Idaho State Senator Mike Jorgenson says illegal immigration poses a big problem in Idaho and he wants to fix the problem by having the state enact tough laws similar to the one that?s created a political firestorm in Arizona.

To that end Jorgenson has proposed an immigration bill that the senator claims will save Idaho taxpayers millions of dollars.

"I'm not a racist, I'm not anti-immigrant, I'm anti-illegal immigrant," Jorgenson said.

To promote his stance the Hayden lawmaker has been making the rounds including a stop in Coeur d?Alene Monday to talk with Rick Lukens on The Mighty 1080 KVNI. His goal is to push a tough immigration bill that would require every business to e-verify workers to make sure they're legal.

It would also give law enforcement the power to stop and ask anyone for documentation proving they belong in this country.

?It?s out of frustration because the federal government won't pick up the ball of responsibility," Jorgenson said, adding that where the federal government has failed the State of Idaho can step in.

Jorgenson estimates that Idaho loses $200 Million a year and 67,000 jobs because of illegal immigrants and 67,000 jobs. He bases those figures on information from state agencies.

?There?s an estimated 120 to 140,000 illegal immigrants in the State of Idaho. No, this isn't limited to being a border state problem,? Jorgenson said.

As for concerns about racial profiling, Jorgenson maintains like the Arizona law authorities would be barred from questioning someone based on race and color alone. Someone would also appear to have to be breaking the law.

While Jorgenson is running for re-election this November he?s hoping to both keep his seat in the statehouse as well as bring about some immigration reform in Boise.

?It?s my greatest hope that this energy from what's happened in Arizona will propel Idaho towards doing something like this as well,? Jorgenson said.