Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez are set to hold the first in a series of Community Impact Hearings. These townhalls aim to gather public input on the effects of federal firings and DOGE funding freezes nationwide. The initial hearing is scheduled for March 5th in Phoenix.
Attorney General Rayfield expressed concern over the situation: “The firings of many of our federal workers and the mess created by DOGE has created turmoil in people’s lives. Jobs are being lost, and critical services are being disrupted because there aren’t enough workers. It’s not right, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure Oregonians get the support and stability they deserve.”
Attorney General Mayes also voiced her frustration: “These reckless firings of Arizonans and arbitrary cuts to critical federal services are outrageous, unacceptable, and deeply infuriating. Alongside my fellow attorneys general, I have been fighting to protect jobs, safeguard life-saving services, and ensure Arizonans receive the funding they are owed. Arizonans deserve to be heard—these firings and funding freezes are disrupting lives, straining workplaces, and harming communities and household budgets across the state.”
The hearings will provide an opportunity for community members to discuss how President Trump and Elon Musk's recent actions have affected areas such as public safety and healthcare. Representatives from various sectors including cities, counties, non-profits, agencies, healthcare institutions, research institutions, former federal employees, and community members impacted by these actions are encouraged to attend.
Participants will have up to three minutes each to speak at the hearing or may submit written testimony via email at AttorneyGeneral@doj.oregon.gov with "Federal Firing and Funding Freeze Impact" as the subject line.
The event will take place on March 5th at 6 PM at Central High School Gymnasium in Phoenix. Attendees must RSVP in advance.