Member Interview :
Time to Tackle Immigration Reform
 Jack Camper, CCE, IOM
President and CEO
Tuscon (AZ) Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Arizona SB 1070, the state’s effort at immigration reform, has drawn national attention since it was signed by Governor Brewer in late April. The bill has been the subject of dozens of headline articles and editorials in major papers throughout the country and was even a major discussion item during Mexican President Filipe Calderon’s official White House visit last week. Controversy has centered on a provision in the bill which obligates law enforcement and other public officials, during a lawful contact, to determine the immigration status when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is an illegal alien.
It is rare for one piece of state legislation to capture so much focus nationwide, but there are few issues as divisive in America today as immigration. You’ve probably read the sensational headlines, now get the perspective from one of your chamber colleagues. My interview with Tucson Chamber president Jack Camper is below:
ACCE: What impact has the passage of Arizona SB 1070 had already on your state and community?
Jack Camper: As you can tell from daily headlines and clips on the nightly news, this bill has certainly generated a lot of emotional turmoil, both in Tucson and across the country. Its passage was a drastic step to be sure, but one our state representatives and senators apparently felt was critical for the overall safety and well being of our citizenry.
The situation has been exacerbated by Congressman Raul Grijalva making the irresponsible call for businesses to boycott Arizona in response to the passage of SB 1070. Here in Arizona, the housing market is still reeling, the unemployment rate for the state is at nearly 10%, and the overall effects of the recession are continuing to devastate businesses and the economy in general. The Congressman’s proposed boycott did not appear to address the problems that brought about SB1070 in the first place and presented no reasonable solution to America’s immigration issue.
ACCE: What is the Tucson Chamber’s position on this bill and the immigration issue more broadly.
Camper: We believe that protecting our national borders is a federal—not state—responsibility. Period. But failure to act at a national level created an untenable situation at the state level that required action.
The Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has a better solution. Three years ago, we created an Immigration Reform Policy which was distributed to every member of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is a well reasoned and workable plan that considers economic impacts, practical logistics, as well as previous failed attempts. Although Congress chose to put our plan on the back burner, it may well be time now for a closer look at our proposal. This proposed policy could create the foundation for a viable immigration reform plan.
ACCE: Do you expect similar kinds of legislation to spread to other states?
Camper: It is already spreading. Legislators in several states are already on the record as wanting to pass similar legislation in their states. This is definitely a contagious issue, and Arizona is not the first state to tackle the immigration issue on its own. Onerous immigration legislation passed in 2008 is currently under judicial review in Oklahoma after it was challenged by the Oklahoma City Chamber, the Tulsa Chamber and the State Chamber of Oklahoma. We need to collectively push for meaningful federal level immigration reform now!
ACCE: What advice would you give to your peers across the country with respect to immigration reform.
Camper: Chambers across the country need to contact their members of Congress, both House and Senate, and urge them to address this issue NOW. Allowing them to dodge this issue due to an election year begs the question “Should incumbents be allowed to continue to serve ‘be reelected’ without addressing comprehensive immigration reform?”
A final word: If you believe that this issue will not affect your community, guess again. USA Today recently cited that terrorists are using our porous Arizona-Mexico border to enter our country and those terrorists fully intend to disrupt commerce across America. Allowing any member of Congress to hide from this important national security crisis during this election cycle should not be tolerated.
Please contact your Congressmen and Senators and urge them to adopt a comprehensive immigration plan immediately. This could be a watershed issue reinforcing the relevance and influence of Chambers across our nation as we act as catalysts to resolve one of the most important issues facing our communities and our Nation. Take action!!”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved in the immigration reform effort, here are some resources and links to help.
 ACCE Convention 2010
Government Relations/Public Policy Workshops
With keynote speakers like former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue plus a great series of government relations focused workshops, the 2010 ACCE Convention in Milwaukee has plenty of content for chamber government affairs staff. The lineup of Government Relations/Public Policy Workshops is included below - don't forget, you can register online for a substantial early-bird discount until June 11!
Monetizing Government Relations
The government relations department is seen as a cost center for many chambers, but it doesn't have to be. Your government affairs can generate substantial revenue through events, signature programs and above-dues contributions. Learn how to make money on the advocacy work that is vitally important to your chamber's mission.
Passing the Bond
National sentiment opposing government spending is growing, but that doesn't mean your community shouldn't invest in itself. Learn techniques for winning broad public support for bond measures to fund your important projects.
New Media for Advocacy: 201
You know that social media has applications for advocacy, but best practices for using these tools are evolving quickly. Learn the latest strategies for leveraging new media to drive issue awareness, message dissemination and grassroots engagement.
Making the Most of Your PAC
Lately it feels like the business community is facing attacks from all sides. It's time to respond. Join this session to learn how PACs can be used as an effective tool to promote your chamber's advocacy agenda.
Local Chambers and Federal Advocacy
(GR Best Practice Discussion)
Major federal issues like card check and healthcare have been big for local chambers. They have driven membership interest, involvement, and investment. But are you getting the most value out of your federal advocacy efforts? Join this best practice sharing session to exchange ideas.
From the Policy Clearinghouse Blog
Recent posts from the Policy Clearinghouse Blog:
-
West Virginia Tackling Retiree Liability
In a great first step toward fiscal responsibility for the Mountain State, the WV Senate Finance Committee is working on a solution to the state's $8 billion unfunded liability for retiring state employees.
-
Non-Profits Beware of Hard-Up Governments
An article released this week by NPR reports on efforts by state and local governments to generate revenue from tax-exempt groups. This is an important trend about which all chambers should be aware.
-
Private Sector Led City Planning
Here is a select quote from this great article about land use: "The important lesson is not that city planning is unimportant but, rather, that urban development should not be implemented by the public sector alone and that in a democracy, a vision of the future city will best emerge from the marketplace."
-
The FEC and Free Speech
from the ChamberPost Blog
If you haven’t read up on the Schumer – Van Hollen Campaign Finance Bill you should. This post features an opinion on the proposed legislation authored by eight former Federal Election Commissioners.
-
With Medicaid, States Face Painful Cuts and Few Choices
from Stateline.org
The Federal Stimulus helped states avoid dramatic cuts to Medicaid during a time when more citizens need assistance. It also restricted states from changing eligibility qualifications which prevents real cost control and exacerbates state budget problems.
For more policy-focused commentary and links, check out the Policy Clearinghouse Blog |
