsibility to help these local communities, which are mostly rural and have high levels of poverty, and must stop passing the buck.  I remain committed to increased SCAAP funding, as well as increasing the eligibility of what SCAAP covers.”