REFERENCE TITLE: new Americans; honoring contributions

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

SR 1002

Introduced by

Senator Kaiser

A Resolution

honoring the contributions of new americans to this state.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, Arizona is a welcoming state where hardworking people of all origins and walks of life can live, work and thrive; and

Whereas, 13.4% of Arizonans –- more than 972,110 people -- were born outside of the United States, and these Arizonans contribute to this state's unique culture and diversity; and

Whereas, one in six Arizona workers were born outside of the United States, and new American workers play a vital role in this state's core industries; and

Whereas, Arizona ranks in the top four of the best states in the nation for business in 2022, and the role of new Americans in this business success is undeniable; and

Whereas, Arizona values the determination and entrepreneurial spirit of its small businesses.  New Americans are a driving force in this state's small business community, owning one in five businesses in Arizona that generate over $1.86 million in revenue annually; and

Whereas, Arizona's workforce is increasingly global, with this state's business leaders forging a powerful partnership with new American communities to recruit skilled, talented and motivated workers; and

Whereas, global talent is also driving growth in Arizona's high-producing science, technology, engineering and math industries, in which 20.1% of workers are new Americans; and

Whereas, global talent is particularly important to Arizona's health care system.  Nearly 13% of nurses, 24.7% of health aides and 27% of physicians in this state were born outside of the United States.  While the state is in great need of more qualified medical professionals to address workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, a large percentage of foreign-born Arizonans with health-related degrees are underutilized; and

Whereas, in Arizona, hardworking new Americans across all sectors paid nearly $7.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes and held more than $23.1 billion in spending power in 2019; and

Whereas, it is in this state's interest to find innovative ways to spark economic growth, and there is tremendous untapped potential in Arizona's growing new American workforce; and

Whereas, industries across the state are rapidly adapting to changes in technology and an evolving economy, and strategic support is crucial to ensuring that Arizona has a skilled workforce to support current and future needs; and

Whereas, Arizona can maximize the talent of new Americans and help them reach their full potential by identifying and removing barriers to their full economic participation; and

Whereas, this state can invest in a bright future and provide greater prosperity for all Arizonans by ensuring that new Americans and their children are welcomed and supported and have access to opportunity so they can integrate into their new communities.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:

      That the Members of the Senate recognize and honor the rich social and economic contributions of new Americans to this state.