With a $1.8 billion budget deficit, Arizonans to pay the price of cruel, unfunded mandate on immigration
Recording here
PHOENIX — Today, a diverse coalition of local employers, businesses, faith leaders, United States citizens, and community leaders gathered at the Arizona State Capitol to vehemently oppose the proposed HCR 2060 measure which, if passed, would empower local and state police to stop and arrest law-abiding immigrants in everyday life: going to work, attending temple and church, or Dreamers going to school.
Click here to view a live-stream of the event.
“Arizona is a diverse and vibrant state, and our policies must reflect that diversity. We cannot afford measures that sow division and fear, like HCR 2060 does,” said State Sen. Flavio Bravo (D-Phoenix). “Instead, we must work together to find inclusive and compassionate solutions that uplift all members of our community, regardless of their background or immigration status.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates there are only 71 Arizona workers available for every 100 open jobs. Cutting into that supply is the wrong move and would only drive up inflation, business leaders warned.
John Graham, Sunbelt Holdings Chairman and CEO, emphasized the key role of Arizona’s immigrant community for the state’s economy. “Arizona’s economy simply cannot function without the hard work and entrepreneurship of our immigrant community. This harmful ballot referral is going to drive workers out of our state, and we will be in a world of hurt.”
“The ballot referral includes no money to pay for the demands it makes of local law enforcement agencies. That omission should concern voters,” said Kimber Lanning, CEO of Local First Arizona. “When Arizona tries to take a federal issue into its own hands, the people of Arizona pay the price, whether emotionally or psychologically or economically. Our community deserves better.”
In the Arizona State Capitol’s Rose Garden, advocates drew attention to the undue economic and social consequences of the “Show Me Your Papers” proposal, as well as a wasteful taxpayer mandate whose ripples have far-reaching negative consequences — disrupting businesses and harming the public trust and safety of every Arizonan, citizen or otherwise.
The event featured a lineup of local business, faith, and community leaders:
- Arizona State Sen. Flavio Bravo (D-Phoenix), District 26
- Jim Boyle, Owner of Casa Grande Dairy Co. and Vice-Chair of United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA)
- Chris Gilfillan, Political Director, LUCHA
- Enrique Sanchez, Intermountain State Director, ABIC Action
- Irayda Flores, Owner, El Mar de Cortez Corp.
- Mario Montoya, Research Analyst and DACA recipient, Aliento
- Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Arizona Jews for Justice
- Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development, Local First Arizona
- Tyler Montague, Chairman, Yes on Prop 308
The speakers collectively condemned HCR 2060 as a politically motivated and harmful proposal that could instill fear in immigrant communities, disrupt businesses, and compromise public safety. They emphasized the need for real solutions rather than punitive measures that could exacerbate existing challenges.