Are You Willing to Boycott Texas?

Actually, this question is for Latino elected officials at all levels in Texas.

Texas is in a financial crisis and while the Republicans are more than willing to attack Latinos given the legislation that has already been filed, thus far, it is safe to say that Texas can easily be considered terra pericolosa for anyone of color.

In Arizona, Congressman Raul Grijalva was among the first elected officials to call for a boycott of his own state of Arizona after SB1070 was signed into law. Who shall be our Raul Grijalva?

A report by some folks at the Center for American Progress report the devastating effects of the boycott on Arizona.

Our extensive research estimates that the actual lost lodging revenue from these cancellations is at least three times that amount: $45 million. That estimate provides a basis for calculating other losses in visitor spending. Analyzing average food and beverage, entertainment, in-town transportation, and retail sales brings the combined loss of estimated conference attendee spending up to a startling $141 million.

Texas doesn’t need to be losing money right now. It needs to be investing in education, higher education, and other critical services. But if Republicans have their way, whether our own elected officials join in or not, the effect will be felt. And not just in hotel and food revenues. Texas is known for its live music scene–we have some pretty good talent, no matter the genre. They will certainly get hit, too.

The Republican-led legislature needs to tread lightly and responsibly. These kinds of actions (anti-Latino legislation) are downright dangerous in so many ways.  While the Republicans want to cut services so they can dole out tax breaks to their corporate buddies, the bottom line is that a huge loss of revenue to the state will even endanger those gifts.

This, on top of any litigation that is thrown at the State of Texas to fight the legislation?

There was an article some have been talking about recently about finding our “Latino/a leader.” Well, here is a possible opportunity to stand out. Hopefully, that person won’t be tainted by big business interests and influential check-writers. But that’s for another post.