We Told You So, Now Let’s Tell Them!

News broke earlier today that Arizona Legislature leadership and the Governor had reached a deal on the budget.  Of course, knowing that the taxpayers do not want a tax increase, the Governor must have backed down, right?!  WRONG!!!

Instead legislative leaders have agreed to ask the voters to decide whether they want a tax increase on sales tax.  Here is the reason that Senate President Bob Burns gave (from the Capitol Media Service article by Howie Fischer):

Burns acknowledged that he has, until now, been adamantly opposed to hiking taxes, even to the point of simply referring the question to voters. But he said there really is no choice, saying even that $600 million in cuts, even coupled with federal stimulus dollars and other accounting maneuvers, is insufficient to deal with an anticipated $3 billion deficit.

“So my belief now is that we need to put that out there for the voters,” he said.

“If they pass the tax increase, obviously we’ll have more revenues,” Burns continued. “If they don’t I think that sends a pretty strong message to the Legislature that we’re going to have to make significant reductions.”

If they don’t, it will send a pretty strong message to the Legislature?!  We seem to recall 10,000 plus taking time out of their schedule on April 15th to protest big government, big spending, high taxes, and lack of accountability.  Now that wasn’t a message?

You know, we always hear that Republicans are going to be strong leaders for small government, less taxes and spending, etc.  Now we are hearing that they want maintain the size, growth, and spending of the current government.  Have they forgotten what they promised?

We are ripped!  Yet, we can still do something about it.  Everyone of us needs to get on the phone to our state legislators and demand that this tax increase NOT be sent to the ballot.  We have already spoken.  Call them today and tell them NO!

Arizona State Senate
Capitol Complex
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890
Info Desk: 602.926.3559
Fax: 602.926.3429
Toll Free: 800.352.8404

Arizona House of Representatives
Capitol Complex
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890
Info Desk: 602.926.4221
Toll Free: 800.352.8404

If you are unsure who are legislators are, please visit here: http://www.azleg.gov/

Please contact your legislator today!

Look Out Taxpayers, They Are Going to Blow It

We are not happy.  Nope, not one bit.  Zilch.  Zero. Nada.

We have all watched intently on the budget discussions over the past several months unfold in the legislature concerning the budget fix of 2009 and the budget for 2010.  Many of us have spoken with our legislators, attended Townhall forums, and listened to economists say that raising taxes (even temporary ones) during a recession is a very bad idea (and could be catastrophic).

In fact, we would even opine that the communication has never been better between our elected representatives and the voters in many regards.  Legislators have heard our voices loudly and clearly to NOT raise taxes.  Many of us expressed what a great opportunity we have to shrink the big government of the Napolitano administration.  Many legislators spent long hours figuring out ways to cover the huge gaps between income and expenses.  They even came up with a plan and a budget was sent to Governor Brewer for approval.

And then…

Early in the week, we heard that Governor Brewer is not happy with the budget proposal sent to her and will even shut down government if an agreement cannot be reached by July 1.  The latest word now is that Senate President Bob Burns said that there is a tentative agreement to ask lawmakers to refer a sales-tax to the ballot, though no specifics have been outlined or official announcements have been made.

Say what?!  We think we made it pretty clear at the TEA parties in Tucson and Phoenix and in our conversations with our legislators that we don’t want more taxes — even if they are temporary.

Let us point out a few points to the Governor and the legislature:

• We don’t want more taxes.
• We want small government.
• We don’t want more taxes.
• We don’t care if you shut down government.  We don’t want more taxes.
• We don’t want more taxes.  We are taxed too much already.

Also, what is interesting to note is that the tentative agreement indicated that if the vote went to the ballot, the language would provide directives where the money, if approved, would be sent to specific accounts like education.  Here’s a problem… the vast majority of the spending for education is in administrative costs not in the classroom.  So, even if the vote passes, money still would not be going to the classroom.  Rather, it just would be eaten up by administrative costs.

If the legislature and the governor want to do right by the taxpayers and for Arizona, they need to remain focused on a very simple thought — Shrink Government.  Then, and maybe then, our mood will change to happy.

Thursday News Stories

Here are the news stories that we are following today.  Please, if we have missed one, let us know!  Commentary will arrive later today.

Arizona Daily Star

§  County officials foresee tax increase

§  AZ sales tax collections declined again in March

§  Montana set to challenge gun control

§  Charter change would tie officials’ hands

§  Catalina Foothills crisis is rooted at Legislature

 

Arizona Daily Sun

§  City layoffs down to a dozen
In the end, it will be an even dozen. That’s how many Flagstaff city employees are likely to be laid off starting July 1, City Manager Kevin Burke said Wednesday. 

§  FUSD readies budget override
Flagstaff Unified School District officials are taking the first steps toward putting a budget override on this fall’s ballot.

 

§  Maricopa Co. checking its take-home fleet
PHOENIX (AP) — In these tough economic times, Maricopa County is assessing the need for taking a county-owned car home.

 

Arizona Republic

§  State treasurer sheds light on Ariz.’s loans

Arizona’s first foray in borrowing in its modern history cost just over $38,500 in interest, state Treasurer Dean Martin reports. He warned that more borrowing is on the horizon as the state grapples with budget shortfalls.

§  Bennett unsold on Gov. Brewer’s tax plan

Secretary of State Ken Bennett, whom Brewer appointed to his current job, parted company with his patron on the tax-increase issue, saying he could not swallow a central piece of the governor’s plan to address a $3 billion budget shortfall for 2010.

§  One U.S. agency didn’t get memo about openness

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has ignored repeated requests from The Arizona Republic for information about sexual assaults. The BIA needs to release its investigative records and save time, taxpayer dollars and embarrassment.

§  Group challenges state to ‘expect more’

To combat the quite-real perception that too many Arizonans are indifferent to quality education, a business-education-philanthropic coalition has launched ”Expect More Arizona,” a campaign to entice the state’s students and parents to raise their performance expectations.

 

The Daily Courier

§  Cities worry about state plans for local impact fees 

§  State water agency faces 56-percent cut

 

East Valley Tribune

§  Ariz. Democrats assail Republicans over flu

House Democrats are trying to make political hay out of the swine flu outbreak, saying Republican budget cuts have left Arizonans more at risk.

 

Phoenix Business Journal

§  ADOT gets first stimulus money

The Arizona Department of Transportation is one of the first state agencies to start awarding contracts with stimulus money. The Phoenix Business Journal will have extended coverage of the stimulus efforts and the economy starting in this week’s edition.

 

Sierra Vista Herald

§  Fort gets more stimulus money

FORT HUACHUCA — More than $4.5 million of federal economic recovery funds have been approved for eight construction projects aimed at making the fort more energy efficient, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ office said Wednesday.

Napolitano’s Witch Hunt Continued

Just before the TEA Parties took place all across the country drawing hundreds of thousands of angry taxpayers to protest big government, irresponsible government spending, increased taxes, etc., our former governor and now Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a report to law enforcement outlining supposed increased threats from “right-wing extremists”.  Do you remember the lead paragraph from the Washington Times article:

“The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in “rightwing extremist activity,” saying the economic recession, the election of America’s first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias.”

Napolitano came under fire from activists and legislators from all across the country, and many expressed outrage at the TEA Parties.  However, it wasn’t just “right-wing extremists” that were genuinely and legitimately upset with the memo.   The American Legion, a not-for-profit organization of war-time veterans, demanded an apology from DHS Secretary Napolitano.

After feeling the pressure and the calls for her immediate resignation from her post in the Obama administration, Napolitano met with American Legion Commander David Rehbein and issued a direct apology to the veterans organization barbed with excuses including blaming an office analyst for releasing the report prematurely according to the Associated Press article.

However, bloggers, activists, and some Congressmen have kept up with their calls for her firing.  In fact, a new website has been launched http://firenapolitano.com.  Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX) issued this statement and addressed the outrage of his constituents on the floor of the US House.   

Despite her “apology” to the American Legion, Napolitano has yet to apologize to the pro-lifers, the people upset over taxes and government spending, and generally speaking – conservatives.  When will we hear these apologies?  Truthfully, the answer is never because she is not sorry for the memo.  Department of Homeland Security should be free of political agendas and partisan politics just for the sake of the safety and the security of our nation.

There are some bloggers that are out there that are suggesting that we should not fire Napolitano because it may give her the idea that she should return to Arizona and challenge Senator John McCain in the 2010 election. 

I would disagree.  At our core, we must look to what is best for our country and be sure that true leadership with appropriate qualifications are in place for these positions with broad powers and influence.  Furthermore, I am left to wonder if these persecutions occurred within the first 100 days of the Obama administration, what will the remaining years look like for conservatives?  No, Napolitano needs to go.  We have seen the damage and the corruption that she has done as the governor of Arizona — a harsh reality that we are still trying to embrace and recover from its ill effects.  Incompetence in her new position will only make things worse for true patriots and allow for our nation to become vulnerable to real threats to the safety and security of our country.

An Unhealthy Suggestion

 

While over a million people gathered last week to protest excessive government spending, earmarks, taxpayer-funded bailouts, and tax increases, Senior White House adviser had a different take.  He was asked on CNN’s Face the Nation his thoughts on the TEA parties that took place and his response was less than supportive:

“I think any time you have severe economic conditions there is always an element of disaffection that can mutate into something that’s unhealthy,” Axelrod said.

Unhealthy?  Hmmmm… We think not.  What you saw was a level of frustration and anger in an unprecedented way by taxpayers from across the political spectrum turning out to protest a government that has lost its mind and forgotten who their employers are — the taxpayers.

Axelrod later tried to backpedal unsuccessfully and cover his remarks saying:

“Well, this is a country where we value our liberties and our ability to express ourselves, and so far these are expressions,” he said.

Moments later, Axelrod inserted his foot back into his mouth by spinning another web of lies put out by the Obama administration.

 “The thing that bewilders me is that this president just cut taxes for 95 percent of the American people,” Axelrod argued. “I think the tea bags should be directed elsewhere because he certainly understands the burden that people face.”

Fellow Patriots, they don’t get it so we need to continue putting pressure on our legislators and political leaders until they do.  Begin by clicking the TEA Party logo above to continue to build this movement and to find out more about how you can get involved.

GPEC/Tempe – A Very Taxing Meeting

Arizonans In Action Board Member Roy Miller penned this Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Arizona Republic on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Last Thursday (April 9th) I participated in a meeting entitled “Convening the Community,” sponsored by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). It probably should have been called the “Jan Brewer Tax Increase Cheerleading Meeting.” Senate President Bob Burns and House Speaker Kirk Adams offered a more conservative approach but it seemed clear to me that the real purpose of the meeting was to help the undereducated attendees (like me) “understand” the need to raise taxes.

Raising taxes in a recession should be considered economic suicide but there were many financial statistics presented to lead one to believe that a tax increase is needed. However, one huge area for potential savings, transportation, was not discussed, even though transportation expenses constitute over a BILLION dollars for our state. Technically, transportation money does not come from the general fund but it seems to me that failing to consider this huge area of public expenditures is to fail to recognize a huge opportunity for savings through privatization efforts like toll roads.

The master of ceremonies for the event, Michael Bidwell told the audience that the overall discussion was “not about being conservative or liberal.” That is an amazing remark because the exact opposite is the truth. Whether we address our fiscal problem through tax increases or spending cuts is the very definition of what it means to be a liberal or a conservative.

Amazing Turnout at Phoenix TEA Party

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Phoenix TEA Party“, posted with vodpod

 

Yesterday, we participated in one of the largest protests that we have seen in Arizona and yet it was one of many protests taking place across the state.  Though the numbers vary, the Phoenix TEA Party drew close to 7,000 people last evening protesting out of control government spending, outlandish proposals for new taxes, and an arrogance that the government is not accountable to taxpayers.  We gathered to express our outrage and to make our voices heard.

Nathan Nascimento, Executive Director of Arizonans In Action, was on of the many speakers that addressed the crowd.  Below are his prepared remarks:

 My fellow Patriots,

I am honored to be here with you on this day.  I say this day because normally, it is a time of great frustration and anger – after all, our taxes are still due.  Yet this day, because of people like all of us, has been changed.  This day has become one of great action.

As I stand here and look out into the crowd,  I see people who care about where their taxes are going, who care about the out of control government spending with little to no accountability to the taxpayers, who care that we are passing our problems down to future generations.  Our presence here today shows to the politicians in Washington and here in Arizona and all across this great nation that WE ARE MAD.  We are Taxed Enough Already. We are tired of being pushed around and we are going to hold each and every one of them accountable for their votes.  No more excuses by politicians will be accepted.  We are here and we mean business.

This day has become a day of when it all begins.  This day has become a day when the taxpayers started a new revolution for our independence.  Our independence comes when we are free of politics and spending as usual, of earmarks from a bloated government, and freedom from government becoming stockholders in corporations.

We are now all the sons and daughters of liberty.  We are all called to this action.  Visit taxdayteaparty.com.  Sign up and get involved because our revolution starts now.

Thank you again for allowing me to be here with all of you.

My friends, for freedom, liberty, and our new independence.

Audio of his speech will be posted later today along with some photos of the event.

They Will Be Watching

 

Appearing on the Drudge Report today is an article from the Washington Times  where the Department of Homeland Security is warning the public about new threats to public safety by “rightwing extremists”.  The lead paragraph spells out the position of the DHS:

“The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in “rightwing extremist activity,” saying the economic recession, the election of America’s first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias.”

Wait a minute.  Did we just read that correctly?  Did it just refer those speaking out on the “economic recession” as “rightwing extremist activity”?

We ask these questions in light of the TEA Party events happening across Arizona and nationwide tomorrow.  [For details on the closest TEA Party to you, please visit the Tax Day TEA Party website.]  Does this mean that we too will be considered “extremists” for speaking out against out of control spending, lack of accountability to the taxpayers, the threat of higher taxes, and the sheer arrogance of just handing out taxpayer funds at will.

“‘It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration,’ the warning says.”

Fellow patriots, the words of this memo released by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano spell out one thing — they are afraid of the taxpayers.  They are afraid of people from all walks of life, all professions, and all political affiliations gathering together in opposition to the direction of our country, its spends, the economy, and its direction.  They are afraid because people are speaking out.

Tomorrow, April 15, we need everyone to turn out in their local communities or at the major events happening in the state to tell our political leaders that we are tired of their empty rhetoric and of their disrepectful attitude to the taxpayers.  We must make our voices heard that we are Taxed Enough Already.  Come on, let’s party like it’s 1773!

Don’t Tax Me, Bro!

The dateline for this story is December 16, 1773 in Boston, Massachusetts when a group of angry colonists protested a shipment of taxed tea from England.  A simple act of protest due to unfair taxing based on constitutional principles became one of the key moments leading up to the Revolutionary War.  Now, we fast forward 236 years and similar events are unfolding before our eyes.  Free people, citizens of these United States of America, are being taxed unfairly, contrary to the Constitution, in the middle of a recession.  Do you know what that is?  It is the recipe of protest.

 

Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Party committee members gather to make signs April 8, 2009 in Gilbert for the upcoming non-partisan movement rally on April 15 at the Gilbert Administration Building. Tim Hacker, Tribune

The East Valley Tribune today has an article talking about one of the many TEA party protests planned for this Wednesday, April 15th across the nation.  People are gathering because they are angry with what they have seen from the Obama administration, the Congress, and state leaders.  Friend of Arizonans In Action and precinct committeeman from LD 22 Denna Ray had this to say:

“We’re spending lots of money which we don’t have, which our children and grandchildren are going to pay for.  I feel our leaders are working very hard to turn this into a socialistic nation, and it just sickens me. Every day I think, ‘what can I do?’  That’s why I hit that button.”

 

Denna’s words are not just reflections of one person but the thoughts of many who are very much concerned.  Think we are wrong, check out the Arizona TEA Party website for a listing of events in your area.  National protest leaders are indicating well over 250,000 people are expected to attend area events throughout the country.

Arizonans In Action will be in attendance and speaking at the event in Phoenix on Wednesday evening at 5:30 at the State Capitol Building – Senate Lawn.  Join us as we make our voices heard that we are Taxed Enough Already!