August 4, 2017
On August 2nd, Councilmember Georgette Gómez introduced a resolution at the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee opposing the President’s Executive Order 13767 and House of Representative Bill 1813 – The Border Wall Funding Act of 2017.
Double taxation of U.S. and non-U.S. citizens result in a decrease in the amount of dollars individuals and countries invest into the U.S. economy, adversely impacting U.S. relationships with affected countries. Advocating for the binational partnership between San Diego and Tijuana, both intrinsically linked culturally, physically, and economically, the Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose HR1813.
At the Committee, Paola Avila stated that an efficient border is a safe border, protecting national security and promoting trade are not mutually exclusive. There are other critical infrastructure needs to grow and support jobs, improve the quality of life, projects such as the proposed Otay II Port of Entry, the cross border railroad, pre inspection facilities, and improvements to the existing port of entry at Otay, which is currently being considered by Congress. Next month, the Chamber will lead a binational delegation to Washington D. C. where the same message will be delivered.
Councilmember Gomez shared: “Our tax dollars should be spent uplifting the quality of life for all San Diegans and tackling our issues on road infrastructure, housing, and homelessness. Building a wall will do nothing for our families and communities […], it is a huge mistake for our region economically and environmentally”.
The Committee voted to forward the resolution to the full council for consideration without a recommendation.