Our Voice Our Vote Arizona Responds to HCR 2042 Passing Out of Senate Government Committee: “HCR 2042 is a bad bill”

March 19, 2025

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Arizona Senate Government Committee voted 4-3 to pass HCR 2042 out of committee. The bill aims to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminate programs designed to support people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals in Arizona. The bill targets state financial aid programs for minority students as well as small business assistance programs designed to support minority- and women-owned businesses. In response, Our Voice Our Vote Director of Policy Strategy & Organizing Natashia Townsend issued the following statement:

“HCR 2042 is a bad bill that pulls the rug out from under Arizona’s minority- and women-owned businesses at a moment of serious economic upheaval. Now,  the Arizona legislature is proposing to bend our economy to the point of breaking by eliminating state programs that provide grants and financial aid to Black and Brown entrepreneurs and contractors. 

“Ethnic minorities own more than a quarter of all small businesses in Arizona. Rather than removing these critical supports, we encourage lawmakers to work alongside community organizations to create policies that expand opportunities for everyone. Investing in inclusive growth is key to a stronger, more prosperous Arizona.”

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Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona is a member-led organization, committed to advocating for sustainable progressive public policies that address the most pressing issues in our communities. We build power by mobilizing voters, training the next generation of leaders, electing champions into office, and holding elected officials accountable. We work to empower our communities by putting people first to ensure all voices are heard. Learn more about Our Voice, Our Vote at www.ourvoiceourvote.us and follow on social media at @OVOV_AZ.