Jun 9, 2011
Statement on special session to extend unemployment benefits
Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman, gave the following statement today:
"During the 2011 legislative session, the Russell Pearce Republicans found ample time to push birther bills, approve tea party license plates and try to dismantle the 14th Amendment. They couldn't be bothered, however, to make a simple, one-word fix in state law to protect thousands of struggling Arizonans from losing unemployment benefits. Since April, Democrats have called on the Republicans in power, including Governor Brewer, to make this fix, but they refused. So while we are heartened that the governor has now called for a special session, it didn't have to come to this. It takes some gall for GOP lawmakers to have to get paid extra just to make a one-word change that helps jobless Arizonans suffering in an economy these same Republicans pushed into a ditch. Arizona Democrats once again call on the Republicans in power to do the right thing on behalf of hard-working Arizonans and taxpayers who are now footing the bill for this special session."
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