Bill punishes firms that hire illegal immigrants

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Companies that hire illegal immigrants would be ineligible for tax breaks and government contracts under a bill being considered by the Wisconsin Senate today.

The bill was introduced last month with bipartisan support. But a coalition of business interests, including those representing the state's powerful dairy and manufacturing industries, are lobbying against it.

Under the measure, any company that has hired illegal immigrants would be ineligible for income or franchise tax credits or property tax exemptions for 7 years. They would also be ineligible to receive state and local government contracts during that period.

If the measure passes the Senate, the Assembly would need to approve it later Thursday, the final day of the session.

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