Los Angeles approves Arizona boycott over immigration law
by Christina Hoag - May. 12, 2010 12:48 PM
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles on Wednesday became the largest city yet to boycott Arizona over its tough new law targeting illegal immigration in a move that likely will affect some $8 million in contracts with the state.
The City Council voted 13-1 to bar Los Angeles from conducting business with Arizona unless the law is repealed. The vote followed an emotional council discussion during which many members noted that their ancestors were U.S. immigrants.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa already has said he would approve the boycott.
The proposal could affect investments and contracts worth as much as $52 million, including contracts for airport, harbor and trucking services, according to a report from the city's chief legislative analyst. That report recommends the council consider suspending travel, cutting contracts and refraining from making any new ones with Arizona-based companies.
But Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who co-authored the resolution, said it would be impractical to cancel most of those deals and only about $7 million to $8 million in city contracts probably would be affected.
"US Airways is based in Arizona and they certainly fly in and out (of Los Angeles)" and it would hardly be feasible to end those flights, Hahn said before the council vote.
Read more:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/12/20100512los-angeles-boycott-vote-over-arizona-immigration-law12-ON.html#ixzz0nl31TqHl