ICYMI: LIBRE Brings Tucson Community Leaders Together for Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

The LIBRE Initiative, the largest center-right Hispanic organization in Arizona, hosted its Capitol Connect event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tucson East on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, bringing dozens of community leaders, volunteers, and business owners from the greater Tucson area together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and take part in a community policy dialogue. 

The program featured State Representative Teresa Martinez, who reviewed recent legislative wins and highlighted the “Tamale Bill,” which LIBRE helped advance and allows home cooks to legally sell tamales and other foods, and Arizona Corporation Commission Commissioner Lea Márquez-Peterson, who spoke about the most pressing issues facing the state. Attendees also watched a video message from Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who spoke about his commitment to the district and recognized LIBRE’s contributions, and heard remarks from LIBRE Founding President Daniel Garza.

Monet Bacs, Arizona Strategic Director for The LIBRE Initiative, issued the following statement:

“Nearly a third of Arizona is Latino, and here in Tucson that share is higher still, so a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is really a celebration of who we are as a state. What made this night matter was the mix in the room: business owners, volunteers, and families alongside the policymakers who represent them. We appreciate hearing from elected officials on what it takes to lower the cost of living, keep energy affordable, and give small businesses room to grow. That is the work LIBRE came to Tucson to continue.”