Md. High Court Hears 'Dream Act' Referendum Debate
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Attorneys for an immigrant advocacy group are trying to convince Maryland's highest court that a new law to provide college tuition rates to illegal immigrants doesn't belong on the ballot.
Opponents of the law have organized a petition drive to put the question before voters in November. But Joseph E. Sandler, a lawyer for Casa de Maryland, told the Maryland Court of Appeals on Tuesday that the Dream Act passed by state lawmakers last year is a spending bill and therefore cannot legally be subject to a referendum.
Paul J. Orfanedes, a lawyer representing the group that led the petition drive, said the law has nothing to do with spending and should be allowed on the ballot.
A lower court previously ruled in favor of opponents.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
