Since when is immigration a state concern?

I can't believe I have to admit that I'm on the same side as Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R-aving lunatic), but for once I am.

This other wingnut in the state House, Trudi Williams (R-Fort Myers), has introduced an immigration bill in Tallahassee:

A package of immigration-related bills has been slated for a workshop session today in the House Committee of State Affairs.

Included in the half-dozen proposals is a measure by Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, that would allow illegal immigrants being held in jail to be voluntarily returned to their country of origin at state expense.

No votes or action can be taken at a workshop, which is for discussion only. At this late point in the session, a workshop for bills means its outlook is bleak.

The Senate companion to Williams' bill is sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, and it had its first committee hearing about a week ago.

It passed, but only after Bennett revised it to mirror an already-existing federal program, saying that could help it survive questions about legality and intrusion into federal matters.

Putting aside for the moment the obvious-yet-customary GOP racism and xenophobia inherent in this kind of immigration "reform," the biggest problem is that such a program could cost the state up to $70 million, at a time when Florida faces its biggest fiscal crisis in decades.

Moreover, as Rep. Rubio points out, the Wangian™ legislature has, well, other priorities:

Additionally, House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, and a likely candidate for Miami-Dade mayor after being termed out this year, said he, too, had problems with the bills intruding into federal matters.

While the measures have been popular with many voters — some anti-immigrant organizations have produced ads attacking Rubio for blocking the proposal — Rubio said the House has other pressing matters taking members' attention.

So Marco and I agree. Great.

Perhaps I should see a doctor.