Arizona 2025 Regular Session

Arizona House Bill HCR2059 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

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1	1		House Engrossed Phil Austin; death resolution State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session 2025 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2059 A Concurrent Resolution on the death of phillip a. austin. (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
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7	11		House Engrossed Phil Austin; death resolution
8	12		State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session 2025
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37	45		HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2059
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47	55		A Concurrent Resolution
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51	59		on the death of phillip a. austin.
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61	69		Phillip A. Austin, distinguished attorney, Mesa community leader and champion of civil rights, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024 at the age of 73. Born on February 17, 1951, Phil devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all. Known as "Mr. Mesa", Phil was born in his beloved Mesa, Arizona where his family has resided for over 100 years. He was born to loving parents, Albert "Beto" and Margaret "Maggie" Austin, who were well-known community members and who owned and operated Albert's Market in the Washington/Escobedo Park Neighborhood. Growing up with six siblings and close neighborhood friends, Phil's upbringing played a pivotal part of his life. He attended Queen of Peace Elementary School and Brophy College Preparatory, graduating in 1969. Phil developed a strong sense of justice at an early age. A graduate of Santa Clara University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Phil quickly became well known for his student activism surrounding civil rights. Phil distinguished himself as an outstanding public servant throughout his lifetime. He served in the Arizona Attorney General's office for 16 years, where he led the civil rights division and tirelessly advocated for equal rights. His distinguished career as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Counsel was marked by his significant contributions to legislative efforts, including the successful passage of Arizona's first fair housing legislation, antidiscrimination laws for the elderly and disabled and initiatives fostering the development of dispute resolution and mediation programs throughout the state. In 1994, Phil opened a law firm in downtown Mesa, which encompassed many types of cases with a particular focus on fair housing. Despite the demands of his work, Phil gave generously of his time, energy and skills to various organizations. His impact extended far beyond the courtroom. He passionately advocated for the Latino community, which led to him becoming one of the founding members of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and creating the Chamber's STEAM Scholars program. He also established the Albert D. Austin, Jr. Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to aspiring students, and established the Albert D. Austin Mariachi Academy, which empowers young people through music education and cultural enrichment. Phil also helped form the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, a nonprofit organization that serves the East Valley Latino community and promotes and advocates for an improved quality of life. Because of these activities, Phil is credited with inspiring more Latinos and Hispanic people to represent their communities in local government. A determined community builder, Phil played a pivotal role in establishing the Alston House Center for Peace and Justice, a hub for community services and social justice initiatives, and founded the Latino PAC del Rio Salado to endorse candidates who would be champions for the Latino community. Phil's commitment to justice and equality earned him countless awards and recognitions, including the Phoenix Jaycee's Three Outstanding Young Men Award, Valle de Sol's Exemplary Leadership Award and the NAACP's Roy Wilkens Award. Aside from his many accolades, Phil will be most remembered for being an exceptional human. A natural-born leader, faithful public servant, cherished community member and beloved husband and father, Phil will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his selflessness, public service and human rights advocacy. Deeply devoted to his family, Phil will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Christy, his children, Lela, Phillip (Alisha), Angelo (Alexis) and Lorena (Kimberly), his grandchildren, Natalie, Kandy, Kendall, Jaiden, Atticus, Santana, Noel, Andrs and Eva, and his siblings, Charlie (Helen) Austin, Carole Austin, Roddy (Kathy) Austin and Roseanne Newton. He has joined his dear son, Amado Austin, mother and father, Beto and Maggie, brothers Butch and Ricky Austin and brother-in-law, Fred Newton. Therefore Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring: That the Members of the House of Representatives express sincere regret at the passing of Phillip A. Austin and extend their deepest regrets and condolences to his family and many friends.
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63	71		Phillip A. Austin, distinguished attorney, Mesa community leader and champion of civil rights, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024 at the age of 73.
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65	73		Born on February 17, 1951, Phil devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all. Known as "Mr. Mesa", Phil was born in his beloved Mesa, Arizona where his family has resided for over 100 years. He was born to loving parents, Albert "Beto" and Margaret "Maggie" Austin, who were well-known community members and who owned and operated Albert's Market in the Washington/Escobedo Park Neighborhood. Growing up with six siblings and close neighborhood friends, Phil's upbringing played a pivotal part of his life. He attended Queen of Peace Elementary School and Brophy College Preparatory, graduating in 1969.
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67	75		Phil developed a strong sense of justice at an early age. A graduate of Santa Clara University and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Phil quickly became well known for his student activism surrounding civil rights.
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69	77		Phil distinguished himself as an outstanding public servant throughout his lifetime. He served in the Arizona Attorney General's office for 16 years, where he led the civil rights division and tirelessly advocated for equal rights. His distinguished career as Assistant Attorney General and Chief Counsel was marked by his significant contributions to legislative efforts, including the successful passage of Arizona's first fair housing legislation, antidiscrimination laws for the elderly and disabled and initiatives fostering the development of dispute resolution and mediation programs throughout the state. In 1994, Phil opened a law firm in downtown Mesa, which encompassed many types of cases with a particular focus on fair housing.
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71	79		Despite the demands of his work, Phil gave generously of his time, energy and skills to various organizations. His impact extended far beyond the courtroom. He passionately advocated for the Latino community, which led to him becoming one of the founding members of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and creating the Chamber's STEAM Scholars program. He also established the Albert D. Austin, Jr. Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to aspiring students, and established the Albert D. Austin Mariachi Academy, which empowers young people through music education and cultural enrichment. Phil also helped form the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, a nonprofit organization that serves the East Valley Latino community and promotes and advocates for an improved quality of life. Because of these activities, Phil is credited with inspiring more Latinos and Hispanic people to represent their communities in local government.
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73	81		A determined community builder, Phil played a pivotal role in establishing the Alston House Center for Peace and Justice, a hub for community services and social justice initiatives, and founded the Latino PAC del Rio Salado to endorse candidates who would be champions for the Latino community. Phil's commitment to justice and equality earned him countless awards and recognitions, including the Phoenix Jaycee's Three Outstanding Young Men Award, Valle de Sol's Exemplary Leadership Award and the NAACP's Roy Wilkens Award.
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75	83		Aside from his many accolades, Phil will be most remembered for being an exceptional human. A natural-born leader, faithful public servant, cherished community member and beloved husband and father, Phil will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his selflessness, public service and human rights advocacy.
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77	85		Deeply devoted to his family, Phil will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Christy, his children, Lela, Phillip (Alisha), Angelo (Alexis) and Lorena (Kimberly), his grandchildren, Natalie, Kandy, Kendall, Jaiden, Atticus, Santana, Noel, Andrs and Eva, and his siblings, Charlie (Helen) Austin, Carole Austin, Roddy (Kathy) Austin and Roseanne Newton. He has joined his dear son, Amado Austin, mother and father, Beto and Maggie, brothers Butch and Ricky Austin and brother-in-law, Fred Newton.
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79	87		Therefore
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81	89		Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
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83	91		That the Members of the House of Representatives express sincere regret at the passing of Phillip A. Austin and extend their deepest regrets and condolences to his family and many friends.
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85		-	UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 17, 2025. UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 17, 2025. FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 18, 2025.
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93		-	UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 17, 2025.
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95		-	UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 17, 2025.
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97		-	FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 18, 2025.