Blog For Arizona

Action Alert: CAP abortion bill in the House today

Posted by AzBlueMeranie:

Your work is not done now that Governor Jan Brewer has vetoed the Religious Bigotry bill from Cathi Herrod and the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP).

The Committee of the Whole (COW) in the House is debating the CAP bill for surprise inspections of abortion clinics,HB 2284 (.pdf) TODAY. This bill is really about harassing and intimidating abortion services providers and invading the constitutional medical privacy rights of their clients. The bill is sponsored by a CAP water carrier, Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria.

Democrats and Planned Parenthood oppose the bill. The federal courts have previously ruled that snap inspections of abortion clinics are unlawful because women’s medical privacy rights are at risk.

Once again our Tea-Publican lawless legislature is pursuing the radical exremist agenda of Cathi Herrod and the CAP. Should this bill ever be signed into law, it will result in another losing lawsuit that pisses away taxpayer money in pursuit of the radical extremist agenda of the CAP.

Contact your legislators now to oppose this unlawful bill.

UPDATE: The bill was approved on a voice vote and will be scheduled for a Third Read roll call vote. Will any of the "mythical moderate Republicans" stand up to say no to this unconstitutional and unlawful bill from Cathi Herrod and CAP?

Healthcare enrollment for AAPI (Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders)

 

Posted by Carolyn Sugiyama Classen

As an Asian American born in raised in the State of Hawaii, this is important to me and my community here in Tucson. Press release info:

"Get your health insurance questions answered and help with enrollment during Enroll AAPI(Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders) on Saturday, March 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center (1288 W River Rd).

 

Certified Navigators will be on hand to help people enroll in a healthcare plan. Information on the new healthcare laws and how to sign up to get healthcare coverage will be presented in English and selected Asian languages (Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese). Representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will also be on hand.

 

Free health screenings for asthma, cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and osteoporosis will also be available. The diabetes test requires fasting 8 hours prior to the screening.

 

This event is made possible thanks to a coalition of partners that includes the Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, the Southern Arizona & Pacific Islander Health Coalition, Pima County Health Department, Health hand other community organizations.

 

For more information, please contact Kim Tham or Sujana Vinjamuri at (520) 300-0627".

 

 

Action Alert: consumer installment loan bill in the House will hurt consumers

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

There is a "consumer lender loans" bill that has made it through the House Rules Committee after approval by the House Finance Committee, HB 2526 (.pdf). It is on the Committee of the Whole (COW) Calendar #10 for TODAY. Contact your legislators to oppose this bill:

From the House Summary of the bill:

HB 2526 modifies the finance charge structure of consumer lender loans and increases the loan origination fee cap.

Current statute prohibits a licensee from paying a fee, commission or bonus, or give anything of value to any merchant, dealer, consumer, or other person in connection with attracting applicants or referring business, with exceptions (A.R.S. § 6-611).

Provisions

·          Increases the cap on loan origination fees to $150.

·          Allows a licensee to pay a fee, commission or bonus, or give anything of value to any merchant, dealer, consumer, or other person for referring business in an amount of up to $100 per completed loan.

·          Allows a licensee to give a consumer any prize, good, wear, merchandise, or tangible property in an aggregated amount of up to $25.

Former Mayoral candidate Mary DeCamp to march to Washington, D.C. for climate action

Posted by Carolyn Classen

The Great March for Climate Action starts on March 1, 2014.

From www.climatemarch.org:

 "The goal of the Great March for Climate Action is to change the heart and mind of the American people, our elected leaders and people across the world to act now to address the climate crisis.

On March 1, 2014, hundreds of climate patriots will set out from Los Angeles, CA, walking 3,000 miles across America to Washington, DC, inspiring action to resolve the climate crisis. This will be one of the largest coast-to-coast marches in American history.

Marchers will be expected to adhere to a strict code of non-violence according to the principles employed by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. An addendum that explains this in greater detail will be provided before the march starts next year. Also, we will provide mandatory non-violence training at the start of the March.

The March seeks to build the broadest possible public consensus and is focused strictly on the climate crisis. Marchers will, of course, have their own personal stories and perspectives. However, it is important that we stick to the core message, in unison, with our words, signs and public presentations.

We plan to govern the March through a “city council” of marchers elected by marchers. At times, we will employ a “town meeting” style of governance involving the entire marcher community, with a simple majority vote to make a decision".

More rats abandon the sinking SB1062 ship

Crossposted on both Democratic Diva and the new BfA site

Man, I called this on Facebook yesterday. After it was reported that Sen. Steve Pierce (R) wanted the Governor to veto SB1062, the religious bigot bill he voted for, I predicted that Sen. Adam Driggs (also R) would follow suit. Unsurprisingly, he was joined by Sen. Bob Worsley (also R).

SB 1062/HB 2153 Veto March at the Capitol Today

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Hero Phoenix has a SB 1062 / HB 2153 VETO MARCH TODAY at 5:30 p.m.

On Monday February 24th we will be gathering again at the Capitol building between 5:30-6pm to MARCH AROUND THE CAPITOL @ 6:30pm! Join us in our continued efforts to stop SB1062. #Bad4AzBiz

Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Wingspan Daily Community Rally to Veto SB 1062 in Tucson

Posted by AzblueMeanie:

Tucson's Wingspan organization has an Official Daily Community Rally - VETO SB1062!

For businesses: you may print this sign directly by going to http://gallery.mailchimp.com/.../files/OPEN_FOR_BUSINESS.pdf

 

Friends and allies, please join us as we continue the momentum in our community. This is an official daily rally that will continue throughout the week! Lets increase the crowds every day and make a stance loud and clear.

Folks have the option to meet at Wingspan, 430 E. 7th Street, Tucson, at 5:00 p.m. to walk downtown for a 5:30 rally. For those who want to park and rally at Granada and Congress, folks could meet there at 5:30 p.m. with placards and horns!

We will continue the rally on the following dates starting at 5:00 p.m.:

Monday, Feb. 24
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Thursday, Feb. 27
Friday, Feb. 28

Here are our parking options, some of which are free:

1) Free parking behind the Governor's Tucson Office at 400 W. Congress. About 30 parking spots.
2) Parking garage 100 ft. west of Gov's office parking lot. Free parking for 59 minutes! $2 for 1-2 hrs.

How to get there?

Heading West on Congress from downtown: Take a Right at the first driveway west of Granada.

Parking options are immediately visible there.

Please share this post and invite your friends!

14th Annual César E. Chávez March & Rally

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition:

I Stand With Planned Parenthood Events

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona:

Join us this spring for our annual I Stand with Planned Parenthood events and be sure to get your tickets soon, as these events always sell out!

• Tucson: March 13, 2014. Purchase tickets here.
• Phoenix: March 14, 2014. Purchase tickets here.
• Flagstaff: April 17, 2014. Purchase tickets here.

Donations to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona are NOT tax-deductible and may be used for political purposes, including supporting and opposing candidates.

Each ticket purchase includes membership in PPAA, which allows you to directly support pro-women's health candidates by contributing to our Super PAC and includes benefits such as primary and general election voter guides, regular communication regarding our endorsed candidates and women's health legislative news.

For information about Tucson event, please contact Edna Meza Aguirre at [email protected] or (520) 784-5810.

For information about Phoenix event, please contact John McDonald-O'Lear at [email protected] or (602) 263-4215.

For information about Flagstaff event, please contact Annet Ruiter at [email protected] or (602) 263-4213.

4th Annual Celebration of International Women's Day

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from CWA Local 7000:

Dolores Huerta International Women’s Day Luncheon & Awards Ceremony

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the César Chávez Holiday Coalition:

Labor's Day of Action at the Capitol

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Arizona List's 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Arizona List:

Arizona List's
  
10th Anniversary Celebrations

March 1, 2014

Tucson - Luncheon

11:00 am Marriott Hotel, 880 E. 2nd Street

Phoenix - Cocktail Reception

5:00 pm Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt

 

---

 

 

Arizona List celebrates 10 years 

with 

Political Strategist Celinda Lake

"Super-strategist or, better yet, the Godmother" American Politics

Get your tickets and tables today at www.arizonalist.org!

In Tucson, join us in celebrating:

 Laura Hogan

&

with special honoree for the 10th Anniversary

EMILY's List Founder Ellen Malcolm

In Phoenix, join us in celebrating:

Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox

 Rising Star Nettie Silleck

It will be a Saturday to remember!

P.S. Want to sponsor a student to attend?

Last year, we were able to bring 40 young women to our events thanks to generous members who gave scholarships!

Buy a ticket at either luncheon and put "student scholarship" in the notes - it is the best way to get our next generation involved and committed.

 Arizona List + You =
Changing the Face of Power in Arizona

 

Contributions to Arizona List and Arizona List PAC are not deductible for tax purposes. Arizona Law limits the amount that an individual can contribute each year to candidates and non-party committees that support candidates. Paid for by Arizona List and not authorized by any candidate.

Labor's Legislative Meetings

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Human Rights Watch Film Festival continues in Tucson

 

Posted by Carolyn Classen

Don't despair is you missed the first 2 films from this provocative film series on Feb. 8 and Feb. 18. See listings below for the remaining 7 films through April 7.  This first one was a documentary about the work being done in the "Deep South"(Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana) for those diagnosed positive with HIV, with limited resources. The 2nd film was a love story about Timorese resistance ("Alias Ruby Blade: A Story of Love and Revolution").

From Loft Cinema website (note that only the last film is at the Loft, be sure to note the locales around town):

MONDAY FEBRUARY 8 - MONDAY, APRIL 7 | FREE SCREENINGS!
THIS PROGRAM IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE ARIZONA HUMANITIES COUNCIL

The Human Rights Watch Film Festival bears witness to human rights violations and creates a forum for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to empower audiences with the knowledge that personal commitment can make a difference. The film festival brings to life human rights abuses through storytelling in a way that challenges each individual to empathize and demand justice for all people.
Each year's traveling festival showcases films from the London and New York Human Rights Watch Film Festivals. The Loft is proud to present 9 of these films to audiences in Southern Arizona.

Additional funding provided by Ventana Charitable Foundation, The Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, University of Arizona School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and The Aurora Foundation of Southern Arizona.

---

      Rafea: Solar Mama

       One showing only! Monday, Feb 24th 2014 at YWCA, 525 Bonita Ave.

• The story of Rafea, a Bedouin woman, who is selected for an intriguing programme called the Barefoot College in India where she joins 30 illiterate women from different countries to train to become solar engineers over the course of six months.

        

Tall as a Baobab Tree

• One showing only! Monday, Mar 3rd 2014 at Boys & Girls Club, Holmes Tuttle Club house, Pueblo Gardens Park, 2585 E. 36th St.

  Tall as the Baobab Tree poignantly depicts a family struggling to find its footing on the edge of the modern world fraught with tensions between tradition and modernity.
  
  
  My Afghanistan: Life In The Forbidden Zone

• One showing only! Wednesday, Mar 12th 2014 at Joel D. Valdez Main library, 101 N. Stone Ave.

• Nagieb Khaja,  a Danish journalist of Afghan origin,travels to Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province in Afghanistan and gives people living in outlying communities mobile phones equipped with cameras and asks them to film their daily lives, providing a rare glimpse into the war-torn existence of ordinary Afghans.

Please don't make the religious bigot bill look like a "both sides" thing

Crossposted at DemocraticDiva.com

Opponents of SB1062, the bill that could basically allow any form of discrimination so long as it was “sincerely religious” are planning to amass at the Capitol today to protest this outrage and encourage the Governor to veto it.

Several of these signs will be available at the rally, and some have already been spotted on shop windows throughout the state. (more after the jump)

Tucson's Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria protest goes viral

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Tucson's Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria has gone viral with its creative protest against the Religious Bigotry bill. https://www.facebook.com/roccoslittlechicago

Huffington Post, Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria Serves Up Fantastic Response To Arizona's Anti-Gay Bill.

Will someone please arrange to have these signs distributed to establishments in Phoenix/Tempe known to be frequented by our state legislators? Let's make them uncomfortable.

Demonstration Against Religious Bigotry Bill Today (Updated)

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Could this be the beginning of the Moral Mondays Movement I have been asking for?

Demonstration Against SB1062/HB2153

People are starting to go to the Capitol and aiming for a large protest gathering TODAY between 4 and 6 pm... Signs, speakers, good shoes. Come and be seen. Peaceful and respectful actions!

Arizona’s State Legislature and the conservative majority in control are pushing to pass the expanded “religious freedom” bills and then have them signed immediately by Governor Brewer. These bills would allow businesses to deny services based on their deeply held religious beliefs, basically making discrimination legal and making the LGBTQ Community a clear target. But we know it won't stop there!

 Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix.

 

Action Alert: Contact Governor Brewer, tell her to veto SB 1062, the Religious Bigotry bill

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The Tea-Publican controlled Arizona House passed the Religious Bigotry today, and conformed the bill to the Senate version passed yesterday. The bill will now be transmitted to Governor Jan Brewer. Contact Governor Brewer and tell her to veto this state-sanctioned discrimination bill, as she did last year. Arizona does not need another blacke eye like SB 1070.

The Arizona Republic reports, Ariz. House passes controversial religion bill; goes to Gov. Brewer:

The Legislature has given final approval to a controversial religion bill that’s spurring intense debate at the Legislature and across the country.

The legislation, written by the conservative advocacy group Center for Arizona Policy and the Christian legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, would allow individuals to use religious beliefs as a defense against a lawsuit.

Opponents have dubbed it the “right to discriminate” bill, and say it could prompt an economic backlash against the state, similar to what they say occurred when the state passed the controversial immigration law Senate Bill 1070 in 2010.

* * *

The bill will be sent to Gov. Jan Brewer, who has five days to sign it into law, veto the bill or do nothing and allow it to become law.

Action Alert: Religious Bigotry bill on House COW Calendar today

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The House calendar for the Committee of the Whole (COW) today includes Rep. "Fast Eddie" Farnsworth's House version of the Religious Bigotry bill, HB 2153, passed by Tea-Publicans in the Senate on Wednesday. Business takes place this afternoon.

Where are the "Mythical Moderate Republicans" in the Republican Party establishment and the business community, in particular, the chamber organizations? The "Mythical Moderate Republican" Ethan Orr (R-Tucson) will have to vote on this bill. LD 9 will be watching, E.Orr.

Other bills on the COW Calendar in the House today of note:

HB 2012, Rep. John Kavanagh's "vexatious litigation" bill that somehow exempts the Arizona Legislature and the "Kochtopus" Death Star, the Goldwater Institute, who file more vexatious litigation than anyone else.

HB 2058, Rep. John Kavanagh's bill to limit compensation under public pensions. This bill may be preempted by an Arizona Supreme Court decision to be announced today. Arizona high court to rule on judges' pensions.

HB 2107, Rep. John Kavanagh's bill regarding the number of candidate and ballot measure signatures in elections. This is the piecemeal approach to enacting HB 2305 that you have heard about.

I got yer "goofy hypotheticals" right here.

The AZ Senate debated SB1062, which would allow discrimination so long as it was for “sincerely held” religious reasons. Theocrats have tried, unsuccessfully, to pass similar laws in four other states but there’s a chance Governor Brewer could sign this one if it passes the House. The video isn’t up yet but the floor session was interesting.

Democrats tried valiantly to amend the bill on the floor, including one attempt where Sen. Ableser, hilariously, got the Republicans on record as supporting the rights of Satanists to do their thing. Democrats also cited several possible ways the law could be used to discriminate against LGBT and other groups, which Sen. Yarbrough (R) dismissed as “goofy hypotheticals”.

Action Alert: Guns in Public Buildings bill HB 2339 in House Judiciary Committee on Thursday

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Action Alert from Arizonans for Gun Safety:

WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION TODAY!

HB2339 will be heard in the Arizona House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, February 20 at 8 AM. This bill will require all Public (state and local government) buildings and events to provide metal detectors and/or security personnel to screen people entering if they want to prevent people with Concealed Carry Weapons permits from entering with their guns.

This is a really bad bill and we need the Coalition to show strong opposition. Here’s what you can do:

If you are registered in the Arizona Legislative Information System (by having signed up in person at the Capitol kiosk), please go into ALIS and Request to Speak. You can select not to speak, select "against" HB2339 and give comments to support your position. Here are talking points you can use:

· Arizona voters do NOT support guns in public buildings. In a 2011 public opinion poll, an overwhelming 75% of Arizonans including 72% of gun owners opposed allowing guns in government buildings.

· The cost of providing the required security measures at public building entrances will be prohibitive and an unfunded mandate on local governments.

· Guns do not belong in places designed for families, children and youth. Society has always deemed places like swimming pools, libraries, and community centers as gun free zones. There is NO EVIDENCE that supports changing this long held policy.

· Law enforcement officials believe more guns in public places will complicate police work and endanger bystanders, if when they respond to a shooting scene there are multiple people with firearms in their hands.

2014 Peace Fair & Music Festival in 32nd year

Posted by Carolyn Classen

Tucson Peace Center's Calendar has a new colorful website look (click here). Easier to read their postings and event listings. Their peace calendar is also available at most Pima County public libraries.

 

Theme for this year's peace festival is "Climate Justice", and also new is the Climate Cabaret Ramada, so check it out. Call Chair Mary DeCamp, former Democratic Ward 3 and Mayoral candidate, for more info at (520) 445-4110.

 

Peace Fair's Schedule:

11:00 - Earth Spirit

11:30 - One Heartbeat

12:00 - Kathleen Williamson

12:30 - Mitzi Cowell

12:45 - Tucson's Raging Grannies

1:00 - Wayback Machine

2:00 - Baba Marimba

2:50 – Victor Shamas & Repose

3:00 - Spirit Familia

4:00 - Change Agents

Abortion access returns to Flagstaff, which displeases LifeSiteNews

Crossposted from DemocraticDiva.com

Planned Parenthood of AZ announced the good news this morning:

Planned Parenthood Arizona – Flagstaff Health Center In 2011, Planned Parenthood Arizona was forced to stop providing abortion care at a number of our health centers due to legislation that made the provision of this care nearly impossible. Our health center in Flagstaff was one of them.

For the past two and a half years, women living outside of Pima and Maricopa County have encountered miles of travel, days of wages lost, and several nights away from loved ones in order to access this safe and legal medical procedure. These barriers, created by politicians who have no business interfering with a woman’s personal medical decisions, were faced and overcome by many women – but not all.

Feb 19 City Council Meetings: Bus Fare Hike, Ronstadt Transit Center Redevelopment

by Pamela Powers Hannley

At the Feb. 19 study session and evening meeting, the Tucson City Council will consider two issues that could greatly affect bus service in our town.

During the study session, they will consider a proposal to increase bus fares. At the regular evening meeting, they will hear public comments about the proposed redevelopment of the Ronstadt Transit Center. (Proposals and background here.) In between these two meetings, the Tucson Bus Riders Union will have a rally outside of the City Council Chambers, beginning at 4 p.m. (Details and related articles below.)

AWPC Legislative Unwrap Brown Bag Lunch

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona Women's Political Caucus:

If you haven't already RSVP'd there's still time email [email protected] or call Amy at 520-406-2421

We look forward to seeing you there!

PDA: Put the Constitution Behind Pay Equity

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Progressive Democrats of America (Arizona):

Put the Constitution behind Pay Equity

Help end discrimination on the basis of sex permanently by ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment. Bring HCR2016 to a vote in the Arizona Legislature.

Currently, ERA ratification is stalled in the Arizona House Judiciary Committee. This is the last week for bills to be heard. If HCR2016 is not heard this week, it will be dead for this session.

Contact Judiciary Committee Chair Eddie Farnsworth ([email protected], 602-926-5735) and tell him to put HCR2016 on the committee's agenda. The women of Arizona deserve economic equality.

You can also contact your representatives and senators about the ERA. Tell them that you support the ERA and encourage them to vote for ratification when it is considered by the full legislature.

Arizona House roster http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp?Body=H

Arizona Senate roster http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp?Body=S

4th Annual Celebration of International Women's Day

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from CWA Local 7000:

Lens on the Land photo exhibit "Rosemont: What's at Stake?" continues at Fluxx Gallery till Feb. 26

 

 

Santa Rita Mountains in the winter (anonymous photographer), photo courtesy of Lens on the Lands

 Posted by Carolyn Classen

Lens on the Land presents Rosemont: What's at Stake is “a collection of stunning photographs celebrating the cultural and ecological richness of the Santa Rita Mountains and surrounding watersheds that would be impacted by the proposed  Rosemont Mine.”

If you missed the opening reception on Feb. 1 or the Feb. 16 video production premier of “Rosemont Ours” by NEW ARTiculations Dance Theatre, there’s still a chance to see both the photography show & video at Fluxx Gallery.  The show runs till Feb. 26, with gallery hours:

Thursdays & Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m.

Saturdays & Sundays, 12 to 6 pm.

Fluxx Studio & Gallery is at 414 E. 9th St. (just east of 4^th Avenue, north of the 4^th Avenue underpass).

My husband and I recently attended the Feb. 16 event where about 6 people stood up on the stage and read their eco-friendly poetry about that area, followed by the “Rosemont Ours” video, produced by Ben Johnson with dancers on location interpreting native wildlife (plants & animals) in the Santa Rita Mountains.  A Behind the Scenes video of the filming was shown as well.

To view some of the photos of the Santa Rita Mts. and environs, go to www.lensontheland.com.

Sponsors for the show are: Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, Sonoran Institute, Josh Schachter Photography.

Additional support came from Clif Bar Family Foundation, Western Mining Action Network, and Summit Hut.

 Also, Josh Schachter and friends posted 7 super large B/W copies of some of the photos from this show on the Steinfeld & Co. Warehouse, 104 W. 6th Street (west of Stone Ave).  Check it out and drop by Fluxx Gallery this week or next. Photo below courtesy of Josh.

 

 

 

Deadline Looms: ERA Ratification Assigned to Judiciary Committee in AZ Legislature

by Pamela Powers Hannley

Rep. Victoria Steele’s (D-9) bill to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (HCR2016) was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee late last week. (You’ll remember that mid-week, I reported it was languishing on the desk of House Speaker Andy Tobin.)

This week is the last week for bills to be heard by committees of the Arizona Legislature. Currently, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet onThursday, Feb. 20, 2014. ERA ratification is not on the agenda, but– hey– it’s only Monday. Agendas and committee meeting dates routinely shift around in the Arizona Legislature. Arizona women deserve economic equality. It's time to make some phone calls to Phoenix!

Bills can be killed in multiple ways: they can be voted down in committee, voted down by the Legislature, or just plain ignored by the Speaker or the committee chair. If the HCR2016 isn’t heard this week, it will die in committee. Arizona women deserve economic equality. Tucson's favorite "moderate" LD9 Rep. Ethan Orr is on the Judiciary Committee; he could be an important swing vote on the ERA.  [Contact information for committee members after the jump.]

Panel discussion on homelessness held at Main Library in Tucson

 

Posted by Carolyn Classen

Over 125 people filled up the Lower Level 1 meeting room of the Joel D. Valdez Main library yesterday in downtown Tucson for a Community Forum/panel discussion on homelessness.  Tim Steller, columnist at the Arizona Daily Star moderated a panel of eight individuals:

Michael Keith, CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership

John Cooper, Organizer with Occupy Public Land

Michele Ream, Social Services Outreach Rep. and Organizer with Community Supported Shelters Tucson

Anthony Potter, Co-founder of Safe Park, and Field Organizer with Occupy Public Land

Jodi Barnes, City of Tucson Community Development

Jon McLane, Co-founder of Safe Park, and Field Organizer with Occupy Public Land

Michael B. Schwartz, Founder of Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB)

Dave Ferrari, Pastor of Central City Assembly

This event was co-sponsored by Downtown Tucson Partnership, Primavera Foundation, Tucson Arts Brigade, Occupy Public Land, Safe Park, Community Supported Shelters, Nonviolence Legacy Project and Central City Assembly.  The only politician represented was Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik (who was ill) – his Chief of Staff Ann Charles was present and spoke at the Q & A session afterward, saying they wanted to assist in continuance of this dialogue.

As we walked in there was a flyer (based on a recent January 30 survey of homeless at Safe Park) entitled “WHAT WE WANT” and this is what was listed:

24 hour bathrooms

Daily showers

Campgrounds

Jobs

To be left alone

Storage lockers

Housing

Coffee

More drop-in/community centers

Elimination of Black Line

Power stations

No income bus passes

Non weapons based industry

Seating in public areas

The right to sit downtown

Community gardens

Recycling

Non weapons based economy

Food

Wi-Fi

Business creation assistance

14th Annual César E. Chávez March & Rally

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition:

John Nichols returns to Tucson

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from PDA and Pima Area Labor Federation:

I Stand With Planned Parenthood Events

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona:

Join us this spring for our annual I Stand with Planned Parenthood events and be sure to get your tickets soon, as these events always sell out!

• Tucson: March 13, 2014. Purchase tickets here.
• Phoenix: March 14, 2014. Purchase tickets here.
• Flagstaff: April 17, 2014. Purchase tickets here.

Donations to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona are NOT tax-deductible and may be used for political purposes, including supporting and opposing candidates.

Each ticket purchase includes membership in PPAA, which allows you to directly support pro-women's health candidates by contributing to our Super PAC and includes benefits such as primary and general election voter guides, regular communication regarding our endorsed candidates and women's health legislative news.

For information about Tucson event, please contact Edna Meza Aguirre at [email protected] or (520) 784-5810.

For information about Phoenix event, please contact John McDonald-O'Lear at [email protected] or (602) 263-4215.

For information about Flagstaff event, please contact Annet Ruiter at [email protected] or (602) 263-4213.

Dolores Huerta International Women’s Day Luncheon & Awards Ceremony

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the César Chávez Holiday Coalition:

Labor's Day of Action at the Capitol

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Arizona List's 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Arizona List:

Arizona List's
  
10th Anniversary Celebrations

March 1, 2014

Tucson - Luncheon

11:00 am Marriott Hotel, 880 E. 2nd Street

Phoenix - Cocktail Reception

5:00 pm Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt

 

---

 

 

Arizona List celebrates 10 years 

with 

Political Strategist Celinda Lake

"Super-strategist or, better yet, the Godmother" American Politics

Get your tickets and tables today at www.arizonalist.org!

In Tucson, join us in celebrating:

 Laura Hogan

&

with special honoree for the 10th Anniversary

EMILY's List Founder Ellen Malcolm

In Phoenix, join us in celebrating:

Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox

 Rising Star Nettie Silleck

It will be a Saturday to remember!

P.S. Want to sponsor a student to attend?

Last year, we were able to bring 40 young women to our events thanks to generous members who gave scholarships!

Buy a ticket at either luncheon and put "student scholarship" in the notes - it is the best way to get our next generation involved and committed.

 Arizona List + You =
Changing the Face of Power in Arizona

 

Contributions to Arizona List and Arizona List PAC are not deductible for tax purposes. Arizona Law limits the amount that an individual can contribute each year to candidates and non-party committees that support candidates. Paid for by Arizona List and not authorized by any candidate.

Labor's Legislative Meetings

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Action Alert: Fight for your right to vote on Monday

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona Democratic Party:

HB2305 Update!

We need your help on Monday, Feb. 17

Thanks to your help, and the signatures of over 144,000 Arizonans, the harmful anti-voter bill HB2305 was referred to the November 2014 ballot.

Now the same politicians who passed HB2305 are trying to repeal it in a desperate attempt to circumvent the referendum process. First they thought they could pass this harmful bill without the scrutiny of voters, now they think they can kill the referendum to avoid being held accountable by the voters.

We think HB2305 is bad because it will hurt voters. Republicans now are trying to repeal it because they think it will hurt them politically. The Legislature has no right to do an end-run around the referendum and the Arizona Constitution, which gives the citizens the right to veto any bill from the Legislature. Additionally, without a referendum, Republicans will be free to pass more harmful anti-voter bills in the future. The Republicans in the Legislature cannot be trusted.

Join us at the State Capitol as we let the Republicans in the Legislature know that we will hold them accountable for taking away the right of the voters to weigh in on this important issue.

 

What:
Day of Action to demand that the voters are not silenced and allowed to vote on HB2305 in November

When:
Monday, February 17, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.

Where:
Lawn of the Arizona State Capitol
Directions

Click Here to SHARE and JOIN our Facebook event for the HB2305 Day of Action

"Both parties suck! Wah! Why won't you Democrats fix it?!?"

Crossposted from DemocraticDiva.com

Laurie Roberts at the AZ Republic is beside herself that the well-heeled proponents of the dumb Top Two Primary idea are, as she delightedly exclaims, baaaaaack. (Much more after the jump)

Time for the restoration of ex-felon voting rights

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Bravo to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. for calling for the restoration of ex-felon voting rights. Someone who has repaid their debt to society should not be forever banned from the franchise to vote. This holdover provision from Jim Crow laws should go. We are a better country than this. Holder Urges States to Lift Bans on Felons’ Voting:

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. called Tuesday for the repeal of laws that prohibit millions of felons from voting, underscoring the Obama administration’s determination to elevate issues of criminal justice and race in the president’s second term and create a lasting civil rights legacy.

In a speech at Georgetown University, Mr. Holder described today’s prohibitions — which in some cases bar those convicted from voting for life — as a vestige of the racist policies of the South after the Civil War, when states used the criminal justice system to keep blacks from fully participating in society.

“Those swept up in this system too often had their rights rescinded, their dignity diminished, and the full measure of their citizenship revoked for the rest of their lives,” Mr. Holder said. “They could not vote.”

Mr. Holder has no authority to enact the changes he called for, given that states establish the rules under which people can vote.

Poverty panel hosted by Neal Conan at the Fox Theater tomorrow

Posted by Carolyn Sugiyama Classen

 From Community Foundation of Southern Arizona:

"Tucson’s poverty rates remained among the nation’s highest last year, with one in five living below the poverty threshold. Although Pima County’s poverty rate held steady in 2012 at 20 percent, the poverty rate among children was 29 percent. Many elderly, veterans, and single mothers in Pima County are struggling each and every day to survive; even while working one, two, sometimes three jobs. They just might be your neighbor, or a family member. How does one become part of the ‘working poor’? Who is doing what to help? Is it working? How does one escape poverty? Talking won’t solve the problem but perhaps by bringing people and ideas together we can move the needle towards sustained, positive change.

Neal Conan, award-winning journalist, producer, and former host of NPR’s Talk of the Nation will moderate the first Community Interactive: POVERTY :The Working Poor. Joining him will be a panel of educators, social service professionals, and others working every day to help people in need. POVERTY: The Working Poor event will be free to the public. The community is encouraged to participate and submit questions prior to the event at [email protected], on azpm’s facebook page or facebook.com/CFSAZ.

Select questions will be presented at the live event for discussion. Community Interactive – POVERTY: The Working Poor event will be streamed live at azpm.org, and available on demand and broadcast on WORLD on Wednesday, February 19 at 9:30 p.m. and on the UA Channel on Thursday, February 20 at 8 p.m. AZPM will feature the issue on news programming including, AZ Illustrated on PBS 6 and on NPR 89.1. The series is produced in partnership by Arizona Public Media and the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, with support from COX Communications and the Arizona Daily Star."

Panelists include:

Patti Caldwell, executive director of Tucson’s Our Family Services

Molly Castelazo, founder and president of Castelazo Content in Phoenix

Clarice Clash, principal of Tucson High Magnet School

Herminia Cubillos, executive director of Tucson’s JobPath

Ian Galloway, senior research associate of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Peggy Hutchison, chief executive officer of Tucson’s Primavera Foundation

Lane Kenworthy, professor of sociology and political science at the University of Arizona

Michael McDonald, executive director of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

 John Pedicone, former superintendent of Tucson Unified and Flowing Wells school districts.

During and right after law school, I worked at legal aid clinics to assist the poor and working poor (the gap group) with their legal rights. Tucson is a low wage town and this is still an important issue for the thousands of people in need here.

PCDP Precinct Committeeperson Workshop

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Late political calendar submission from the Pima County Democratic Party PC Development committee:

Join us on Sunday, February 16 for a PC Workshop!

This is a great opportunity for all PCs, new and experienced, to meet other PCs, and learn the latest information about PC activities, the VAN and how to present our message. All sessions will be held at Pima County Democratic Headquarters, 4639 E. First St., Tucson, AZ 85711.

1 PM VAN Training with Barbara Tellman

2:30 PM PC Development with Susan Bickel

4 PM Messaging with Michael Dues

Attend 1, 2 or all 3 sessions.

All attendees will receive a copy of the new PC Handbook. It is chock full of information, ideas, resources and forms designed to help you be a successful PC. No matter what your interest, you will find something in this workshop to interest you!

Please RSVP by 5 PM on Friday, Feb. 14 to receive a personalized pin, and neighborhood lists and/or LD maps. Please indicate whether you want maps or neighborhood lists and indicate how you want your name to appear on your pin.

RSVP to Susan Bickel

[email protected] or

520-559-3904

 

(Update) Arizona needs a 'Moral Mondays' movement

Posted by AzblueMeanie:

The "meth lab of democracy," the far-right Tea-Publican controlled Arizona legislature, feels free to engage in their batshit crazy legislation because: (1) the Arizona political media does not shine a bright light on the crazy shit they are doing and call them out for it, and (2) there is no organized public opposition to publicly shame them for doing it.

The citizens of Arizona have been beaten down for so long by the far-right that many citizens are apothetic and have abandoned hope. Which is exactly what the forces of evil want. As Edmund Burke warned, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

So where are the religious and civic leaders of Arizona willing to stand up to the intellectually bankrupt and morally depraved "meth lab of democracy" far-right Tea-Publican controlled Arizona legislature? I have explained why Arizona needs a 'Moral Mondays' movement. This requires the moral suasion of religious leaders and civic leaders. Why do you continue to sit on the sidelines in comfortable complacency and surrender to your apathy? Stand up and fight for justice and what is morally right!

Action Alert: Manic Monday for the GOP batshit crazy base in the AZ Lege

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Your presence is requested. For those of you who have signed up for a legislative account to submit testimony online, now's your chance.

It's Manic Monday for the GOP batshit crazy base in the Arizona legislature. Below are just a few of the highlights (hardly a complete list).

MONDAY

Senate

Judiciary Committee Agenda (.pdf), Room SHR1, at 2:00 p.m. includes: SB 1270 (.pdf), the Senate version of Rep. "Fast Eddie" Farnsworth's (R-Gilbert) bill to repeal the GOP Voter Suppression Act, HB 2305 subject to a citizens referendum ("citizens veto"), HB 2196 (.pdf).

SB 1469 (.pdf) "Allows a person having an interest that is or may be adversely affected by a constitutional provision or a statute that was enacted by voter approved initiative or referendum to file a civil action in superior court on that person’s own behalf or to join an action as a matter of right alleging a violation of any portion of that measure, or defend an action in superior court on that person’s own behalf or to join in the defense of an action as a matter of right in defense of any portion of that measure." Senate Majority Whip Adam Driggs is the principal sponsor.

This is a "teabaggers want to reverse your citizen-approved initiatives and referendums" vexatious litigation free-for-all. Those health care and education citizens initiatives that Arizona voters passed over the years -- they are in the teabaggers' cross-hairs.

Dolores Huerta International Women’s Day Luncheon & Awards Ceremony, and 14th Annual César E. Chávez March & Rally

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition:

Arizona List's 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Arizona List:

Arizona List's
  
10th Anniversary Celebrations

March 1, 2014

Tucson - Luncheon

11:00 am Marriott Hotel, 880 E. 2nd Street

Phoenix - Cocktail Reception

5:00 pm Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt

 

---

 

 

Arizona List celebrates 10 years 

with 

Political Strategist Celinda Lake

"Super-strategist or, better yet, the Godmother" American Politics

Get your tickets and tables today at www.arizonalist.org!

In Tucson, join us in celebrating:

 Laura Hogan

&

with special honoree for the 10th Anniversary

EMILY's List Founder Ellen Malcolm

In Phoenix, join us in celebrating:

Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox

 Rising Star Nettie Silleck

It will be a Saturday to remember!

P.S. Want to sponsor a student to attend?

Last year, we were able to bring 40 young women to our events thanks to generous members who gave scholarships!

Buy a ticket at either luncheon and put "student scholarship" in the notes - it is the best way to get our next generation involved and committed.

 Arizona List + You =
Changing the Face of Power in Arizona

 

Contributions to Arizona List and Arizona List PAC are not deductible for tax purposes. Arizona Law limits the amount that an individual can contribute each year to candidates and non-party committees that support candidates. Paid for by Arizona List and not authorized by any candidate.

Action Alert: Religious Bigotry bill on the agenda on Tuesday

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

One of life's imponderable questions:

Why do the very people who believe an individual, association, partnership, corporation, trust, foundation or other legal entity (because "corporations are people my friend") possess a religious liberty to not comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws simply by invoking the "magic words" that it is "my sincerely held religious belief" to discriminate against gays -- or women, or other religious faiths, or people of color, or other nationalities, etc.

. . . are the very same people who do not believe in the religious liberty or moral conscience choice of a woman to make medical decisions in consultation with her doctor regarding her own body for contraception and abortion? Shouldn't a woman be allowed to invoke her "sincerely held religious belief" in exercising her constitutional rights to contraception and abortion by logical extension of this argument?

Maybe someone should try to get an answer to this moral dilemna from Cathi Herrod and her Christian Taliban at the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) on Tuesday when she is expected to testify in favor of Rep. "Fast Eddie" Farnsworth's House version of the Religious Bigotry bill, HB 2153 (.pdf), in the Committee on Government, at 2:00 p.m. in House Hearing Room 4.

This bill is a "get out of jail free card" for compliance with the public accommodations provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Arizona Civil Rights Act, as amended. Since religion is defined under his bill as an individual's "sincerely held religious beliefs" rather than that of a religious institution -- and the government cannot discriminate among religious beliefs under the First Amendment -- an individual's "sincerely held religious beliefs" that he or she may discriminate against persons of other religious faiths, or another race, ethnic origin, or sex would be permissible. Such a "get out of jail free card" for compliance with laws based upon the mere assertion of "sincerely held religious beliefs" leads to anarchy.

Labor's Day of Action at the Capitol

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Arizona List's 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Announcement from Arizona List:

Arizona List's
  
10th Anniversary Celebrations

March 1, 2014

Tucson - Luncheon

11:00 am Marriott Hotel, 880 E. 2nd Street

Phoenix - Cocktail Reception

5:00 pm Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt

 

---

 

 

Arizona List celebrates 10 years 

with 

Political Strategist Celinda Lake

"Super-strategist or, better yet, the Godmother" American Politics

Get your tickets and tables today at www.arizonalist.org!

In Tucson, join us in celebrating:

 Laura Hogan

&

with special honoree for the 10th Anniversary

EMILY's List Founder Ellen Malcolm

In Phoenix, join us in celebrating:

Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox

 Rising Star Nettie Silleck

It will be a Saturday to remember!

P.S. Want to sponsor a student to attend?

Last year, we were able to bring 40 young women to our events thanks to generous members who gave scholarships!

Buy a ticket at either luncheon and put "student scholarship" in the notes - it is the best way to get our next generation involved and committed.

 Arizona List + You =
Changing the Face of Power in Arizona

 

Contributions to Arizona List and Arizona List PAC are not deductible for tax purposes. Arizona Law limits the amount that an individual can contribute each year to candidates and non-party committees that support candidates. Paid for by Arizona List and not authorized by any candidate.