Flexing its growing clout in Sacramento, this generation of legislators is returning to the 1990s-era fights that propelled them into politics. On Monday, they will mark 20 years since Proposition 187 — the landmark initiative withholding public services such as healthcare and education from those in the country illegally — qualified for the ballot.
Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Los Angeles), chairman of the Latino Legislative Caucus, said there is a satisfying "full circle" feel in revisiting these formative struggles with Latinos now empowered.
But others say the legislators are falling back on yesterday's battles for use as a political cudgel — a move that could risk alienating other voters.
Even two decades later, the feelings about Proposition 187 remain raw.
The measure barred healthcare, education and other public services for people in the country illegally. It required doctors, teachers and others to report suspected violators of immigration laws.
