USHCC, AZHCC, THCC, Speak out on Remarks from Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ, 8th District)

Ian Tisdale

Many are saying this statement is wrong, drawing a dangerous equivalency of Hispanic people to illegal immigrants. Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber, said “We condemn all racism, including remarks that cast negative stereotypes on the Hispanic community and imply Hispanic Americans do not belong in our country,” in a formal statement condemning Ms. Lesko and her statement.

Furthermore, leaders are saying Ms. Lesko’s statement is dangerous, in that it encourages the prevention of the equal distribution of the lifesaving vaccine to thousands of Arizona Hispanics, including undocumented immigrants. Monica Villalobos, President and the CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber, in the same statement, remarked, “We agree with the Department of Homeland Security that 'equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines… for undocumented immigrants… is a moral and public health imperative.”

Isabel Georgelos, the CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, also pointed out that these types of remarks further sow division among Arizona constituents in a time where unity is needed, saying, “These types of comments by a leader of our state only serve to disenfranchise and create distrust at a time when we must work together. This is not the language of someone who is working for all their constituents during a time of true life and death circumstances.”

These business advocacy professionals have joined now a large group of Arizona leaders speaking out against Mrs. Lesko’s controversial statement. Arizona State Senator Martín Quezada, of the same district as Lesko, said her comments, “reek of racism.” Jane Delgado, CEO for the National Alliance for Hispanic Health called the statement, “both irresponsible and ignorant,” and that Lesko, “compromises the health of the entire nation as any public health intervention must include all the people who live in the community...especially the essential workers, a larger proportion of whom are Hispanics.” Phoenix State Senator Juan Mendez joined in, saying, “unfortunately, Rep. Lesko is only a symptom of a larger epidemic of hate and ignorance.”

Rep. Lesko and her staff have yet to respond to said comments.


USHCC, AZHCC, THCC, Speak out on Remarks from Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ, 8th District) Ian Tisdale Many are saying this statement is wrong, drawing a dangerous equivalency of Hispanic people to illegal immigrants. Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber, said “We condemn all racism, including remarks that cast negative stereotypes on the Hispanic community and imply Hispanic Americans do not belong in our country,” in a formal statement condemning Ms. Lesko and her statement. Furthermore, leaders are saying Ms. Lesko’s statement is dangerous, in that it encourages the prevention of the equal distribution of the lifesaving vaccine to thousands of Arizona Hispanics, including undocumented immigrants. Monica Villalobos, President and the CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber, in the same statement, remarked, “We agree with the Department of Homeland Security that 'equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines… for undocumented immigrants… is a moral and public health imperative.” Isabel Georgelos, the CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, also pointed out that these types of remarks further sow division among Arizona constituents in a time where unity is needed, saying, “These types of comments by a leader of our state only serve to disenfranchise and create distrust at a time when we must work together. This is not the language of someone who is working for all their constituents during a time of true life and death circumstances.” These business advocacy professionals have joined now a large group of Arizona leaders speaking out against Mrs. Lesko’s controversial statement. Arizona State Senator Martín Quezada, of the same district as Lesko, said her comments, “reek of racism.” Jane Delgado, CEO for the National Alliance for Hispanic Health called the statement, “both irresponsible and ignorant,” and that Lesko, “compromises the health of the entire nation as any public health intervention must include all the people who live in the community...especially the essential workers, a larger proportion of whom are Hispanics.” Phoenix State Senator Juan Mendez joined in, saying, “unfortunately, Rep. Lesko is only a symptom of a larger epidemic of hate and ignorance.” Rep. Lesko and her staff have yet to respond to said comments.
THCC Weekly Advocacy Recap - Week Ending 2/27/21