Gov. Hobbs joined May 31 celebration of advancements for Latino voters and Dreamers
Brighter Future: Education, Equity, Empowerment highlighted
‘Yes on 308’ and ‘Latino Loud’ successful campaigns
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs joined the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), Sí Se Vota CPLC Action Fund, advocates, business leaders, and Dreamers at a special dinner celebrating 2022 election victories for Dreamers and Latino voter empowerment.
At the celebration, ABIC and CPLC Action Fund shared achievements of 2022’s Yes on 308 and Latino Loud campaigns, which helped determine statewide races, including passage of the ballot measure allowing in-state tuition for all Arizona Dreamers.
“Thanks to the work of these organizations, and the leaders who came before us, Arizona has made strides when it comes to doing right by the people who have consistently put community before self,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.
“I want to make it clear that under my leadership, ensuring the success of our Dreamers will be a top priority. I will work to make sure that every Arizona Dreamer has the opportunity to reach their incredible potential,” added Governor Hobbs.
“A year ago, we launched the Latino Loud nonpartisan campaign to increase the participation of new and low-propensity Latino voters who previously had been ignored. We reached out and they answered the call, with the Latino vote deciding many outcomes in this past election — and subsequently in future elections, as well. There is much work ahead. There are many challenges, inequities and injustices still facing Arizona and the Latino community,” said David Adame, President & CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa.
“Many Arizonans are hurting because of inflation, and continue to be challenged by the perennial problems of poverty, educational inequalities, affordable housing and evictions, healthcare. The list goes on. But if we work together, there is no challenge that cannot be overcome. There is no inequity or injustice that cannot be erased. There is no limit to the success that individuals, families and communities can achieve if given the chance, economic opportunity, skills or hand-up,” added Adame.
Alex Gomez, the Executive Director at LUCHA, said the Prop 308 victory turned the page on Arizona’s anti-immigrant past marred by SB 1070.
“Our collective efforts last November mobilized hundreds of thousands of voters to the polls, so today we can proudly say that Proposition 308 is the law of the land in Arizona! Let this be a reminder to folks that when we come together, and focus on doing the right thing for our communities and, ultimately, our state, there is nothing we can’t accomplish,” Gomez said.
Delia Rodriguez, a Dreamer who was a Prop 308 Fellow added: “This (Prop. 308) victory is not just a win for Dreamers; it is a triumph for justice, equality, and the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams. It is a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the unyielding spirit of Arizona.” She added that her campaign work has led to her participation in the “UCLA Dream Summer,” leadership program for students.
“The goal is to develop the next generation of social justice leaders. I want to be one of the future leaders of Arizona and our country,” Rodriguez said.
“Last year when immigration was a toxic issue among political candidates, voters agreed that Arizona high school students deserved to be treated fairly,” said Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of ABIC and ABIC Action. “Through a powerful coalition of organizations and sponsors, including Latino and voting rights groups, Dreamers and business leaders, Democrats and Republicans, Prop. 308 won. This is what change looks like. And we’re not stopping here,” Shi said.
“Voters of Arizona, like voters across America, are demanding Congress to act now on sensible and humane solutions to our broken immigration system to strengthen the economy, families and communities,” Shi added.
BACKGROUND
Yes On 308 was a bipartisan campaign led by education, business, faith, and civic leaders seeking to provide all Arizona high school graduates, regardless of their immigration status, the opportunity to pay their own way through college at the in-state tuition rate. Ending the unfair treatment of Arizona’s undocumented high school graduates by allowing equal access to in-state tuition rates at the state colleges and universities allows them to reach their educational goals, become self-sufficient, and give back to our community. Arizona voters made a significant decision, with 51.24% of the votes in favor, marking a pivotal moment for the state. This outcome is particularly significant as it comes 16 years after the passing of Prop 300. The recent decision also has the potential to bring about substantial changes and shape the future of Arizona.
Latino Loud is a voter education, engagement and empowerment effort by Sí Se Vota CPLC Action Fund, a 501C4 nonprofit. The nonpartisan voter outreach campaign in 2022 was launched via a one-time $10 million commitment by Chicanos Por La Causa, a 501C3 nonprofit and community development organization established in 1969. CPLC has operations in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and California. This initial effort focused on Arizona with a targeted universe of first-time and first-time-in-a-long-time voters, younger voters, and other so-called “low-propensity voters.” The strategic and comprehensive campaign aimed to improve voter turnout among Latinos. While the long-range intention is for generational change, Due to voter outreach efforts such as Latino Loud, more than 400,000 Latinos cast ballots in the 2022 midterm election.
ABOUT
American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,500+ CEOs, business owners, and trade associations across 17 mostly red and purple states. ABIC promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) was formed in 1969 to fight discrimination against the Mexican American community in Phoenix. Inspired by civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, CPLC advocated for equity in education, politics, and labor conditions. Today, CPLC provides services to people of all backgrounds in five Southwestern states, while honoring our community’s Mexican-American roots, history and culture.