For Immediate Release
April 29, 2010
Contact Information

NHCSL
Jason A. Llorenz
202-434-8078
or
NBCSL
Mori Diane
202-624-8823

(BPRW) In Response to Immigration Law, Black and Hispanic State Legislators Pull Joint Conference from Arizona Venue According to NBCSL and NHCSL

- Reckless Law Makes Arizona Unfit Host for State Leaders According to NBCSL and NHCSL -

(BLACK PR WIRE) WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) join in opposition to Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070), “a law that is ill conceived and sets a dangerous precedent for basic civil liberties,” according to NBCSL President, Representative Calvin Smyre (GA). “This misguided legislation will likely subject countless people to unwarranted harassment. In a demonstration of our disapproval, we have decided to hold our annual Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Conference, which was to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, elsewhere,” concluded Representative Smyre.

The joint conference would have brought over sixty state legislators to Arizona for two days to discuss policy solutions to the nation’s health challenges. The conference would have generated a significant amount of revenue for the state. “All Americans should be deeply concerned about the harmful implications of SB 1070. This overreaching legislative measure leaves us with little choice but to find a more hospitable venue for our conference,” said NHCSL President, Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL).

NBCSL and NHCSL jointly decided to remove the planned conference from Arizona following Governor Brewer’s signing of SB 1070 into law. “The bill is widely condemned as unconstitutional and in violation of American notions of fairness and justice. Further, it will bring a host of unintended consequences, such as the diversion of law enforcement resources and the proliferation of vexing litigation,” stated Senator Martinez. For further information, see NHCSL President, Iris Martinez’s letter to Governor Brewer in opposition to SB 1070.

A new venue for the Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Conference will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS

NBCSL is a membership association representing more than 600 African American state legislators hailing from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds. NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. NBCSL focuses on issues that directly impact US domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS

NHCSL is the preeminent organization serving and representing the interests of Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for joint action on issues of common concern to all segments of the Hispanic community; a forum for information exchange and member networking; an institute for leadership training; a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations throughout the country; a promoter of public/private partnerships with business and labor; and a partner with Hispanic state or provincial legislators and their associations representing Central and South America.

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