Statement on SCR 1007, HCR 2036, and HB 2598
To the Arizona State Legislature:
Re: SCR 1007, HCR 2036, and HB 2598
Local First Arizona is a coalition of 3,000 local businesses dedicated to building a state we are proud to call home. Since 2003, Local First had advocated for a strong and inclusive Arizona economy, which is why I’m writing today to inform you of our opposition to divisive bills that destabilize our economy. The proposed legislation to change our state’s constitution to ban institutions from declaring sanctuary status (SCR 1007 and HCR 2036) — are unnecessary and addresses situations already prohibited under existing state legislation.
These proposals will only serve to hurt Arizona’s future, its business community, and will divide and instill fear among its diverse populations who are vital to Arizona's economic success.
Our state suffered a tremendous financial blow after SB 1070. While our business community has worked hard to rebuild our image, we will continue to suffer if we don’t block efforts such as SCR 1007, HCR 2036 and HB 2598. These bills are bad for business. They will broadcast a negative image of Arizona that will inflict significant damage to our state’s fiscal opportunities and will haunt our tourism industry for decades to come. These bills are unnecessary and I urge our legislators to oppose these efforts.
In order to continue growing a diverse and thriving Arizona, we urge our legislators to invest their time in solutions to build a stronger Arizona instead of repeating detrimental mistakes of the past. Arizona is only strengthened by a more diverse and inclusive economy; we are weakened by divisive legislation that creates fear in our communities.
Sincerely,
Thomas Barr
Executive Director,
Local First Arizona
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003 by Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. LFA educates consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy, trains small businesses to be more effective and more competitive, helps larger Arizona businesses and institutions tell their story as champions of Arizona, and creates programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.