They bound themselves to secrecy, agreeing to keep information confidential. “The governor was given $30 million and each chamber of the Legislature - or rather Mr. Bruno and Mr. Silver - were given $85 million apiece in a secret kitty.

Member items give legislators access to funding for worthy projects in their home districts that may not have been specifically funded in the the budget. But they are subject to abuse to reward loyalty or to punish dissenters by denying financial support for a project back home.

- The Watertown Daily Times

Immigration reform stalled in Washington last week. President Bush favors a guest worker policy; the House is inclined to deport, jail or fine; and the Senate stalemated over a policy reform package.

There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in America and every one of them, by definition, broke the law. But lax enforcement and insufficient funding by Congress of Customs and border patrols, allowed them to break it. Illegal immigrants have not only embedded themselves in regional economies but have married and had children who are American citizens. It should not be American policy to break up families.

Policy should recognize past shortcomings that don't penalize families and the economy. It should provide a legal path to citizenship for established residents. Border enforcement should protect the rights of those who choose the right way to become new citizens.

- The Buffalo News