Late Rep. Jim Kolbe honored with bill in Congress, fellowship

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., and Common Sense Institute Arizona are celebrating the late former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe for his legacy of service. 

Kolbe, who represented a Southern Arizona district in the U.S. House from 1985 to 2007, passed away last December.

Ciscomani introduced a bill to rename a post office in Patagonia, Arizona — where Kolbe grew up — after the former congressman. His bill is cosponsored by Republican Ariz. Rep. David Schweikert and Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton and Raul Grijalva.

“Jim Kolbe lived a life of service dedicated to not only our state but our country as a whole,” Ciscomani said. “He represented Arizona as a true statesman, leading in foreign affairs, trade, and fiscal discipline, while staying true to his values. He continues to inspire my own service in Congress and his impactful leadership will long be remembered.”

Common Sense Institute Arizona, a think tank dedicated to economic growth, sound fiscal policy, and individual opportunity, honored Kolbe by launching a new fellowship in his name: The Honorable Jim Kolbe Free Enterprise Fellowship. 

“Thanks to Congressman Jim Kolbe’s hard-work and determination, Arizona is now in prime position to lead America in the 21st century economy – but we must continue to build upon his great legacy by promoting what he stood for,” CSI AZ said. 

Kolbe was known to mentor and support young people who were interested in public service, and the fellowship intends to continue that legacy into the future.

The fellowship is designed for up-and-coming Arizona policy experts who are interested in researching important issues that affect the state, such as trade, tech innovation, commerce, and pro-growth policy. You can learn more about and apply for the fellowship here.

Joe Pitts

Joe Pitts is a born and bred Arizonan who formerly served as the program director at the Arizona Chamber Foundation. He graduated Arizona State University's Barrett, the Honors College in 2023 with a B.S. in Management and concurrent B.S. in Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.

Add comment

Subscribe to the Dry Heat

Get updates on the most important news delivered right to your email. Fully personalized options. No SPAM. Unsubscribe anytime.

Sign Me Up!

Let’s Get Social

Chamber Business News wants to connect with you. Follow us, tweet, share, post, comment... however you get social is the perfect way to connect.