PHOENIX - Gov. Jan Brewer emphasized Wednesday that Arizona won't back away from its tough new law aimed at illegal immigrants even if boycotts take business from the state.
She said she is disappointed and surprised at the reaction - much of it from other states - and the calls to impose economic sanctions on Arizona.
"How could further punishing families and businesses, large and small, be a solution viewed as constructive?" she asked.
Brewer was speaking publicly at a summit of Arizona manufacturers, as were legislative leaders. A participant told them customers are threatening to boycott.
"This is all about illegal immigration and we need to get our borders secured," Brewer said, adding: "Even if it means loss of business."
She said just the cost of incarcerating illegal immigrants who have violated state laws costs taxpayers $100 million a year.
The governor said she has personally not heard any company express concerns about moving to Arizona in the wake of national publicity about the law.
But there have been inquiries about the new law at the Department of Commerce, the state agency charged with trying to persuade firms to move or expand in Arizona.
Governor: Boycotts disappointing but won't change new law
You go girl!!!
She said she is disappointed and surprised at the reaction - much of it from other states - and the calls to impose economic sanctions on Arizona.
"How could further punishing families and businesses, large and small, be a solution viewed as constructive?" she asked.
Brewer was speaking publicly at a summit of Arizona manufacturers, as were legislative leaders. A participant told them customers are threatening to boycott.
"This is all about illegal immigration and we need to get our borders secured," Brewer said, adding: "Even if it means loss of business."
She said just the cost of incarcerating illegal immigrants who have violated state laws costs taxpayers $100 million a year.
The governor said she has personally not heard any company express concerns about moving to Arizona in the wake of national publicity about the law.
But there have been inquiries about the new law at the Department of Commerce, the state agency charged with trying to persuade firms to move or expand in Arizona.
Governor: Boycotts disappointing but won't change new law
You go girl!!!