Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Rep. Ed Ableser introduces a version of the Utah Compact into the Arizona Legislature

LD17's Representative Ed Ableser has introduced HCR2038, a resolution patterned after the famous Utah Compact.  It lists a set of principles for a civil discussion of immigration issues.

I'm enough of a cynic that I'm sure it won't go anywhere in the Arizona legislature but it's definitely worthy of posting here -
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That in discussing immigration issues the citizens of this state should be guided by the following principles:

1. Immigration is a federal policy issue between the United States government and other countries, not Arizona and other countries. Arizona's congressional delegation, and others, should lead efforts to strengthen federal laws and protect our national borders and state leaders should adopt reasonable policies addressing immigrants in Arizona.

2. We respect the rule of law and support the professional judgment and discretion of law enforcement authorities. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of the federal code.

3. Strong families are the foundation of successful communities. We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families. We champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well-being of all Arizona children.

4. Arizona is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. Arizona's immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state.

5. Immigrants are integrated into communities across Arizona. We must adopt a humane approach to this reality, reflecting our unique culture, history and spirit of inclusion. The way we treat immigrants says more about us as a free society and less about our immigrant neighbors. Arizona should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill.
The measure was introduced on February 9 ("today" as I'm writing this) and assigned to the House Government Committee.

2 comments:

John Kavanagh said...

I thought all bills not budget or jobs related were a waste of time?

Craig said...

With all due respect Rep. Kavanagh, it's not as if the measure is going to go anywhere.

On the other hand, it seems as if all of the anti-immigrant/anti-civil discourse measures are being fact-tracked with hours and hours worth of committee presentations and consideration.

However, when a budget is proposed, it will be railroaded through, with little or no real debate or public discussion, other than members "explaining their votes."

FYI, I don't think the bills themselves are wastes of time - people are entitled to their opinions, even opinions that I find abhorrent.

The massive amount of attention focused on them while the state is in such dire fiscal and economic straits, however, is a *complete* waste of time.