Young Candidate Seeks to Unite Citizens Over AZ Budget Crisis

After adjournment around 7:30 this morning on the 171st day of the legislative session, the Arizona Legislature pushed through a nine-bill legislative package that included $8.4 billion in general fund spending.

PHOENIX, AZ – July 2nd, 2009 – However, what the House and Senate approved budget plan did not include was the 1-cent-per-dollar increase in the state sales tax that Governor Brewer referred to as the cornerstone of an agreement she had reached with GOP legislative leaders. As a result, Brewer signed the budget but issued line-item vetoes on select provisions that will allow her to add back spending for “vital services and public safety.” Nonetheless, Brewer claims the state still remains short on cash to cover its obligations, and consequently called a special session a mere 5 hours after lawmakers wrapped up this morning’s session.

While the intra-GOP fight that marked the brunt of Thursday’s budget negotiations grabbed headlines, legislative Democrats bewailed their exclusion from months of budget talks, a comment on the multifaceted and far-reaching partisanship many are saying lies at the epicenter of the current budget crisis. Senator Minority Whip Linda Lopez stated that “it was sad the Democrats were never included in the negotiations … if they had been, I think we’d  have seen a better outcome for the state of Arizona,” while to the same partisan tune, Senator Ron Gould characterized the months-long tax fight as a “battle for the heart and soul of the Republican party.”

Although having been at war with her own party, Brewer asked in a formal statement on the budget released today “that legislators re-dedicate themselves in a bi-partisan fashion to crafting a budget that reflects favorably on the future of Arizona,” while at the same time grandstanding that due to her actions, state government services will continue to function, paying no dues to the Arizona Legislature’s efforts. It is for this reason that Independent candidate for Arizona’s 2010 gubernatorial race, John Paul Mitchell, has called upon the citizens of Arizona to “either recall all legislative leaders responsible for the budget crisis [along with the governor] or unify the House and Senate,” with both political parties ensuring that the events of the last couple of days never happens again. It is under the latter theme of partisanship that Mitchell claims to function as not only an individual, but as a man running for political office.

“Although, I cannot say I blame Governor Brewer for calling a special session over this budget crisis,” Mitchell stated, “she should have been more proactive in working with all legislators from both parties over the last six months. The Arizona Legislature as it is now is a dog-eat-dog power struggle for control. It is this power struggle that got us here in the first place.” In recent statements, Mitchell sought to evoke hope in Arizonan citizens, stating that “we can make it through these challenging times when we are willing to bring citizens and officials together in a unified assembly,” something he has been relaying to his followers on Twitter, a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time. It is on Twitter that thousands have been sharing their thoughts, opinions, concerns and questions with regards to the budget crisis under the hash tag #azfails; many of which have begun to rally under Mitchell’s “bi-partisanship or recall” sentiments. There is no question that many are frustrated,   confused, disillusioned or downright infuriated with the incapability of the Arizona Legislature and Brewer to reach a budget deal. In a response to a question from a follower on Twitter, Mitchell reaffirmed “that as the people, we have the ability to recall our elected and appointed officials.”

Due to all of the above, Mitchell had this to say, “I would like to deliver the Arizona Legislature an ultimatum on behalf of our angry, disheartened citizens of this state. Fix the budget without cutting spending on education, necessary social services like child protection, and other state necessities. If our elected officials are not able to get along long enough to draft and propose a responsible budget, then the people’s only action will be a recall election for every seat in the House and Senate. I call upon the people of Arizona to unite in this effort to demand our elected leaders do the right thing, or else face a total recall of the legislative body.”

John Paul Mitchell, 30, is an Independent candidate for Arizona’s 2010 gubernatorial race. As a fiscal conservative and young businessmen at 30-years-old, Mitchell believes government should be run like a business. This belief stems from the irresponsibility of politicians, from both the executive and legislative branches of our state republic, to balance a responsible budget. Additionally, Mitchell has authored a book titled “No More Taxes,” a historical and spiritual book on the ethics and morality of money and taxes that lies down the fundamentals of why America was founded, why it was necessary for international bankers to start a centralized banking system, and how the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was never legally ratified. Mitchell is available for interviews and additional comments. For additional information, please visit http://www.aznextgov.org.

(Source: PRLog.org)

Arizona Shutdown Leaves Citizens, Gov. Candidate Frustrated

The six month gridlock between Governor Brewer and the Arizona Legislature has concluded in a nearly complete shutdown of the government. Because of the novelty of the situation, state officials have been left without a clear sense of how to proceed, ultimately questioning which government functions will continue.

As a result of the GOP standoff between Governor Brewer, Senator Burns, and Representative Adams which failed to bring to fruition a budget deal, scores of government functions have ground to a halt. Under plans submitted to the Department of Administration, drivers’ licenses will be unavailable, road construction will come to a standstill, and reports of child abuse will not be investigated. Moreover, across the state, parks will close, visitation at state prisons will be suspended and the Department of Health Services will be unable to track infectious diseases.

According to Arizona gubernatorial candidate John Paul Mitchell, the months-long gridlock between the governor and legislative body over the state budget is inexcusable. Additionally, Mitchell comments that “the inability of our elected officials to do their job is devastating and irresponsible,” consequently suggesting that “these government officials be recalled from their entrusted vocation and duties,”  a sentiment echoed by Senator Carolyn Allen.  “We have the votes to throw them out … but nobody wants their job,” speaking specifically about senators Pamela Gorman and Chuck Gray who voted against the same sales-tax referral they endorsed just a few days prior.

“The impact of a statewide shutdown of our government and the necessary services it provides will affect every Arizona man, woman, and child” says Mitchell. Carol Stambaugh, with the Arizona chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, fears the threat to health care for the poor and aforementioned child abuse investigations the recent shutdown has made. “We already know that child abuse reports are up. This is the absolute worst possible time that we could see a shutdown in which there would be no ability to investigate new child abuse cases,” Stambaugh says. Although Mitchell realizes “at this time, the impact is unforeseen,” he believes that “if we continue without a budget or adequate solution, the consequences may be extreme and horrifying.”

The contingency plans that have been drafted in case of a shutdown only work to fund limited government functions for a limited amount of time. These limited government functions will most likely only be those that are specifically required by the state or federal constitutions, court order or voter mandate, according to William Bell, the Director of the Department of Administration. Left in the wake of this shutdown will be low-income families who rely on daycare subsidies in order to work,  government employees of “unnecessary” agencies who will not receive their paychecks July 2, and many, many others.

Frustrated by the lack of professionalism and prioritizing Governor Brewer and the Arizona Legislature has exhibited the past six months, Mitchell seeks to remind the citizens of Arizona that “if our elected officials will not take charge, then we must replace them with intelligent and determined citizens that will.” Additionally, Mitchell calls upon the citizens of Arizona to remember that they are part of a representative democracy, and that they have the utmost power to unseat and seat whomever they wish by a popular vote. Despite the dark cloud that has moved in over the State of Arizona, Mitchell believes “we can make it through these challenging times when we are willing to bring the citizens and elected officials together in a unified assembly to resolve our state’s budget ordeal.”

John Paul Mitchell is an Independent candidate for Arizona’s 2010 gubernatorial race. As a businessman and fiscal conservative, Mitchell believes government should be run like a business. This belief stems from the irresponsibility of politicians, from both the executive and legislative branches of our state republic, to balance a responsible budget. Additionally, Mitchell has authored a book titled “No More Taxes,” a historical and spiritual book on the ethics and morality of money and taxes that lies down the fundamentals of why America was founded, why it was necessary for international bankers to start a centralized banking system, and how the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was never legally ratified. Mitchell is available for interviews and additional comments. For additional information, please visit http://www.aznextgov.org.

(Source: PRLog.org, AZNextGov.org)

AZ Gov. Candidate Calls Citizens to Action Over State Budget Deal

For Immediate Release

PHOENIX, AZ – Jun 28, 2009 – Although the specifics of the budget deal have yet to be released, sources say it includes:

* A referral to the November 2009 ballot of a temporary, 1-cent-per-dollar increase in the state sales tax.
* The implementation of a flat state-income tax at a rate of 2.8 percent, beginning in 2012.
* A permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax.

In broad terms, according to legislative sources, the budget deal calls for $600 million in spending cuts and would sweep just over $260 million for special state funds. These spending cuts delve deep into funds for the K-12 education system as well as to vital social service programs that serve children, the elderly and disabled while at the same time burdening the middle class with a huge sales tax increase at a time when families are struggling.

According to John Paul Mitchell, Independent candidate for Arizona’s 2010 gubernatorial race, the deal “between Governor Brewer and key legislative leaders has averted the common practice of law,” finding a loophole in the legalese of Arizona’s state constitution in order to not deliver passed bills to the Governor’s desk immediately. With months of Republican infighting, valuable time has been lost — time that could have been spent practicing a republican form of government. “Now, the people of Arizona must pay the price and ultimately decide if a sales tax increase is suitable to our government, economy, families, and our lives,” Mitchell says.

Although Mitchell is confident that the majority of Arizonans will vote against the temporary sales tax increase if the bill is passed, he believes such an increase is not the answer. Ultimately, he asks, “If Arizonans are already spending less and trying to save more, how will tacking an extra $615 per family onto the $6,000 already being taken from each Arizona citizen resolve anything?” Mitchell asks that government officials and citizens alike not forget that our government cannot fix its problems of overspending by taking more from the people. “In an already challenging and devastating economy, a deal such as the one struck by our legislative leaders only puts Arizona on path to certain economic destruction,” Mitchell states. “The deal is nonsensical and extremely ill-advised, and I urge the citizens of Arizona to call their representatives in the House and Senate and openly express their concerns.”

John Paul Mitchell is an Independent candidate for Arizona’s 2010 gubernatorial race. As a businessman and fiscal conservative, Mitchell believes government should be run like a business. This belief stems from the irresponsibility of politicians, from both the executive and legislative branches of our state republic, to balance a responsible budget. Additionally, Mitchell has authored a book titled “No More Taxes,” a historical and spiritual book on the ethics and morality of money and taxes that lies down the fundamentals of why America was founded, why it was necessary for international bankers to start a centralized banking system, and how the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was never legally ratified. Mitchell is available for interviews and additional comments. For additional information, please visit http://www.aznextgov.org.

(Source: PRLog.org)

DPS Reviews Contract with Speed-Camera Operators

The threat of a state-government shutdown could be welcome news for one select group of residents: speeders.

The state Department of Public Safety is reviewing the contract with the camera operator to determine whether tabling the controversial photo-enforcement program would violate the agreement. A clause allows DPS to cancel the contract when in the best interests of the state, without penalty or recourse.

The agency is reviewing all non-essential functions in case the threatened shutdown becomes reality. While any revenue for the state is at a premium – and the program has generated more than $12 million – those employees would likely join the non-essential ranks, along with many others who don’t perform patrols.

(Source: AZCentral.com)

Lewis Hits the Ground Running as Gilbert’s New Mayor

About a week before he was sworn in, John Lewis said he planned to jump into the role of Gilbert mayor cautiously.

Friends and family had advised him to slow his normally lightning corporate speed. Lewis agreed, saying public meeting laws demanded it and he also wanted to make sure the entire council and town staff had a chance to develop a shared vision for Gilbert before moving too ahead.

“Even that is a little bit frustrating because I’d like to move very quickly,” he said. “I’d like to get the Town Council together tonight and have discussions. But some of that is not possible.”

But if his first days in office are any indication, slow for Lewis is anything but. Gilbert may need to tie on its running shoes to keep up.

Lewis spent the Friday and Saturday before being sworn in at a League of Arizona Cities and Towns training program for newly elected officials.

Tuesday morning he attended the monthly Shop Gilbert meeting, a grassroots effort to encourage residents to spend their money in Gilbert. Tuesday evening he was sworn in, and stayed up late with some out-of-town family members who surprised him with a visit.

Wednesday morning he joined Queen Creek Mayor Art Sanders and Apache Junction Mayor John Insalaco at a press conference at Freestone Park to ask the state legislature to reconsider some of the aspects of the state budget that could impact municipal revenues.

Lewis ran from there to the third annual Gilbert Chamber of Commerce excellence in business awards luncheon, where he served as MC. “Sometimes you have to go for it and do the best you can,” he said. “I didn’t do any Chevy Chase-like trips or anything like that. I think I did OK.”

Lewis told the approximately 160 guests that he was excited to be there. Because his predecessor Steve Berman had an ongoing feud with the chamber, this was the first time a Gilbert mayor had been a special guest at any chamber function in the past five years.

In presenting the “rookie of the year award” to A.L. Russell & Associates, he quipped that he felt a special bond with owner Alonzo Russell because “let’s see, I’ve been mayor for about 15 hours and I guess that makes me a rookie too.”

Next on the day’s agenda was his first Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy Committee meeting in Phoenix with other Valley mayors.

Thursday, he’s speaking at a Banner Desert Medical Center leadership conference and then attending a meeting about a possible economic development opportunity for the town. He declined to offer specifics.

Friday, Lewis said, he’s spending some time on his day job. He works for Apollo Group/University of Phoenix.

Monday, Lewis will participate in his first Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board meeting, and then has a couple more meetings about economic development opportunities.

Lewis said economic development is a key focus for him right now.

“I would like to move at light sped on that,” he said. “I’m taking it at a pace that can go as fast as it can right now. You realize you’re going to do the best you can and each day you learn how to do things better.”

Tuesday, the Gilbert Town Council will host an annual joint meeting with the Chamber of Commerce at 6 p.m. in the Gilbert Municipal Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive. It is open to the public.

Between all these scheduled meetings, Lewis has begun meeting town staff.

“I wish I had 48 hours instead of just 24 in a day,” he said. “But for right now we’re off and running.”

(Source: AZCentral.com)

Speaking Freely: Blogger Takes on City Hall

The Goldwater Institute recently published their 2008 Annaul Report. The below article appeared in that report:

Oro Valley, Arizona retiree Art Segal planned on his blog becoming a place for neighbors to get informed about local politics, fire service, and utility rates. What he didn’t plan on were the town’s efforts to shut down his blog.

Art drew the ire of town officials when he posted blog entries endorsing two non-incumbent candidates for town council. Th e town clerk summoned Art to town hall to file as a political action committee – a clear move to block Segal’s endorsements. When he refused, the town attorney told Art that if he would simply remove the posts and links to the candidates’ sites, the “problem could go away.”

What town officials didn’t count on were Art’s insistence on his First Amendment rights and his partnering with the Goldwater Institute to protect his rights in court if necessary. Goldwater Institute attorney Clint Bolick wrote that the requirement to file as a political action committee would “paralyze the blogosphere, which is the most revolutionary means of political expression since the invention of the soapbox.” If city governments were able to silence local gadflies, then the future of political dissent would be bleak indeed. The Goldwater Institute continues to stand in defense of this most fundamental right.

Commentary: I’m glad Mr. Segal stood up for his constitutionally protected rights. And I’m glad the Goldwater Institute backed him. Citizens, not just in Arizona, but all throughout America must always keep a watchful eye on their elected officials and the politicalheads. Its never been uncommon for a city, state, or federal official to abuse their power and limitations.

Goldwater Institute Hires Investigative Journalist Mark Flatten

Continuing its efforts to monitor state government activities, the Goldwater Institute announces that renowned Arizona journalist Mark Flatten has joined the organization as an investigative reporter. Mr. Flatten’s investigative reports have led to changes in the law and prompted numerous federal and state investigations.

“We take our role as government watchdog seriously,” said Darcy Olsen, Goldwater Institute president and CEO. “And we are thrilled to have the opportunity to hire one of Arizona’s premiere investigative journalists to research, investigate and expose government corruption and abuse.”

After graduating from Arizona State University in 1981, Mr. Flatten spent five years covering local governments in Chandler, Pinal County and Scottsdale. In 1986, Mr. Flatten was assigned to the state capitol, where he provided award-winning coverage of the rise and fall of former Gov. Evan Mecham, who was impeached.

In almost 20 years of covering state government, Mr. Flatten consistently broke important stories about elected officials and policy issues, from the AzScam political corruption scandal to the alternative fuels fiasco. He also led the Tribune’s coverage of terrorism and its ties to Arizona after the Oklahoma City bombing and 9-11 attacks.

Mr. Flatten’s investigative projects have been recognized in some of the nation’s top journalism awards competitions. His series on state racketeering and forfeiture laws won numerous top national awards, including the Molly Livingston Award and the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Award. He is also a past winner of the Arizona Press Club’s Virg Hill Newsperson of the Year award.

In 2005, Mr. Flatten was the lead reporter in a special project on Valley developers that won the national Sigma Delta Chi Award and took first place in the regional Best of the West competition. He also has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Perhaps Mr. Flatten’s most unique distinction is he is the only reporter ever to be banned from the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives. He wasn’t banned for misbehavior, but rather because of an investigative article he wrote linking a former House speaker to the 1976 murder of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles.

(Source: Goldwater Institute)

Governor Brewer Sues Arizona Legislature

Gov. Jan Brewer filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Legislature shortly before noon Tuesday, arguing that lawmakers have violated the state Constitution by refusing to send her a state-budget plan that they passed nearly two weeks ago.

Brewer is asking the state Supreme Court to order the Legislature to send her the budget bills so she may either sign or veto them. The 55-page filing names as defendants the full House and Senate, and specifically cites House Speaker Kirk Adams, R-Mesa; Senate President Bob Burns, R-Peoria; and Secretary of the Senate Charmion Billington.

“I feel what I’m doing is right,” Brewer told reporters from the northwest steps of a building in downtown Phoenix that houses the state Supreme Court. “It’s right for the people of Arizona.”

The suit comes amid the growing likelihood of a shutdown of state government if officials can’t reach a budget accord by June 30, the end of the fiscal year. Brewer asked for the court to consider the case quickly.

“The Arizona Legislature’s disregard for the Constitutional process and requirements has stalled the budget process for fiscal 2010 and may result in a shutdown of vital government services if the budget process is not allowed to continue,” wrote Joseph Kanefield, Brewer’s general counsel.

The state Constitution states that bills approved by the Legislature “shall” be presented to the governor upon final passage, but does not specify how quickly the measures must be transmitted.

The lawsuit represents a ratcheting-up of political pressure surrounding 2010 budget talks. The state faces a shortfall in excess of $3 billion, and the Republican Brewer remains at odds with a Republican-led Legislature regarding how to close the shortfall while maintaining critical state services. Brewer would like legislators to approve or refer to the 2009 ballot a temporary tax hike, something lawmakers have thus far refused to do.

On June 4, Republican legislators passed a budget proposal for 2010. But rather than sending the package to the governor, as is customary, Burns and Adams opted to hang onto the plan and use it as leverage in further budget negotiations with Brewer.

GOP legislative leaders said their intent was to find a compromise with the governor and avoid her veto. But Brewer told reporters Tuesday that she views the maneuver as an attempt to “usurp the power of the governor” and coerce her signature of the spending plan.

As the days have passed, Brewer said she has come to suspect that legislators plan to wait until the end of the month to send her the budget bills — forcing her at the 11th hour to either sign a plan she doesn’t like or shut down state government.

One-on-one talks between Brewer and GOP legislative leaders short-circuited Sunday evening. Brewer asked that Adams and Burns re-start those talks with her this afternoon, and she stressed that time remains to reach a fiscal agreement and avoid a shutdown.

“This is something that could be done very quickly,” Brewer said. “It’s not impossible.”

Commentary: I have to agree with Governor Jan Brewer, the Arizona State Legislature not sending an approved bill to her desk for decision is unconstitutional. There is no reason it should take two weeks, and if I were governor, I’d go down to the Legislature and pick up the bills myself.

However, the Legislature’s unwillingless to cooperate with the governor and send her the requested budget bills is a clear sign the Legislature is not happy with Brewer’s 5-point budget plan nor her tax increase proposal. They are not confident in the state’s executive leader to pass their budget bills.

Any candidate running against Brewer in the primary or general ballot will have a great chance of defeating her in the November 2010 election. I’m sure Terry Goddard is counting his lucky stars at Brewer’s political downward spiral.

There’s only one problem. Goddard will have to compete against me for the prized Governor’s seat.

(Source: AZCentral.com)

Is America a Center Right Country?

Here is a graph of the latest Gallup poll. As you can see, as many of us believe, this is a Center Right country.

The data was accumulated from, get this, 40,000 interviews!

If the Obama Administration doesn’t get a clue or continues to ignore these hard realities, there will be a political revolution.

(Source: Sonoran Alliance)

Democrats: Holding Governor Brewer Accountable

Fellow Democrats,
Some of you may have read The Arizona Republic’s editorial last Thursday, which criticized our party, and me, for holding Governor Brewer accountable for the serious flaws in her budget plan, all of which undercut Arizona’s children and our future.  The Republic’s editorial even questioned whether Democrats have abandoned constituencies who care about education, health care, and children with disabilities.  I felt compelled to respond to these wrong-headed statements with a Letter to the Editor, which was published in yesterday’s Republic.  You can click here to read my response in full.
I write to you today because our response as a Party cannot be limited to a 250-word Letter to the Editor. That’s why we plan today to set the record straight on the Governor’s misguided budget plan. Later today we will (1)  issue a press release, (2)  a Twitter blast and (3) a Facebook blast, all directed to a new webpage that details the flaw in the Governor’s budget plan. We will continue to hold Governor Brewer accountable during the budget stalemate, but we must have your help to be effective.
We want the state to resonate with objections from all Democrats to the Governor’s budget. We need to detail the budget proposed by legislative Democrats, and explain why and how Democrats are looking to move Arizona forward to the bright future our state deserves. We need you to write to your local paper, comment on the blogs, call radio stations and contact state lawmakers to spread our message. Whichever you choose, make your voice heard TODAY!
Please spread the word about the serious problems with Governor Brewer’s vision for Arizona.
Governor Brewer’s budget:
Raises a regressive sales tax that hurts middle-class Arizonans. Brewer’s tax increase will place a heavier tax burden on Arizona families to the tune of $438 a year. Arizona will have the 8th highest sales tax in Nation, but will remain 49th in per-pupil spending on education.
Jeopardizes voter-approved funds for education, health care, and early childhood development, and places our children’s future at the mercy of extreme partisan Republicans in our legislature.
Cuts $60 million in health care for children and adults, $30 million from services for the developmentally disabled and others, $30 million from services for high risk prenatal patients, children with life-threatening conditions and others.
Endangers long-term funding for education and health and human services by leaving no stimulus funds for FY ‘11. These important priorities will fall off a “funding cliff” if nothing is done.
Gives away millions in tax breaks for corporations, despite the “funding cliff” faced by schools and health care. Governor Brewer is protecting corporate special interests while our schools face a bleak and uncertain future.
Does not restore cuts to the Department of Revenue, potentially leaving $240 million in unpaid corporate taxes uncollected.
Was 132-days late! Governor Brewer is fully responsible if we reach a government shutdown in 15 days. The Governor wasted months on a hollow five-point plan. She waited until 2 weeks ago to present her budget.
Excludes Democrats. The Governor has refused to invite legislative Democrats to the table to negotiate a bi-partisan budget.
Arizona faces an incredible challenge to protect critical investments in education and health care.  Governor Brewer’s plan undercuts these priorities and jeopardizes our future.
Again, I urge you to take part in our effort to hold the Governor accountable and spread the truth about her short-sighted budget.
Onward and Upward,
Don Bivens
Chair, Arizona Democratic Party

In an email blast dated June 15th, 2009, the Arizona Democratic Party takes the offensive against Governor Brewer and her budget plan:

Fellow Democrats,

Some of you may have read The Arizona Republic’s editorial last Thursday, which criticized our party, and me, for holding Governor Brewer accountable for the serious flaws in her budget plan, all of which undercut Arizona’s children and our future.  The Republic’s editorial even questioned whether Democrats have abandoned constituencies who care about education, health care, and children with disabilities.  I felt compelled to respond to these wrong-headed statements with a Letter to the Editor, which was published in yesterday’s Republic.  You can click here to read my response in full.

I write to you today because our response as a Party cannot be limited to a 250-word Letter to the Editor. That’s why we plan today to set the record straight on the Governor’s misguided budget plan. Later today we will (1)  issue a press release, (2)  a Twitter blast and (3) a Facebook blast, all directed to a new webpage that details the flaw in the Governor’s budget plan. We will continue to hold Governor Brewer accountable during the budget stalemate, but we must have your help to be effective.

We want the state to resonate with objections from all Democrats to the Governor’s budget. We need to detail the budget proposed by legislative Democrats, and explain why and how Democrats are looking to move Arizona forward to the bright future our state deserves. We need you to write to your local paper, comment on the blogs, call radio stations and contact state lawmakers to spread our message. Whichever you choose, make your voice heard TODAY!

Please spread the word about the serious problems with Governor Brewer’s vision for Arizona.

Governor Brewer’s budget:

  • Raises a regressive sales tax that hurts middle-class Arizonans. Brewer’s tax increase will place a heavier tax burden on Arizona families to the tune of $438 a year. Arizona will have the 8th highest sales tax in Nation, but will remain 49th in per-pupil spending on education.
  • Jeopardizes voter-approved funds for education, health care, and early childhood development, and places our children’s future at the mercy of extreme partisan Republicans in our legislature.
  • Cuts $60 million in health care for children and adults, $30 million from services for the developmentally disabled and others, $30 million from services for high risk prenatal patients, children with life-threatening conditions and others.
  • Endangers long-term funding for education and health and human services by leaving no stimulus funds for FY ‘11. These important priorities will fall off a “funding cliff” if nothing is done.
  • Gives away millions in tax breaks for corporations, despite the “funding cliff” faced by schools and health care. Governor Brewer is protecting corporate special interests while our schools face a bleak and uncertain future.
  • Does not restore cuts to the Department of Revenue, potentially leaving $240 million in unpaid corporate taxes uncollected.
  • Was 132-days late! Governor Brewer is fully responsible if we reach a government shutdown in 15 days. The Governor wasted months on a hollow five-point plan. She waited until 2 weeks ago to present her budget.
  • Excludes Democrats. The Governor has refused to invite legislative Democrats to the table to negotiate a bi-partisan budget.

Arizona faces an incredible challenge to protect critical investments in education and health care.  Governor Brewer’s plan undercuts these priorities and jeopardizes our future.

Again, I urge you to take part in our effort to hold the Governor accountable and spread the truth about her short-sighted budget.

Onward and Upward,
Don Bivens
Chair, Arizona Democratic Party