DENVER -- The special session of the Colorado Legislature dealing with illegal immigration begins Thursday.

Some legislators are trying to figure out how much money Colorado spends on nonemergency services and benefits for illegal immigrants.

"We can only make good decisions in the process of this special session if we have good data and good information," said Joint Budget Committee chairman Rep. Bernie Buescher.

A hearing was held Wednesday at the Capital Building and some had their doubts about how useful the hearing would be.

"I've never seen this committee all of a sudden be used in such a political manner as I see it being used right now, and I have a problem with that," said Sen. Dave Owen.

With only a holiday weekend to prepare, Governor Bill Owens and his department heads were pressed to explain just how much illegal immigration costs the state.

"It is a difficult number to get our hands around because we don't always ask people if they're citizens," said Owens.

"I don't expect to come out of today with a real solid number of what the services cost. I just accept the fact that the services we provide cost money and the cost is significant," said Rep. Jack Pommer.

Some Democrats wonder whether eliminating some services to illegal immigrants and enforcing restrictions won't cost the state more money.

"This is a policy decision that the legislature is going to have to decide, and it's going to be up to the legislature to make that call," said Owens.