Rural Arizona Action (RAZA) United Community Members from Rural Arizona and Border Towns to Rally Against HCR 2060, Shedding Light on the Bill's Potential Negative Impact on Rural Communities and Border Towns.
COOLIDGE, AZ – Rural Arizona Action (RAZA) brought together community members from rural Arizona and border towns to rally against HCR 2060 at the Arizona State Capitol on Saturday, June 1.
RAZA members from Yuma and Pinal County traveled from towns across the state to join LUCHA in their efforts to STOP THE HATE and speak out against the harmful effects of the Republican bill HCR 2060 on rural communities.
“RAZA aims to represent voices that are regularly left out of the conversation, especially when opposing inherently racist bills,” said Pablo Correa, Executive Director for RAZA. “Coming to the State Capitol shows our power and brings the voices that need to be at the table when bills like this one come across the legislature.”
HCR 2060 mandates the use of the E-Verify program for all employees, independent contractors, and subcontractors, which imposes significant administrative burdens on small businesses, particularly in rural areas. The agricultural sector, heavily reliant on seasonal and migrant labor, would face severe disruptions, potentially leading to labor shortages, increased costs, and crop losses. Additionally, the bill extends E-Verify requirements to public welfare programs and various licenses, further straining local resources and economies.
“As a parent, teacher, and community member, I have seen how discriminatory laws such as the law that is currently being proposed, HCR 2060, have affected the unity, stability, and well-being of our community, families, and our youth,” mentioned Jorge Flores, a Yuma County Educator, who joined the rally on June 1. “I still remember how the ‘show me your papers’ law here in Arizona affected students at our school with massive deportations that divided their families. Children who had one or both parents living in Mexico while they lived here with the other parent or a relative during the week. It took a toll on our young students.”
Despite being marketed by Republicans as a solution to the fentanyl crisis, HCR 2060 fails to address the public health issues associated with fentanyl use and trafficking. Instead, it diverts attention and resources away from effective measures to combat this crisis. Moreover, the bill’s provision granting law enforcement broader authority to request documentation could lead to racial profiling, fostering a climate of fear and mistrust.
“RAZA is committed to protecting our communities from harmful legislation that disguises its true intent under the guise of border security and public health,” added Correa. “By opposing HCR 2060, we stand for fairness, economic stability, and the unity of all Arizonans.”
Rural Arizona Action, alongside LUCHA and other partner organizations, continues to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies that genuinely address the needs and challenges of rural and border communities. Our stand at the Capitol is a testament to the collective strength and resilience of these communities in the face of divisive legislation. RAZA will be present at the June 4, 2024 vote and will bring members from across the state.
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