Gov. Janet Napolitano joined a growing chorus of high-profile politicians in Arizona to speak out against a proposed initiative to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving public assistance.

"I'm against it," Napolitano said Monday. "When you first asked me about it, I had not read it yet. This does not address a problem that we have. Why are we letting the federal government off the hook?"

Two weeks ago, Napolitano withheld judgment of the initiative when backers filed it with the Secretary of State's Office. She has said the federal government has to be the leader in tackling illegal immigration and border security.

But Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., wondered why Napolitano waited so long before voicing her opinion on what could be the most controversial ballot issue of 2004.

"I thank the governor for finally joining the leaders of the Hispanic community and the Arizona congressional delegation in opposing this proposition," Hayworth said.

Last week, the Arizona Republican congressional delegation, including Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, came out against the proposed 2004 initiative, calling such proposals ineffective in combating illegal immigration. Both political parties in Arizona have also come out against the measure.

Protect Arizona Now, pushed by two Republican lawmakers, would require state and local government workers to check the immigration status of anyone seeking services.

Undocumented immigrants would no longer be able to receive housing subsidies or library cards. They would still be able to receive emergency medical services and attend Arizona's public schools.