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Illinois House votes to allow illegals to drive

By AP/KWMU

Springfield, Ill. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he is favor of a proposal making its way through the Legislature that would allow illegal immigrants to drive legally in the state.

The plan would create special driving certificates that people could obtain without a Social Security number. They would have to show a photo I-D, such as a passport from their home country.

The new driving certificates could be used only to let someone drive legally and buy insurance.

The Illinois House passed the measure 60-56 Wednesday. Blagojevich says he would sign the measure if it passes the Senate.

Supporters say the plan would improve road safety. They argue people who now drive without proper training or insurance would get both.

But critics say it's wrong to open a government program to people who are in the country illegally.

MISSOURI TRUCKERS VOTE

Meanwhile, the Missouri House on Wednesday voted to require commercial drivers' license tests to be in English, with no translators allowed.

Supporters say its unsafe to let people drive big trucks if they can't read signs or communicate in English. But critics say there are no data to suggest those who cannot speak English are less safe than those who can.

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