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Jul 20, 2011

Bad bills (lots of them) becoming law today

Series of extreme measures are handiwork of Russell Pearce Republicans

Today could have -- and should have -- been a day when bold legislation took effect to help turn Arizona around. The kind of initiatives that would create a stronger economy, safer streets and better schools. Instead, the Russell Pearce Republicans and Gov. Jan Brewer have given us bad bills, all becoming law today, that either solve nothing or land another punch on the state's black eye.

Just a sampler:

SB1402: The Tea Party didn't even want a license plate, but the AZGOP gave it to them anyway.

SB1495: Sign right up for our new state militia. (Chances are, you qualify. Almost anyone does.)

HB2146: Gun safety training standards just got even looser. Take note, Sen. Lori Klein.

SB1610: The Colt Single-Action Army revolver is now the state's official firearm (Colt is based in Connecticut. Maybe we helped create jobs there?).

SB1188: Possibly the meanest bill passed in 2011: With so many children in need of loving, supportive parents, the AZGOP still chose to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples who are trying to adopt.

"Arizona Republicans hold all the power, and they've used it for all the wrong things," said Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman. "The result is that jobs are nowhere to be found, schools are forgotten, and our communities are silenced. We won't stand for it, and we will hold them accountable in 2012 so Arizona can get back on the right track."

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