You are here: Home / Archives for Jan Brewer

Governor Jan Brewer Statement on Arizona’s 100th Birthday

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2012
CONTACT: Dockendorff

Wishing Arizona a Happy Centennial

“On February 14, 2012, Arizona will celebrate the most historic and significant milestone of its statehood.

“It’s hard to believe it has been exactly one century since President Taft’s signature declared Arizona the 48th and last contiguous state in the Union. Many people doubted that our remote Western territory would ever grow into a thriving state – renowned for its cultural and natural beauty, high quality of life and remarkable economic and educational opportunities.

“But if one thing is certain, it is that Arizonans are determined. Our people are Western strong. With the Centennial upon us, let us proudly celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, the progress we have made and the opportunities we have created over the past 100 years. Let us also celebrate the years still to come. There is a bright future that awaits.

“May God continue to bless and protect you and your families, our 100-year-old State of Arizona and the United States of America.”

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Holiday, Press Release, Special Event, State Government Tagged With: ,

Cardon Praises Gov. Brewer for Standing up to President Obama’s Pro-Amnesty, Anti-Jobs Agenda

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2012
CONTACT: Katie Martin

Phoenix, Arizona – Wil Cardon, Mesa businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement in light of President Obama and Governor Brewer’s Tarmac Showdown:

“I want to applaud Governor Brewer for her steadfast courage in standing up to President Obama. Arizonans understand that stopping illegal immigration and securing our border is a top priority and crucial to the prosperity of Arizona. President Obama, on the other hand, is for amnesty, refuses to fund efforts to keep our borders protected, and thinks we need to give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.Arizonans can no longer afford to suffer the financial burdens and societal costs associated with illegal immigration. The president and the career politicians in Washington have created this problem with their continual refusal to protect our borders. If we want to get Arizonans back to work and ensure a long-term recovery we must secure our borders now. I applaud Governor Brewer for her courage and leadership.” 

###

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Sign The Petition Supporting Governor Jan Brewer!

January 26, 2012 By 48 Comments

Please sign the petition supporting Governor Jan Brewer in her defense of the State of Arizona.

As we all witnessed on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Brewer, was confronted by President Obama as he stepped off Air Force One in Mesa. As the Governor has testified, he did not take kindly to an excerpt in her book, Scorpions for Breakfast, about an accounting of her defense of SB 1070. He also treated Governor Brewer with disrespect as he walked away from her while she spoke with him.

Please support Governor Brewer as she stands up for Arizona against an administration that has failed us on border security, failed us through Fast & Furious and even has brought a lawsuit against the State of Arizona.

Thank You Governor Brewer!

I Support Governor Jan Brewer!

I support Governor Jan Brewer for standing her ground while remaining respectful to President Obama during his recent visit to Arizona.

I support Governor Jan Brewer in her defense of Arizona against an administration that is suing the State of Arizona for passing strong immigration laws such as SB 1070.

I also support Governor Brewer in her effort to seek the truth and justice for the death of Border Patrol Brian Terry after the Obama Justice Department got caught red-handed ran a covert gunwalking operation to smuggle guns into the hands of Mexican drug cartels through Fast & Furious.

Thank You Governor Brewer for standing up for Arizona!

SIGN NOW
140 signatures

Share this with your friends:

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Petitions, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: ,

President’s Rhetoric Doesn’t Match His Actions

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By: J. Charles Coughlin

The closing remarks of the President’s State of the Union address the other night were moving. He spoke of the teamwork necessary to accomplish incredibly difficult and complex missions. He spoke of members of a team having each other’s backs. He said that the way in which those members of our armed forces conducted themselves spoke exactly to the way in which elected officials should conduct the public’s business – selflessly serving the public good.

Unfortunately, our President words don’t match his deeds. On far too many occasions as it relates to his administration’s relationship towards Arizona, this President has let us down, time and again.

Rather than respond thoughtfully to the public outrage over illegal immigration, he played the race card, implying that “people could get arrested for going out for Ice cream.” Rather than owning the debacle that has become the Fast & Furious gun walking fiasco, his Justice Department is laying the blame at the feet of Arizonans – both Democrat and Republican who know full well that the program was fully authorized at the highest levels of the Justice Department. When the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas blew up, Janet Reno had the class to own it. This Justice Department hasn’t met a problem it can’t deny.

Don’t forget that Holder didn’t even read the 1070 legislation before commenting on it. They sued the state without so much as considering how to work with us and continue to fail to understand the root problem of the immigration crisis to begin with: Mexico. Rather than deal with the problem, they continue to play politics.

American reaction to the immigration crisis will continue to focus on the tail; immigration, rather than the dog; Mexico, until a Presidential Administration steps up and begins to redefine our nation’s relationship with our fourth largest trading partner and Arizona’s largest trading partner.

The President of the United States knows this and continues to use this issue as a political cudgel rallying the troops on the left to fight the troops on the right. That is why President Obama opted to confront Governor Brewer about her book yesterday instead of discussing with her how she has been able to start the “Arizona Comeback.” The President obviously can talk a good game about leadership, selflessness, and teamwork, but when it comes down to it his actions – picking a fight about a book, playing the race card on immigration, or owning his administration’s failure to let guns walk into Mexico – he is incapable of living up to his own rhetoric.

When President Obama uses stirring references like the one he used earlier this week in his speech, I just don’t believe him, and I don’t trust him and neither do a majority of the American people.

After his defeat of Senator McCain in 2008, I really wanted him to succeed; now I just want him to go.

J. Charles “Chuck” Coughlin is the Founder & President of Highground.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Guest Opinion Tagged With: ,

A Photo Tells A Thousand Words: Obama Confronts Brewer, Gets Earful

January 26, 2012 By 19 Comments

Thank you Governor Brewer for not backing down when confronted by President Obama this afternoon.

This is Our State and even the President needs to show a little respect when he touches down on our turf, especially turf that once sent our men and women off to battle.

Lesson to President Obama: Never mess with a Governor who eats scorpions for breakfast!

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Federal Government, Freedom of Speech, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: , ,

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer Regarding President Obama’s Visit to Arizona

January 25, 2012 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“I welcomed President Obama to Arizona this afternoon, and we spent a few moments discussing this state’s economic turnaround. This was the President’s opportunity to see the Arizona Comeback firsthand.

“First, let me say I don’t doubt that the President wants what he believes is best for this country. He and I simply have starkly different visions of what that is.

“The President and I each took office in January 2009. We each stepped into grim circumstances. Just speaking for Arizona, I inherited a per capita state-budget deficit judged among the worst in the country, an economy in freefall and a clobbered housing market.

“My first action as Governor was to issue a regulatory moratorium so that state government could not impose any more needless rules on business. The President’s first move was to rush through an $800 billion stimulus spending plan that saddled the nation with more debt.

“Here in Arizona, we passed a historic economic package that included corporate tax reductions and targeted job incentives that make our state among the nation’s most inviting for business investment and relocation. In Washington, D.C., the President spent the better part of two years pushing a health care scheme that reduces consumer choice and saddles states with tens of billions in additional costs.

“This much is clear: Arizona is on the way back, with job growth over the last year rated 7th-best nationally. Our state budget is not only balanced, we have a surplus. Most important, we are putting in place the fundamentals for sustained economic growth: quality education, competitive tax policy and low regulation.

“Don’t be mistaken, I’m bullish on our nation’s future. But I’m convinced the path the President has pursued is the wrong one. I hope he takes some of the lessons of Arizona back with him to Washington.”

###

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Press Release, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: ,

Statement by Governor Brewer Regarding Congresswoman Giffords’s Letter of Resignation

January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“This morning, I received the official letter of resignation from Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. As a fellow elected official, I know her district will miss her leadership. As a friend, I am so sorry Gabby’s resignation has come under these circumstances.

“From the Arizona House of Representatives to the U.S. Congress, Gabby has always served her constituents with dignity and distinction. Her service will be deeply missed, and I join the people of Arizona in praying for her continued recovery.

“For the purposes of Arizona Law, the Congresswoman’s office will be officially declared vacant at 5 p.m. (Arizona Time) today, at which time I will have 72 hours to set a date for a Special Primary election. The winner of the special primary and general elections will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords’ term, in accordance with state law.”

###

Filed Under: Press Release, State Government Tagged With: , ,

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer regarding the resignation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

January 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been a noble public servant to the State of Arizona, and a model of what can be accomplished with persistence and determination. Her remarkable recovery over the last year is an inspiration to us all.

“As with all Americans, I will continue to hold Gabby in my thoughts and prayers as she continues on this path toward recovery.

“Upon the Congresswoman’s office being officially declared vacant, I will call a special Primary and General Election in order to fill the 8th Congressional District vacancy, in accordance with Arizona law. The winner will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords’ term, which expires at the end of 2012.”

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Statement from Senate President Steve Pierce and House Speaker Andy Tobin

January 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
CONTACT: Mike Philipsen

“Governor Brewer’s State of the State address today lays the foundation for what should be an outstanding legislative session. The hard work done the last three years by the Governor and Legislature to straighten out our state’s finances has put Arizona back on the right track.

The Governor is right to promise no extension of the temporary one-cent sales tax increase. We also stand with Governor Brewer in her commitment to lower taxes and reduce regulation.

The Governor will have strong support in the legislature as we continue to fight the Federal Government’s overreach. We must stand for what is right in Arizona and not emulate Washington, D.C.

We are prepared for a productive, efficient Centennial Legislative session, and look forward to working with Governor Brewer to put the interests of our citizens first.”

###

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Federal Budget, State Government Tagged With: , , , , ,

Governor Brewer Delivers State of the State Address, Unveils Policy Agenda for 2012 and Beyond

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
CONTACT: Matt Benson

Releases Bold Plan to Boost Economy, Reform Education and Modernize Government

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today unveiled for 2012 and beyond a detailed policy agenda designed to prepare the State of Arizona for its second century. The policy agenda accompanied the Governor’s delivery of the Centennial State of the State address.

“Arizonans can take heart in how far this state has come from the darkest days of the recession and fiscal crisis, but now is no time to lose focus,” said Governor Brewer. “Every one of us benefits daily from the wise foresight and dedication of Arizona’s founders and great leaders of the past. Now, we have an obligation to make the tough choices that will set a prosperous course for Arizona’s second century.

“That means clearing the unnecessary obstacles to economic growth, and building an education system worthy of your children’s limitless promise. It means modernizing state government to ensure it is both efficient and effective, and protecting the rights of Arizona citizens against a federal government that has lost its way.”

The policy agenda reinforces and furthers the Governor’s Four Cornerstones of Reform, a blueprint to:

  • improve Arizona’s economic competitiveness;
  • bring needed reforms to K-12 and higher education;
  • modernize state government; and
  • push back against a federal government that has exceeded its constitutional authority.

Additional policy initiatives in areas like economic development will be announced in the days ahead as Governor Brewer issues her state budget plan for Fiscal 2013.

1st Cornerstone: Economic Competitiveness 

The economy continues to be a top concern for Governor Brewer, though the outlook has brightened considerably in recent months. The State of Arizona added nearly 46,000 jobs between 2010 and 2011, and its job growth ranked 7th-best nationally.

Governor Brewer now asks the Legislature to build upon last year’s signature economic initiative –

the Arizona Competitiveness Package – with a new effort to prepare unemployed and underemployed Arizonans for new careers and aid small businesses by simplifying the state tax code. The Governor also reiterated her support for the proposed I-11, a planned interstate highway that would promote tourism and trade between two of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas: Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Additional economic initiatives include:

  • Creation of a community-college scholarship program to help adults re-train and transition into careers that fulfill local needs.
  • A requirement that individuals enrolling in a taxpayer-funded job-training program undergo drug testing.

2nd Cornerstone: Education 

Arizona already has the framework in place for comprehensive education reform with the Arizona Ready initiative. This plan establishes more rigorous standards for students, teachers and schools, provides new methods for parents to gauge student achievement and monitor school performance, and sets yearly benchmarks to track Arizona’s education improvements between now and 2020.

Funding is part of the education equation, as Governor Brewer recognized with her successful push for Proposition 100 in 2010. She always pledged that the 1-cent tax would expire after three years. And it will, in 2013, as the Governor reinforced today.

However, Governor Brewer will remain part of ongoing discussions about proper funding for education in Arizona, and believes the current model does little to encourage innovation or performance on the part of teachers, professors and administrators.

Governor Brewer’s education plan includes initiatives to:

  • Implement performance-based funding for Arizona’s institutions of higher education, while reviewing and reforming Community College State Aid.
  • Produce a searchable database so that every parent can research the license and any disciplinary actions taken against their children’s teachers, and reform the teacher decertification process.
  • Lead a campaign this year to encourage involvement by parents in their children’s education.

3rd Cornerstone: State Government

The citizens of Arizona deserve a lean, effective and efficient State government.

Governor Brewer will create a Government Transformation Office, housed within the Department of Administration, which will be responsible for identifying process improvements and best practices to minimize redundancies and improve customer service. Governor Brewer also will pursue reforms that modernize the State personnel system, making it easier to hire and reward the most talented employees, while removing red tape that hinders removal of the least productive workers.

The State of Arizona has an obligation to vulnerable Arizonans, including the mentally ill and children under state supervision or care.

For the seriously mentally ill (SMI), planning already is underway for a pilot program that will integrate physical and behavioral health services for Medicaid-eligible SMI individuals. This approach is expected to result in fewer hospitalizations and less reliance on the crisis system.

In recent days, Governor Brewer was provided a series of recommendations by her Arizona Child Safety Task Force. While she continues to review those recommendations, the Governor proposes several child-safety initiatives for immediate adoption. They include:

  • Involvement of law enforcement in all Priority 1 investigations that contain allegations of criminal conduct.
  • Improvement of CPS caseworker training, both pre-service and continuing, including the training of CPS workers in law enforcement techniques.
  • Overhaul of the abuse hotline to improve screening, decrease wait times and expedite high-priority calls.
  • Introduction of Quality Management initiatives throughout CPS to streamline processes and improve outcomes for children.
  • Enhance transparency and accountability.

4th Cornerstone: Renewed Federalism

The State of Arizona has a long history of pushing back against federal overreach, and will continue to be a national leader among states seeking a return to a system of cooperative federalism. Governor Brewer will maintain the defense of SB 1070, and will remain a vocal opponent of mandates under the federal health care law. Both landmark cases will be heard this year by the U.S. Supreme Court.

With this past fire season the worst in Arizona State history, mismanagement of federal lands came into frightening focus as yet another area in which the federal government has neglected its duties. Strategic thinning can both reduce the risk of massive blazes and be an economic benefit to rural communities. With today’s State of the State Address, Governor Brewer called upon the federal government to stop its needless delay of the 4 Forest Restoration Initiative, a breakthrough, collaborative plan to restore 2.4 million acres across the Kaibab, Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto national forests.

“We are all blessed to be Arizonans, and I am honored to have a hand in guiding this state into its second century,” said Governor Brewer. “Working together, and drawing upon the grit of Arizona’s founders and judgment of the giants of our past, I’m confident Arizona’s next 100 years can be even more fruitful than the last.”

###

 

 

Filed Under: Economics, Education, Elected Officials, Government Reform, Jobs/Labor, Legislation, Press Release, State Budget, State Economy, State Government Tagged With: ,

Governor Brewer reacts to S&P credit upgrade, calls it one more sign of recovery for State of Arizona

December 21, 2011 By 19 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

Standard and Poor’s Upgrades Credit Outlook for State of Arizona
Latest Indication that the Arizona Comeback is in Progress

PHOENIX – One of the nation’s largest credit ratings services, Standard and Poor’s, announced today that it has upgraded to “stable” its outlook on the State of Arizona’s fiscal condition. S&P also upgraded to “stable” its outlook on the State’s certificates of participation and lease revenue debt.

State of Arizona finances previously carried a negative outlook from the credit ratings service.

“This is fantastic news, and serves as one more indication that Arizona is on the comeback trail,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “The last three years haven’t been easy. But I’m happy to say that the difficult decisions I’ve made, together with the Arizona Legislature, have helped put this state back on solid financial ground. For the first time in years, Arizona has a growing economy and a state government it can afford.”

In announcing the credit outlook revision, S&P pointed to the State of Arizona’s diverse economy, continued population growth, moderate debt burden and expectations of a sizable budget surplus in fiscal 2012.

“We base the outlook revision on what we view as Arizona’s improving fiscal outlook,” S&P credit analyst David Hitchcock explained in today’s report.

The S&P announcement is just the latest sign of the state’s improving economy and financial position. In other recent news:

- Arizona added 12,800 jobs in November, driving down the state’s unemployment rate to 8.7 percent. The rate is the state’s lowest since February 2009.

- Arizona has added an estimated 45,800 jobs so far this year. The state’s job growth from October 2010 to October 2011 ranked 7th best nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

- State revenues continue to outpace projections, and the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting now estimates a combined surplus of $1.3 billion between the remainder of this fiscal year and next.

“Our mission isn’t accomplished, but today’s announcement from S&P is validation that we’re on the right path,” said Governor Brewer. “We’re going to keep state government small, efficient and effective, and continue working to put in place the conditions for private enterprise to flourish and grow. I believe that 2012, Arizona’s Centennial year, is going to bring more great news for the people of our state.”

###

Filed Under: Economics, Elected Officials, Jobs/Labor, Press Release, State Budget, State Economy, State Government Tagged With:

Special Poll: Stop Punishing Investment to Spur Job Growth

December 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Small-business owners point to a way out of Arizona’s recession

PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 14, 2011 – Small-business owners believe Arizona needs further legislative action to spur job creation and overwhelmingly favor lowering the property tax burden on new equipment and machinery to do so, according to a special poll released today by their leading representative association.

“Small business wants job creation to continue to be the highest priority for Gov. Jan Brewer and the Arizona Legislature next session,” said Farrell Quinlan, Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, America’s largest small-business association. “Lowering the cost for small businesses to create jobs through meaningful property-tax relief and the further lifting of the regulatory burden will help restore Arizona’s economy and put our citizens back to work.”

The NFIB survey found near unanimous support among small business owners with 93 percent agreeing our leaders should keep job creation a high priority. It also found 77 percent of small business owners favor significantly increasing the amount of a business’ equipment and machinery that is exempt from personal property taxation.

The survey based its personal property tax questions on a legislative referral being developed by Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (Gilbert) and other lawmakers, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jack Harper (Surprise). The legislation, called the Small Business Job Creation Act, asks voters to increase the Arizona Constitution’s exemption for new equipment and machinery to an amount equal to the annual wages of 50 Arizona workers or approximately $2.3 million from the current $67,000.

The NFIB survey dramatically reveals that lowering the tax burden on a business’ equipment and machinery would lead to a burst of job creation from small businesses. When asked if Sen. Biggs’ proposal becomes law, 46 percent of small business owners said raising the personal property tax exemption would likely lead their businesses to hire new workers while 56 percent said such a move would likely result in more equipment and machinery purchases.

“Clearly Arizona’s economy has yet to recover and that’s born out in continued weak job creation numbers and Arizona’s unemployment rate remaining stuck at 9 percent,” said Quinlan. “Small businesses have historically led our state and nation out of recessions through creating new jobs and investing in the future. Small business’ message to our political leaders is unmistakable, job creation is the top issue and lowering small business’ cost of creating those jobs is a great place to start.”

The poll was conducted September 6 to October 21, 2011 with 496 respondents who are Arizona small business owners. The entire poll can be read by clicking here. Results from NFIB’s fuller, annual survey on other issues will be released in the coming weeks.

# # #

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Ballot Measures, Economic Development, Economics, Jobs/Labor, Legislation, Polls, Press Release, Small Business, State Economy, Taxation Tagged With: , , , ,

Gov. Brewer Commends U.S. District Court for Dismissal of “Arizona Day of Prayer” Lawsuit

December 12, 2011 By 7 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today lauded the U.S. District Court’s decision to throw out a lawsuit brought against her for commemorating an Arizona Day of Prayer.

The suit was lodged in March 2010 by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The out-of-state group challenged the constitutionality of the Governor’s Arizona Day of Prayer proclamations in 2009 and 2010, as well as a separate Day of Prayer proclamation issued for the state budget on January 17, 2010.

The U.S. District Court today granted Governor Brewer’s motion for dismissal on the grounds that the Freedom from Religion Foundation failed to demonstrate injury and, therefore, lacked standing to sue.

Statement by Governor Brewer:

“I commend the U.S. District Court for dismissing this baseless lawsuit for what it is – a futile attempt to stifle an American right and tradition. This was not the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s first failed attempt to put an end to recognized days of voluntary prayer, and it may not be its last. But citizens of every race, background and creed have been coming together in voluntary prayer since our nation’s founding, and will continue to do so against this organization’s best efforts. I thank the Court for allowing Arizona to continue commemorating this important right and custom.” 

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Holiday, Judicial, Press Release, Religion, State Government Tagged With: ,

Governor Brewer Applauds Appeals Court for Affirming Dismissal of Escobar Challenge to SB 1070

December 1, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2011
CONTACT: Tasya Peterson

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today commended the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for affirming the Federal District Court’s dismissal of the challenge to SB 1070 that was filed by Tucson police officer Martin Escobar. In August 2010, Federal District Judge Susan Bolton dismissed the Escobar challenge for lack of standing.

“I am pleased with today’s decision by the Ninth Circuit affirming the dismissal of this case challenging SB 1070,” said Governor Brewer. “I’ll continue to defend the State of Arizona’s duty and obligation to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens.”

Escobar is a Tucson police officer who filed a lawsuit claiming that enforcement of SB 1070 would violate the rights of Latinos. He alleged that he may be subject to civil liability for violating the rights of others in enforcing the Arizona immigration law, and additionally asserted that he would be subject to discipline by his employer and potential civil lawsuits if he failed to enforce SB 1070. The Federal District Court dismissed Escobar’s case, a decision now affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Arizona Legislature enacted SB 1070 primarily to require that Arizona’s law enforcement officers cooperate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Special protections were included in the law to safeguard against racial profiling. SB 1070 was duly-passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed into law by Governor Brewer in order to protect the citizens of Arizona from the federal government’s failure to enforce the immigration laws.

###

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Employment, Illegal Immigration, Judicial, Legislation, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Senate Leadership: Statement on Governor’s decision not to call special session

November 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2011
CONTACT: Mike Philipsen

Statement from Senate Leadership on the Governor’s decision not to call a special session on redistricting

“We are disappointed in Governor Brewer’s decision this afternoon to not call a Special Session on redistricting. After all the unconstitutional decisions and alleged violations of law by IRC Chair Mathis, Arizona voters deserve the opportunity to revisit the concept of an independent commission drawing the legislative and congressional maps. The flaws of having one unaccountable and unelected person making such vital decisions for the state have been exposed.

Senate and House leadership have met numerous times with the Governor and her staff, and we have assured her as recently as this morning that we had the votes necessary to put a Prop. 106 repeal or reform on the ballot in February.

We urge the Governor to reconsider her decision to not call a Special Session.”

###

 

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Government Reform, Legislation, Political Parties, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: , , ,

Statement from Governor Jan Brewer on Redistricting in Arizona

November 29, 2011 By 61 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“Perhaps the most difficult part of being a leader is telling people what they don’t want to hear. This is one of those moments. I share the sentiments of Arizona voters concerned about the conduct of the Independent Redistricting Commission, especially its Chairwoman. Likewise, I am deeply concerned that this year’s redistricting process has not been conducted openly and in full accordance with the Arizona Constitution, and that the resulting maps may unfairly diminish the political influence of individual communities and the state as a whole.

“It was with those concerns in mind that I removed the Chairwoman from her post with the IRC. I stand by that action, and believe the Arizona Supreme Court grossly erred in returning the Chairwoman to the Commission. There may be another time to deal with the Court, but it’s important at a time like this that we keep our eyes on the bigger picture.

“Arizona voters created the Independent Redistricting Commission with their approval in 2000 of Proposition 106. I’ve seen no evidence to date that indicates voters are ready or willing to throw out the Commission structure. Moreover, the Legislature has yet to produce a consensus set of redistricting reforms to propose to voters.

“I am aware of the time urgency. I know that some legislators, especially those of my political family, are anxious for me to call a Special Session so that they may pursue a ballot proposal to repeal or reform Prop 106. But we cannot act in haste – or in anger – when it comes to something as critical as the way in which Arizona draws its congressional and legislative districts. Our action must be reasoned and rational, and there must be a defined path to victory with voters. I will not call a Special Session on this topic unless and until I believe those bars have been met.”

###

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Government Reform, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: , , , ,

Governor Jan Brewer Files Arizona’s Reply in SB 1070 Litigation

November 22, 2011 By 23 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Review the Ninth Circuit’s Opinion 

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today filed a reply with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the State’s petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the SB 1070 litigation initiated by the federal government.

In August, Governor Brewer petitioned the High Court to take review and lift an injunction that blocked critical provisions of SB 1070 from taking effect. The federal government has since asked that the U.S. Supreme Court deny Arizona’s petition and that the injunction remain in place.

With today’s reply brief, the Governor urges the U.S. Supreme Court to hear this nationally-significant case.

Statement by Governor Brewer

“I have said it before, and I will say it again: Illegal immigration is not just Arizona’s problem, it is America’s problem. The actions of other states such as South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Utah  to follow Arizona’s lead in adopting SB 1070-like legislation is a true testament to the pressing national importance of this issue. Yet the federal government continues to turn a blind eye to the human and financial costs of illegal immigration, and instead imposes unprecedented litigation upon those States who are forced to do the job that it will not.

“Arizonans bear the burden of the federal government’s unwillingness to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Cartel-related violence spilling over from Mexico is perhaps the most chilling symptom of this failure. Just this week, the bodies of three suspected drug mules were found after reportedly being killed execution-style in the Tumacacori Mountains of southern Arizona. This is the vengeance of the cartel culture. Arizonans have every right to demand that their government – both state and federal – do everything possible to combat this violence before it takes root here on American soil.

“I urge the Supreme Court to hear this case. The Court has an opportunity to solidify the principles that govern cooperative federalism, and to clarify the role that states may play in fulfilling duties the feds have abdicated – namely, to defend the safety and well-being of our citizens. The people of Arizona deserve clarity from the Court. I am hopeful it will hear our appeal.”

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Government Reform, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Employment, Illegal Immigration, Judicial, Legislation, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts