As the 2006 Legislature looms, OEA director Luz Robles is gearing up, but with the caveat that any changes she endorses will be those approved by Huntsman.
OEA's main role, she says, will be to provide information to community members and state agencies, and to help Utah's ethnic minorities make their voices heard.
"We want to empower the ethnic communities through organized training, fact sheets and information tracking on our Web site to be more efficient advocates on whatever positions they hold," Robles said. "And we want state agencies to look at us as a credible resource for information."
Most of all, Robles wants legislators to consider the concerns of Utah's fast-growing ethnic populations each time they vote, she said.
In-state tuition for undocumented residents is probably the hottest issue OEA will track. Last year's Legislature passed a bill guaranteeing undocumented students the benefit of in-state tuition rates for college attendance. This year, Rep. Glenn A. Donnelson, R-North Ogden, will lead an effort to repeal that measure.
Although she said the ethnic community hopes the state will continue to provide in-state rates for undocumented students, Robles is not taking a stance - yet.
"We will follow the governor's lead," she said. "And he hasn't said. I can assure you the governor is committed to education for all students. We will sit with senior advisers as this is discussed. I can't answer for the governor's office."
OEA will track the future of driving-privilege cards. A measure passed last year makes it possible for undocumented residents to drive legally. Again, Donnelson will lead the charge to undo the previous legislation. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.
"I felt the law was a good compromise," Robles said. "It allows us to have trained, insured people with licenses on the road. It's a public safety issue."
Robles' office is being pro-active in one area: pushing an initiative to collect data on ethnic- and women-owned businesses. A bill to be sponsored by Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, would give statutory authority to collect such data.
"If you are going to discuss economic development and want to have programs directed toward minorities or women, isn't it appropriate to know what you are talking about?" Bramble asked. "Whatever your perspective, how is having accurate data controversial?"
Robles said solid information would help in answering inquiries from media and from companies interested in doing business in Utah. She suggested the information might be obtained through optional questions on business license applications because federal law prohibits requiring that such questions be answered.
OEA supports and will track a bill sponsored by Rep. Duane E. Bourdeaux, D-Salt Lake City, to provide funding for the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness mandated by last year's Legislature. The commission's purpose is to explore ethnic issues within Utah's justice system.
As for immigration, Robles won't be drawn into a discussion.
"Immigration is a federal issue," she said. "We focus on issues within the state's jurisdiction.
For more information
* The Utah Office of Ethnic Affairs will track issues of interest to ethnic minorities during the 2006 Legislature, which begins Jan. 16. Bill-tracking and fact sheets will be available at http://www.ethnicoffice. utah.gov.
