Bill Overview
Title: César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act
Description: This bill establishes, as a unit of the National Park System, the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona. It also establishes the Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail in California. The boundary of the historical park shall include The Forty Acres in Delano, California; the César E. Chávez National Monument, including Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, in Keene, California; and the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Department of the Interior may acquire land and interests in land that are within the boundary of the park by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. The César E. Chávez National Monument shall continue to be administered as a distinct and identifiable unit of the National Park System. Interior may provide public interpretation of historic sites, museums, and resources on land not administered by Interior related to the life of César E. Chávez and the history of the farmworker movement. Interior must prepare a general management plan for the park. The Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail is added to the National Trails System. The federal government shall not acquire for the trail any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundary of any federally managed area without the owner's consent.
Sponsors: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in César E. Chávez and the farmworker movement
Estimated Size: 300000
- The bill concerns the establishment of a National Historical Park and Trail related to César E. Chávez and the farmworker movement, which is of cultural and historical significance.
- César E. Chávez was a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers union.
- Farmworkers who historically played a crucial role in the labor movement would be directly connected to this cultural heritage site.
- Residents in regions where these sites are established (California and Arizona) might be directly affected through increased tourism and associated economic activity.
- The bill will impact historians, educators, and students interested in labor history and civil rights as it provides resources and sites for educational purposes.
- Visitors, including domestic and international tourists drawn to national historical sites, will be impacted through access to these new sites.
- The local economies of Delano and Keene, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, may benefit from increased tourism.
- Farmworker communities who revere Cesar Chavez as an iconic leader could feel culturally and emotionally supported by these legislative measures.
Reasoning
- The proposed policy is likely to primarily impact communities in California and Arizona, where the historical sites and trails will be established. This includes farmworker communities, local residents, and those with an interest in the history of César E. Chávez and the labor movement.
- Funds are directed towards establishing national park units and a historic trail, suggesting an emphasis on preservation, education, and tourism development.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy must carefully prioritize which areas to develop and maintain, ensuring they align closely with Chávez's legacy and the farmworker movement.
- The creation of these sites may increase local tourism, potentially benefiting the economies of the surrounding areas. However, not all local residents may be significantly impacted, especially those not directly involved in tourism or related sectors.
- Educational values are expected to be enhanced, providing resources for teachers and students related to the civil rights and labor movement.
- Cultural significance is key for communities and individuals who honor Chávez’s legacy, providing a sense of pride and recognition.
Simulated Interviews
farmworker (Delano, California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to preserve the history of the farmworker movement and honor leaders like César Chávez.
- The park could bring more visitors and economic opportunities to our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
local business owner (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation of these sites could drive more tourism, which might be good for my business.
- I'm proud to be in an area connected to César Chávez's legacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
school teacher (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This park and trail will be great educational resources for my students to learn about civil rights and labor history in a real-world context.
- I'm excited about new materials and sites I can incorporate into my lesson plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
park ranger (Keene, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion into a National Historical Park will allow us to better tell the story of César Chávez and the farmworker movement.
- It’s a chance for deeper public engagement with this pivotal part of American history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
historian (San Francisco, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a historian, these new resources will be invaluable for research and public history efforts.
- However, I hope the budget is managed well to properly maintain these sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
university student (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The establishment of this National Historical Park is inspirational and shows recognition of the labor movement.
- I’d love to visit these sites as part of my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
urban planner (New York, New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Projects like these are important for cultural preservation and education.
- While I personally won’t be impacted day-to-day, I appreciate the societal values it promotes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired (Bakersfield, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This park and trail commemorate the struggles we had for fair treatment and rights; it's a form of justice for our history.
- I'm glad to see César’s work being highlighted for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
high school teacher (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to more sites dedicated to labor history is an enrichment to the curriculum I can offer.
- I plan to organize a student trip to these new sites once established.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retired (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Chávez was a hero to many in our community, and this recognition is overdue.
- The park and trail will be a source of pride for me and my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Year 10: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Key Considerations
- The ability to acquire land primarily through donations reduces upfront costs.
- Long-term costs will include ongoing maintenance, staffing, and visitor services.
- Potential revenue from tourism could offset some operational costs.
- The park will promote cultural preservation and educational opportunities related to the farmworker movement.