The Phoenix City Council could vote on a proposed budget Tuesday, and activists are demanding that elected officials find a way to get relief money for undocumented people during the coronavirus pandemic.
A “Cruise to Council” on Monday went from the state capitol to Phoenix City Hall. It was led by the group Poder in Action, which said the city’s request that undocumented people fill out the census should be met with financial support during the pandemic.
“So we’re also getting pushback from communities saying why. Why should we count when we are not seeing leadership that respects our communities?” said Viri Hernandez, executive director.
Undocumented people do not qualify for federal stimulus checks, and state law blocks them from public benefits.
Hernandez said Phoenix should do private fundraising instead.
