Republican views on HCR 2060 green-light eptomize deep divide in Arizona heading into November

HCR 2060's route to the ballot has not been an easy one.

PUBLISHED JUL 16, 2024

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HCR 2060 due to concerns about its negative impact on Arizona's economy.

Phoenix, Arizona: Senate Republians hailed a Maricopa County judge's decision to halt litigation against House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 2060, the 'Secure The Border Act', stating that its policies should be decided by voters this November. If passed, the bill will make illegal immigration a state crime.

But HCR 2060's route to the ballot has not been an easy one. Following the Senate's passage on May 22, Living United for Change in Arizona filed a lawsuit to remove the Act from the ballot. Judge Scott Minder dismissed the challenge from plaintiffs, including Victory PAC and its Executive Director Alejandra Gomez, ruling that the constitutionality of HCR 2060 did not warrant its removal from the November ballot.

Senate President Warren Petersen criticized Democrats and Governor Katie Hobbs for opposing the bill, asserting it supports border security and community safety. If enacted, the bill will extend sentences for drug sales involving fentanyl, impose criminal penalties for illegal entry, prohibit individuals not lawfully present from applying for public benefits using false documents, and enhance the use of the E-Verify program.

Why did Governor Katie Hobbs veto a similar bill?

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HCR 2060 due to concerns about its negative impact on Arizona's economy, law enforcement, and overall efficacy in securing the border. According to Ballotpedia, Hobbs argued that the measure would harm Arizona businesses, drive jobs out of the state, and create difficulties for law enforcement operations, ultimately stating that it would not effectively secure the border.

She emphasized that the measure would strain the state’s budget and had strong opposition from business leaders, border law enforcement, and bipartisan local leaders.

Why is HCR 2060 called a 'job-killer'?

Critics of HCR 2060 claim that it would instill fear in minority communities and negatively affect the state’s economic investment. The measure, which includes requirements for E-Verify checks for jobs and public assistance, and harsh penalties for the sale of fentanyl, has been described as "job-killing" and "anti-immigrant" by Hobbs and others opposed to it.

An example of the sentiment was personified by Jose 'ET' Rivera, the owner of Tres Leches Cafe in Phoenix, who told Cronkite News: “HCR 2060 will drive economic investment out of our state. It will instill fear in Black and brown races. As a first-generation Mexican-American business owner, I am deeply troubled. We are not welcome.”