Guest Writer
GUEST OPINION: ARIZONA’S BUDGET
Arizona is going the wrong way. GOP legislators and Gov. Jan Brewer are trying to turn our state into a giant Hooverville.
In spite of my pleas to Gov. Brewer and Rep. Frank Antenori, the Legislature passed draconian budget cuts to vital state operations in the dark of the night Friday.
I am a regular viewer to the Legislature’s live proceedings from home via www.azleg.gov. Who would expect proceedings to start around 10 p.m. on a Friday?
I spoke not only for myself, but also for the 48,966 citizens who voted for me last year. My pleas for sound policy and people fell on deaf ears.
The saddest part is that it was all unnecessary because Arizona is in line to receive more than $1 billion from the feds very soon for the fiscal year ending June 30.
A week ago, I rode to Phoenix on a bus with University of Arizona students. I distributed copies of Alberta Charney’s article “The Budget Crisis was Predictable” (available at http://uanews.org/node/7586), and I urge you to read it. Support of these students is the foundation of Arizona’s future.
Right-wing POGs – this is not a typo; they are backwards – have been hell-bent for decades to lower individual income tax rates. This failed policy has not stimulated our economy and has not generated jobs.
I contend that we could cut the corporate tax rate to zero, and we would still not attract the kind of businesses we want because of our lack of support for public education at the K-12, community college and university levels.
What businesses and high- paying jobs will come to Arizona with our dismal record of support for public education? They need an educated work force.
If I make a mistake, I fess up ASAP. Why does Arizona rank so high in foreclosures (one of the causes of our current situation)? One reason is that mortgage brokers weren’t even required to be licensed in our state until recently.
I find it laughable that the Phoenix POGs try to blame former Gov. Janet Napolitano for the current situation.
They have been in control of the Arizona House since 1966, when I was a freshman in college.
They were the ones who insisted on unwise tax cuts and lack of adequate regulation to protect consumers.
They are betraying their own value of personal responsibility by blaming someone else for their actions. They have failed to take responsibility for their failed and unsound policies.
Gov. Brewer’s hasty signing of these bills before taking off for the Super Bowl will have devastating, long-lasting effects on all levels of public education, business development and our state’s recovery.
Please contact her immediately and express your displeasure. Ask her, “Why the rush?”
(The Honorable Jan Brewer, governor, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007)
A form for comments is available at http://azgovernor.gov. Or call (602) 542-4331 or toll-free at (800) 253-0883.
I might not be an Arizona native, but this is my home and I love this place and its people.
Andrea Dalessandro, a retired math teacher, certified public accountant, college professor and businesswoman, ran unsuccessfully for a District 30 House seat in November. E-mail: Andrea4LD30@gmail.com
I contend that we could cut the corporate tax rate to zero, and we would still not attract the kind of businesses we want because of our lack of support for public education at the K-12, community college and university levels.