By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans and Democrats stepped up their messaging war after a legislative effort to launch a border-related ballot referral commenced in the state Senate.
On Wednesday, the Arizona Senate Committee on Military Affairs, Public Safety and Border Security held a hearing to consider HCR 2060, the newly amended ballot referral from Republicans to deal with the border crisis affecting the state.
Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, took a proactive approach to opposing the legislative effort, issuing a statement to adamantly express her disdain for the referral. She wrote, “Passing a job-killing, anti-business initiative that demonizes our communities is not the solution to our border crisis. The bill I vetoed earlier this year lacked support from businesses, farmers, and law enforcement in border communities. This ballot initiative won’t secure our border. Instead, it will put Arizona entrepreneurs out of business, kill jobs and prevent law enforcement from keeping our communities safe. Arizona should not pay the price for the federal government’s inaction.”
Republican leaders in the Arizona Legislature were quick to respond to Hobbs’ statement against their bill. Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, the sponsor of the referral, said, “Of course, Governor Hobbs and Demcorats like her and President Biden always oppose real effort to enforce America’s border and protect its citizens. Their deliberate open-border policies are disastrous and people have had enough.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “This is a completely illogical statement not based on any type of reality…The real question I have for Governor Hobbs is, what have you done on the border other than veto bills? The people will have the final say and THE PEOPLE want strong border security!”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who attended a press conference with Arizona Republicans and law enforcement on Wednesday, stated, “This afternoon I stood with Arizona House Republicans, Arizona Senate Republicans, Law Enforcement and the Border Patrol Union on the Secure the Border Act. Fentanyl is pouring across the border. It’s getting into the hands of our young people. We must work to address the Biden Border Crisis. The voters will have a chance in November to approve this referendum and send a message to Washington DC. Enough is enough!”
On the other side, legislative Democrats shared their vehement disgust for the referral. State Representative Analise Ortiz posted, “Republicans lost on abortion, now they are changing the rules to go after our immigrant community and businesses. HCR 2060’s new language is SB 1070 ‘show me your papers’ law on steroids. It’s an unconstitutional, divisive, xenophobic, election-year dog whistle.”
Democrat members of the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus put out a joint statement in opposition to the bill. They asserted, “Voters know that our state has come far since the dark days of SB 1070. Mexico is our largest trading partner, and our economies are intrinsically connected and aligned. This measure shows that Republicans are willing to sacrifice that progress and reverse our economic growth just to divide our state and hold onto power. We cannot, and will not let hate win.”
With the amendment to the original measure, HCR 2060 was approved by the Senate committee with a partisan 4-3 vote. It will now be considered by the full Senate chamber.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
