Rep. Raul Grijalva dies at 77

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 Information) – Arizona Consultant Raul Grijalva has handed away.

Information of his passing comes almost a yr after Grijalva introduced he was battling most cancers, however deliberate to proceed working whereas present process therapy.

In line with the biography on his congressional web site, Grijalva began his political profession as a neighborhood organizer in Tucson.

He served on the Tucson Unified Faculty Faculty District Governing Board and the Pima County Board of Supervisors, from which he resigned in 2002 to run for Congress within the Seventh District the place he was in his twelfth time period.

Raul Grijalva was 77 years outdated.

An announcement from his workplace reads as follows:

The Workplace of the seventh District of Arizona is saddened to announce the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva. Rep. Grijalva fought a protracted and courageous battle. He handed away this morning as a result of problems of his most cancers therapies.

Greater than 20 years in the past, Rep. Grijalva launched into a journey to be a voice for Southern Arizonans in Washington, D.C. Pushed by his neighborhood values and spirit, he labored tirelessly and achieved a lot — for Arizona and for the nation.

From completely defending the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Inexpensive Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have at all times been guided by neighborhood voices. He led the cost for historic investments in local weather motion, port of entry modernization, everlasting funding for land and water conservation applications, entry to well being look after tribal communities and the uninsured, equity for immigrant households and Dreamers, pupil mortgage forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and staff uncovered to excessive warmth, early childhood schooling enlargement, increased requirements for tribal session, and a lot extra. A few of these victories appeared out of attain when he first got here to Congress, however with help from neighborhood, colleagues, allies, and employees, he helped make them actual.

From Tucson to Nogales and past, he labored tirelessly for transformational enhancements. Rep. Grijalva pushed for brand spanking new public parks, childcare facilities, well being care clinics, native companies, and reasonably priced housing have breathed new life into neighborhoods throughout Southern Arizona. Enhancements to our roads, bridges, and streetcar system have improved our each day lives and attracted new companies and industries to the world.

Rep. Grijalva’s ardour was not just for his neighborhood, however for preservation of the planet. When coming to Congress he was decided to serve on the Pure Assets Committee. He was steadfast in his dedication to provide lasting change by way of environmental insurance policies — as he would say, “it’s for the babies.”  He led the Pure Assets Committee with out concern of repercussion, however with an urgency of the results of inaction. In doing so, Rep. Grijalva additionally had the privilege to face with communities throughout the nation — from the San Carlos Apache close to Oak Flat to the residents of Louisiana’s Most cancers Alley — the place residents are bravely preventing for justice after a long time of trade air pollution and exploitation. Working facet by facet with former Congressman McEachin and environmental justice advocates throughout the nation, Rep. Grijalva created a neighborhood pushed strategy to drafting The Environmental Justice for All Act, laws that empowers individuals to face up for and shield their communities. His sturdy perception was that irrespective of the place you’re from, one fact unites us all: everybody deserves the liberty to dwell a wholesome life, and each baby deserves a protected and honest likelihood at their future.

Rep. Grijalva expressed his hope that the teachings we’ve found alongside the best way will proceed to maneuver us ahead, not backward. “We cannot back down from addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. We cannot leave the poor to fend for themselves against burgeoning corporate greed. We cannot allow our education, health care, and social security to be sold out so the rich can get richer. We must treat each other with dignity and respect, as neighbors, not enemies. We must preserve our irreplaceable natural heritage for every next generation. We must give every child the opportunity to succeed. And in times of great uncertainty, when we are looking for guidance, we must always remember that the will of the people is the greatest leader, not the leader who imposes his will.”

Rep. Grijalva’s form and humble nature was identified to many. He was approachable by all as a result of he believed individuals needs to be handled as equals. He beloved to present presents, blare music in his workplace, and get to know individuals for who they’re. The Congressman cared deeply for and was happy with his employees, the devoted public servants who spent 22 years preventing alongside him for the individuals of Southern Arizona. Collectively, we helped households get again on their ft and remained a supply of assist and hope when individuals had nowhere else to show. We’re heartbroken within the face of this information however decided to hold on his legacy. Whereas the particular election is being carried out, our workplace will proceed to supply constituent companies.

Serving Southern Arizona was the dignity of Raúl M. Grijalva’s life. Having represented our communities for over 50 years was a privilege. We thank all of you for the belief, help, and the partnership that you simply gave to Rep. Grijalva through the years. We’re particularly grateful to Rep. Grijalva’s household for his or her friendship and conserving it “all about the love.”

With humility and profound gratitude,

The Employees of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva

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