·          Are they really going to sue to lose money???

·          PAFCO Action Days – Tuesday and Wednesday  

·          PAFCO supports Prop 100 – VOTE YES on May 18!

·          What happens if sales tax fails --- more cuts coming.

·          What’s next – the fight is not over!

The Legislature passed the bill along partisan lines and the Governor signed it to sue the federal government over health care reform, but does it make any sense?

·          JLBC staff put out a report this week that Arizona will gain $2.3 billion dollars over the next ten years from health care reform while covering many more people. 

·          Our legislators should be fixing KidsCare for at least a couple of reasons --- one that low income children need health care just like the rest of us and it is good for the economy too. 

·          And then the Governor and Legislature should be fixing the Prop 204 AHCCCS cuts to avoid jeopardizing all the new health care funding Arizona will get. 

·          The Governor is promising to fix KidsCare but also planning to sue.  How this all makes sense for children and families has yet to be determined. 

·          PAFCO urges restoration of KidsCare and AHCCCS cutbacks --- as well as the rest of health and human services that have been cut so drastically abandoning many vulnerable people. 

·          There are plenty of alternatives.   Go to the JLBC website for detailed information --- http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/5yearplan.pdf  

·          Urge the Governor and Legislature to fix KidsCare, save millions of dollars and show some compassion.  

ARIZONA TO GAIN $2.3 BILLION FROM HEALTH CARE REFORM --- Despite partisan rhetoric – the JLBC Analysis of federal health care legislation indicates that Arizona benefits $2.3 billion over the next ten years and covers many more low income individuals.  Seems like a good reason to fix Kids Care and AHCCCS cuts for details go to the JLBC analysis at;   http://www.azleg.gov/jlbc/FederalHealthcare.pdf

PAFCO Action Days

·      Tuesday April 6 - AZDAC --- The Disability Coalition - 8:30am to 2pm --- Executive Tower – 2 nd Floor Conference Room  - Registration required – Call David Carey at

·      Tuesday – April 6 - NASWAZ --- Social Work Day at the Legislature --- Old Senate Chamber 3 rd Floor Capital --- 11am to 2pm

·      Wednesday April 7 - Mental Health Day at the Capital - 9am - contact Eddie Sissons at EddieS@azabc.org to sign up (required if you want to eat) for lunch. 

SOME HOLIDAY RELECTIONS - PASSOVER and EASTER 2010--- stories of liberation and hope

The holidays of Passover and Easter are grounded in inspiring stories of liberation and hope. 

·          Health and human services at their best are sources of healing, freedom and hope and renewed life. 

·          The essential public safety net of health and human services are a part of the fabric of our community life like schools, faith communities, unions, businesses, and community groups that support and enable our families and communities to flourish and all of us to live together in dignity, freedom, and equality. 

·         Health and human services liberate people from addictions, enable families to escape violence and poverty, overcome stigma, enable families to work and be healthy, provide healing for loss and loneliness, empower independence, restore dignity , provide critical help at a time of crisis , and provide hope in desperate times. Government actions in partnership with community based organizations and faith communities can be a source of hope, support and resilience for families.  

·          But the current Legislative approved and signed state budgets destroy and dismantle critical and essential elements of the health and human services safety net constructed with public and private funds over many years.

·          There are alternatives.  These bad budgets can be undone. Our advocacy is the source of hope to each other and too many others.  We are powerful voices to stop and undo these draconian proposed cuts.

·         We are all linked together by our shared humanity.  There is much work to be done to improve our communities and our democracy and stop the destruction of these bad budgets. 

·         Let’s empower each other to be signs of hope and resilience during this spring time of renewal.  

·         The measure of a humane society is how it treats its most vulnerable members particularly at their time of critical need.  

WHAT IF THE PROP 100 -- THE SALES TAX FAILS IN MAY .   CHILDREN’S ACTION ALLIANCE HAS PREPARED AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONSEQUENCES AND ADDITIONAL CUTS.

See the link below.  http://www.azchildren.org/MyFiles/10%20Legislature/Sales_Tax_Fails_3-30-10.pdf

PAFCO SUPPORTS PROP 100 – a one cent increase in the sales tax.

·          On May 18, 2010 the State will hold a special election to approve a temporary 1% sales tax increase. This increase would generate approximately $1 billion in revenue to cover the $3.5 billion deficit Arizona is currently facing.

·          PAFCO supports this ballot initiative for two distinct reasons:

1) Arizona needs to generate additional revenue, but more importantly

2) Passing this initiative would send a clear message to our legislature that the citizens of Arizona are willing to tax themselves in order to assist in remedying the state budget crisis and to maintain funding to programs that aid our most vulnerable populations.

·          A “NO” vote on this initiative could send the wrong signal that that average citizens do not want to be taxed and will in turn make more cuts to more desperately needed, publically funded programs.

·          Turn out at the polls on May 18, 2010 and let our legislature know that the citizens of Arizona are willing to do what it takes to protect health and human services for our most vulnerable populations.

·          Tell your families; tell your neighbors, tell your friends, tell strangers…. Get the word out!  

·          Here are some things you can do right now:

·           Register to vote . You can do this online .   The last day to register to vote is April 19, 2010.  

·           Register to receive a permanent early ballot . Request your early ballot through your county recorder's office .  The last day to request an early ballot is May 7, 2010.  

·           Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about Prop 100 and why it's important to public education in Arizona. Tell them to visit yeson100.com .

·           Vote Yes on Prop 100 on May 18.

·          The budget fight is not over --- tell the story of the consequences of these cruel cuts. 

o         Don’t let any opportunity pass without sharing your story, the story of the people you serve, the agency impacts, the layoffs, and the pain and suffering. 

o         If the consequences are invisible, the general public will not know or understand the great disservice of these cuts to our shared community life.

o         Be present at the Legislature on PAFCO Action Days and let the Legislature know these cuts are bad and not acceptable and we will hold them accountable for these bad decisions.

o         Continue to write the Governor and your legislators with your stories of impact. Share them with PAFCO and others.

o         Be a voice of reason and compassion and good economic sense in the midst of cruelty of these cuts.

o         Urge the Governor and Legislature to restore KidsCare.  CAA will start a major campaign on Monday, April 5.

·          Organize and turn out the vote for May 18 - Prop 100 sales tax referral election.  ( www.yeson100.com )

o         It is not just about the money, the extra billion dollars that is badly needed. 

o         The billion dollars would not stop these cuts but will prevent more and deeper cuts. 

o         But more importantly a Yes vote will send the message that Arizonans care about the quality of their lives, their children’s education, their neighbors and our communities. 

o         If there is a NO vote, that message will be that Arizonans don’t want government and government support of education and health and human services and other vital services.

o         This is also a referendum on the future of Arizona.

·          Organize and do voter education and voter registration for the August Primary and November General election.

o         This Primary and November election will also be a referendum on the future of our state.

o         It will determine the nature of our public policy and which values for our shared communal life will prevail. 

·         March 11 – A  Day of Infamy

·         What’s next?

·         One Unresolved Issue – HCR2001

·         Thanks or Disappointment Letters

·         PAFCO Advocacy Training – Monday March 15

·         PAFCO Action Day – Tuesday March 16

MARCH 11 2010 – A HISTORICAL WATERSHED SAD DAY OF INFAMY IN ARIZONA

·         The Legislature made extreme cruel cuts to health and human services and education and other vital services on March 11. The list of cuts is below in this email.

·         On Thursday evening, as widely reported, along party line votes, with the Republicans voting yes for the budget cuts and Democrats voting no against budget cuts, the Legislature severely cut health and human services and education and other vital state services and reduced state employees pay among other cuts.   

·         There are immediate cuts to KidsCare children with 45,000 plus children losing health care. 

·         There are immediate cuts to TANF families and grandparents, 10,000 families with up to 20,000 children losing cash assistance and support per month. 

·         Thousands and thousands of jobs will be lost to Arizona’s economy as these cuts are implemented.  42,000 jobs will be lost by the health care cuts alone.  Thousands more by the human services cuts. 

·         Since these cuts were originally proposed by the Governor, there is very chance she will veto any of these cruel cuts. 

These cuts were NOT necessary as claimed by proponents of this bad budget.

·         The truth is that there are plenty of options including a full integrated budget proposal called the “Third Party – Five Year Plan.”

·         There are billions of tax loopholes like taxing services or certain luxuries or “sugar” or alcoholic or “sin” taxes which could be implemented.

·         There are plenty of studies verifying the small tax responsibility of citizens in Arizona and the weak tax structure which must be reformed. 

·         Other studies verify that tax cuts over the last 15 years --- not just the recession contributed significantly to this severe down turn in state revenues. 

·         Ideological narrow mindsets drove these cuts while being blind to other options which would be better for the economy and show compassion for children, families and vulnerable adults.

WHAT’S NEXT?

·         The fight is not over --- tell the story of the consequences of these cruel cuts. 

o    Don’t let any opportunity pass without sharing your story, the story of the people you serve, the agency impacts, the layoffs, and the pain and suffering. 

o    If the consequences are invisible, the general public will not know or understand the great disservice of these cuts to our shared community life.

o    Be present at the Legislature on PAFCO Action Days and let the Legislature know these cuts are bad and not acceptable and we will hold them accountable for these bad decisions.

o    Continue to write the Governor and your legislators with your stories of impact. Share them with PAFCO and others.

o    Be a voice of reason and compassion and good economic sense in the midst of cruelty of these cuts.

·         Organize and turn out the vote for May 18 - Prop 100 sales tax referral election.  ( www.yeson100.com )

o    It is not just about the money, the extra billion dollars that is badly needed. 

o    The billion dollars would not stop these cuts but will prevent more and deeper cuts. 

o    But more importantly a Yes vote will send the message that Arizonans care about the quality of their lives, their children’s education, their neighbors and our communities. 

o    If there is a NO vote, that message will be that Arizonans don’t want government and government support of education and health and human services and other vital services.

o    This is also a referendum on the future of Arizona.

·         Organize and do voter education and voter registration for the August Primary and November General election.

o    This Primary and November election will also be a referendum on the future of our state.

o    It will determine the nature of our public policy and which values for our shared communal life will prevail. 

One unresolved issue -  HCR 2001 Referral to the ballot of First Things First – TAKE ACTION! 

·         The one unresolved issue for health and human services and education issue HCR 2001 - the bill that would put the elimination of First Things First (FTF) on the ballot in November. 

·         The budget that was passed assumes taking from $325 million from FTF.  The House approved sending the elimination of FTF to the ballot but the Senate will not vote until Monday. 

·         There is still time to let your Senators know that you oppose HCR 2001.  Our message is - "Voters passed FTF with a new revenue source (tobacco tax) and the funds are needed for children’s and early childhood programs. 

·         FTF should not be eliminated and its funds should not be put into the General Fund"  Please contact your senator and ask that SCR 2001 be modified to send to the voters instead a plan that would allow First Things First to loan the state $325 million to help balance the budget. 

·         The Governor will call the Legislature into a special session on Monday afternoon to deal with 2010 and 2011 budgets. 

·         It will probably take all week to round up enough votes to pass the final bills.  No bills drafts have been made public yet.

·         The draft spreadsheets circulating outline deep and broad cuts to health and human services and education. 

·         Hundreds of thousands of more people and families will lose services instead of using reasonable alternatives being proposed.  See the details below .

·         Alternatives like the “Third Party – Five Year Plan” are being rejected in favor of more and more deep cuts.

Health Care cuts passed today

·         310,000 individuals proposed to be cut from AHCCCS health care based on Governor’s proposal to significantly scale back AHCCCS voter mandated Prop 204 health care coverage.  No referral to voters, just action today to make these cuts on January 1, 2011.

·         45,000 children lose health care with the proposed elimination of KidsCare - proposed for April 1, 2010.

Behavioral Health cuts passed today (36,500 people will lose services)

·         17,000 seriously mentally ill adults face dramatic reductions in services.

·         4,200 children to lose behavioral health services leaving children and families with no where to turn.

·         6,600 people losing substance abuse services --- leaving families abandon to addictions and children in those families at greater risk, stuck in the child welfare system, or people jailed or deaths or more emergency rooms visits and 911 calls. 

·         11,000 people getting general mental health services --- except for some very limited medication and medication management services. 

Human Services cuts passed today

·         10,000 families (most female-headed) with 17,000 children are proposed to lose cash assistance --- for families already by definition very poor driving these families into deeper poverty effective April 1, 2010 if passed by the Legislature.  This is an attack on some of the poorest of the poor with no where else to turn.  Results will be increased homeless, desperation, illness, and family dislocation. 

·         17,000 children are being denied child care.   

·         No 100% investigations of child protection or adult protection referrals and continued elimination of family support services.   The system of in home family services has already been cut severely in the 2009/2010 cuts and will now be cut even with more families losing services and their children potentially going into foster care.

·         Cuts in emergency services (eviction prevention, homeless prevention, etc) services for families in crisis effecting meaning 1,100 fewer families will receive emergency services.

·         Cuts in domestic violence services reducing service to 1,600 victims of domestic violence will be turned away from shelters.

·         Cuts in aging independent living services impacting hundreds of elderly and people with disabilities.

·         Eliminate completely support for grandparents caring for their grandchildren.

·         Eliminate state only supported services for children and adults with developmental disabilities throwing 300 children and 400 adults off services. 

·         Elimination of the Department of Juvenile Corrections transferring youth to county detention centers in the counties throwing almost 900 people out of work and dumping these youths on the local governments already overburdened with their own budget problems.

·         Implementation of many new fees and means testing for programs like adoption services for children with disabilities, services for children and adults with disabilities --- potentially leaving many children and adults at serious risk and costing more downstream as high cost services are used.   

·         Read CAA's Fact Sheet on this budget plan and send a message to your elected leaders today urging them to reject it!

OTHER proposed Human Services cuts

·         10,000 families (most female-headed) with 17,000 children are proposed to lose cash assistance --- for families already by definition very poor driving these families into deeper poverty effective April 1, 2010 if passed by the Legislature.  This is an attack on some of the poorest of the poor with no where else to turn.  Results will be increased homeless, desperation, illness, and family dislocation. 

·         11,000 on child care turn away list with many more to be turned away from child care with child care permanently closed for the foreseeable future stopping families from working and putting children at risk.

·         No 100% investigations of child protection or adult protection referrals and continued elimination of family support services.   The system of in home family services has already been cut severely in the 2009/2010 cuts and will now be cut even with more families losing services and their children potentially going into foster care.

·         Cuts in emergency services (eviction prevention, homeless prevention, etc) services for families in crisis effecting meaning 1,100 fewer families will receive emergency services.

·         Cuts in domestic violence services reducing service to 1,600 victims of domestic violence will be turned away from shelters.

·         Cuts in aging independent living services impacting hundreds of elderly and people with disabilities.

·         Eliminate support for grandparents caring for their grandchildren.

·         Eliminate state only supported services for children and adults with developmental disabilities throwing 300 children and 400 adults off services. 

·         Elimination of the Department of Juvenile Corrections transferring youth to county detention centers in the counties throwing almost 900 people out of work and dumping these youths on the local governments already overburdened with their own budget problems.

·         Implementation of many new fees and means testing for programs like adoption services for children with disabilities, services for children and adults with disabilities --- potentially leaving many children and adults at serious risk and costing more downstream as high cost services are used.  

·         A summary of proposed cuts and implications for the Department of Economic Security can be found at https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/FY11_Executive_Recommendation.pdf?n=1089  

·         Click here for a list of major budget cuts proposed to children and families from Children’s Action Alliance.  http://www.azchildren.org/MyFiles/10%20Legislature/Gov_Budget_FY11.pdf

·        This makes no economic, humane or legal sense. What are these people thinking?

·         There are alternatives including options like Five Year Plan – Third Party budget. 

·         Please take action and resist this and other bad cuts to health and human services for children, families, and vulnerable adults. n - Third Party Budget. Please take action and resist these bad ideas.

The Governor’s solutions --- and the coming Legislative leadership budget based on the Governor’s budget --- are brutal for children, families and elderly, people with disabilities and vulnerable adults --- and bad economics to the state.

Health Care cuts proposed highlighted today

·         310,000 individuals proposed to be cut from AHCCCS health care based on Governor’s proposal to significantly scale back AHCCCS voter mandated Prop 204 health care coverage.

·         47,000 children lose health care with the proposed elimination of KidsCare - proposed for April 1, 2010.

·         For specific detail go to: http://www.ospb.state.az.us/documents/2010/FY2011_BudgetSummaryFINAL.pdf

·         Healthcare Cuts Hurt State’s Economy - The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) is urging lawmakers to oppose any budget that will worsen the state’s economic crisis. 42,000 jobs will be lost and health care in Arizona devastated.  For more information click here.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

PAFCO ACTION DAY --- TUESDAY MARCH 9 --- FAMILY PICTURE

SEND A LETTER TO YOUR LEGISLATORS WITH YOUR FAMILY PICTURE URGING LEGISLATORS TO PROTECT ARIZONA’S FAMILIES.

HUMAN SERVICES DAY ---AND NASW SOCIAL WORK DAYS

SPONSORED BY

PAFCO, NASW AZ, CHILDREN’S ACTION ALLIANCE,

SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,

FLORENCE CRITTENTON

ACTION WILL BEGIN AT 11AM.

PAFCO ACTION DAY – TUESDAY MARCH 16

CAMPUS LEADERSHIP LEAGUE – ADVOCACY TO END HOMELESSNESS

PAFCO ACTION DAY – TUESDAY MARCH 30 --- AARP

Friday, February 26, 2010
Source: Arizona Capitol Reports

COMMITTEE HEARING UPDATE Standing committees in House and Senate will not meet next week.

JOBS PACKAGE WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL AFTER THE BUDGET When the House passed and sent H2250 (Arizona’s job recovery act) to the Senate, Burns said he wouldn’t move the bill until after the Senate has completed work on the FY10 and FY11 budgets. He is sticking to his word. The bill has not been referred to Senate committees even though: (a) it passed the House on Jan. 28, and (b) the Senate has referred other House bills that passed the House more recently. One insider told our reporter this morning: “I think we have to take Burns at his word: there will be no action taken on that bill until we have a budget that has passed the Legislature.”

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Observers see the jobs bill being used as in a political tug-of-war between House and Senate majority caucuses, an eventuality that potentially throws a wrench into leadership plans to “expeditiously address the budget.” As one source told our reporter yesterday: “A sub-caucus of House Republicans is likely to peg its support of the budget to passage of the jobs and tax cut bill. Burns is unlikely to be moved. Brewer will have to demonstrate some real leadership skills to avoid a complete stalemate.”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Observers see the jobs bill being used as in a political tug-of-war between House and Senate majority caucuses, an eventuality that potentially throws a wrench into leadership plans to “expeditiously address the budget.” As one source told our reporter yesterday: “A sub-caucus of House Republicans is likely to peg its support of the budget to passage of the jobs and tax cut bill. Burns is unlikely to be moved. Brewer will have to demonstrate some real leadership skills to avoid a complete stalemate.”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

JOBS PACKAGE WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL AFTER THE BUDGET When the House passed and sent H2250 (Arizona’s job recovery act) to the Senate, Burns said he wouldn’t move the bill until after the Senate has completed work on the FY10 and FY11 budgets. He is sticking to his word. The bill has not been referred to Senate committees even though: (a) it passed the House on Jan. 28, and (b) the Senate has referred other House bills that passed the House more recently. One insider told our reporter this morning: “I think we have to take Burns at his word: there will be no action taken on that bill until we have a budget that has passed the Legislature.”

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Observers see the jobs bill being used as in a political tug-of-war between House and Senate majority caucuses, an eventuality that potentially throws a wrench into leadership plans to “expeditiously address the budget.” As one source told our reporter yesterday: “A sub-caucus of House Republicans is likely to peg its support of the budget to passage of the jobs and tax cut bill. Burns is unlikely to be moved. Brewer will have to demonstrate some real leadership skills to avoid a complete stalemate.”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Observers see the jobs bill being used as in a political tug-of-war between House and Senate majority caucuses, an eventuality that potentially throws a wrench into leadership plans to “expeditiously address the budget.” As one source told our reporter yesterday: “A sub-caucus of House Republicans is likely to peg its support of the budget to passage of the jobs and tax cut bill. Burns is unlikely to be moved. Brewer will have to demonstrate some real leadership skills to avoid a complete stalemate.”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

NEXT WEEK Leadership plans for next week are still unclear. Last week, when reports were confirmed that the first week(s) in March would be devoted to the budget, many observers thought the idea would be to get the bills passed and sent to Brewer before tackling alternate house bills. Over the past several days, however, those observers are backing off their predictions. “Leadership will be satisfied just to throw their ideas out there and let them percolate over the next several weeks,” said one. Linda Gray told our reporter it may be too much to expect the Senate to third-read budget bills next week. She said she expects to see bill drafts for lawmakers to examine and for leadership to figure out if they have the votes to go forward. Harper, who was in a small group meeting yesterday, said no one in his group specifically asked leadership how far it wants to move the budget next week. Harper said he believes leadership is trying to find out where a consensus may be found. He said he doesn’t believe members have discussed what they can support, or what they need to have included.

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

BILLS NOT DRAFTED Pierce said the budget will not be third read next week. When he left the Capitol yesterday, the bills had not been drafted because “we don’t have everything -- there’s not complete agreement on all the numbers between the House, the Senate and the governor.” He said the disagreement is not over the revenue or deficit base. The on-going discussions relate to the scoring for various cuts and backfills. They will shop firmed-up numbers with members next week. Pierce said he’s not sure when the budget bills would be dropped. “It would be nice if we could do it by the end of the week, but I just don’t know,” Pierce said.

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

THE DIRECTION FORWARD
Yesterday’s Legislative Report item that included Meyer’s claim that if the sales tax referral does not pass, class size in the Scottsdale school district will approach 50 engendered at least one comment. A reader, who had been educated abroad, said that most of his classes in high school had had at least 50 students in them. Our response -- “that was in a third-world county” -- turned out to be the perfect set-up; he stretched his arms out in an inclusive gesture and said: “Welcome to the third world!”

Election Resources - Know the Rules FROM INDEPENDENT SECTOR

( http://www.independentsector.org/election_rules )

·          “Although 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations cannot engage in partisan political activity and are limited in the amount of lobbying they can do, they are permitted to engage in a variety of nonpartisan voter education and voter participation projects. Such projects may include public education, advocacy on controversial policy issues, and efforts designed to increase voting by disadvantaged or excluded groups in society.   “Know the Rules” describes some of the types of election-related activities 501(c)(3)s can engage in and provides an explanation on the general rules that apply in this area. The materials presented on these pages concentrate mainly on section 501(c)(3) organizations that qualify as public charities with some attention to private foundations, and 501(c)(4) groups.

·          Because the application of law is fact-sensitive and context is critical, these pages are meant to provide you with general guidelines only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Questions often arise in gray areas of the law, where there is no obvious right or wrong answer, and in these cases organizations should consult their own counsel or tax advisors to receive guidance. In addition, it is important that all organizations consult their state election laws to ensure that all activities in which they seek to engage are permitted under state law.  

·          Organizations should also be aware of the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission that allows corporations, unions and some nonprofits to spend money on campaign communications supporting or opposing candidates. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are still prohibited from engaging in such partisan political communications, but legislative proposals in response to the decision could impact issue ad activity by 501(c)(3)s.  

·          Finally, note that the pages presented here deal only with tax issues and not with the Federal Election Laws, which generally do not affect 501(c)(3)s as they can only engage in nonpartisan election activities. However, 501(c)(3) organizations that wish to broadcast issue ads that mention federal candidates during election times should review the Federal Election Commission rules on electioneering communications .”

·          Download the Rules

• Election Dos and Don'ts for Public Charities  (PDF)
• Election Dos and Don'ts for Private Foundations (PDF)
• Election Dos and Don'ts for 501(c)(3) Staff  (PDF)

• Candidate Forums and Debates (PDF)
• Candidate Questionnaires
• Issue Advocacy vs. Electioneering
• Voter Registration (PDF)
• Voter Education (PDF)
• IRS Guidance

SOME PARTICULAR EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED

Working for the election of a particular candidate, whether at the federal, state or local level, is strictly prohibited for 501(c)(3) organizations and is cause for the organization to lose its tax-exempt status.  Employees, members or officers of 501(c)(3) organizations are not prohibited from participating in a political campaign, provided that they say or do everything as a private citizen and not as spokespersons for the organization or while using the organization's resources.

Examples of activities that are permissible for 501(c)(3) organizations:

·          Nonpartisan voter registration drives that educate the public about the importance of voting. These activities cannot be biased for or against any candidate or party.

·          Educating all candidates and political parties about your organization's issues.

·          Inviting candidates to meetings or to public forums sponsored by the nonprofits.  The invitation must be extended to "all serious candidates."

Examples of activities that is not permissible for 501(c) (3) organizations:

·          Endorsing or opposing a candidate.

·          Making any campaign contribution.

·          Coordinating activities with a candidate.

Center for the Lobbying in the Public Interest www.clpi.org . and National Council of Non Profit Associations   http://www.npaction.org/resources/Election_tool_kit2.pdf

Advocacy Toolkits for Nonprofits

• Advocacy Toolkit: Building Policy Capacity - (National Council of Nonprofits)
• Speak for Yourself Advocacy Toolkit - (Colorado Nonprofit Association)
• Civic Engagement Tools and Checklists from the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network
• Resources from the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI)
• Advocacy Tactics
  
• Finding and Using Data
• Working in Coalitions
• Know the Legislative Process and Players
• Lobbying Tactics
• Writing a Letter
• Personal Visits with a Legislator
• Presenting Legislative Testimony

Our Goal: To train individuals to advocate for solutions to address the current health care crisis.

• Get Involved!! download flyer
  
• PAFCO Health Care Advocacy Project
• Promoting Health Care Reform through citizen action
  
• Citizen Evaluation Questions
  

Conversations about the future of the state need to include the health and human services sector as well as transportation, water, economic development, tax policy and education.

Too often, health and human services state budget allocations have been the scraps of the budget rather than setting an agenda of what's needed to seriously address our social concerns.

We get trapped into thinking in terms of limitations rather than the possibilities for real solutions for families and children on the margins.

We must keep the needs of vulnerable people on the public policymakers radar and the public's awareness agenda with the need for investments in health and human services as Arizona moves forward

We must NOT tolerate in subtle or overt ways, poverty, hunger, homelessness, neglect of our children or elderly, or accept family violence and neglect our direct caregiver service workforce needs.

We must not fall further behind for needed investments but begin to think in terms of the possibilities by beginning to systematically address these issues with long term plans and incremental progress.

Our future quality of life demands attention to the health and human services infrastructure and the needs of Arizona's most vulnerable citizens. The public and policy makers must be educated and understand the need for investments and infrastructure for schools, transportation and other economic development and quality of life issues.

We must find new ways to educate the public, public policy makers and create the political will and power to address the unfinished agenda of health and human services.

We have learned the hard way that the marketplace, the faith based communities, nonprofits by themselves, volunteerism and corporate donations can not solve these problems.

Poverty persists, hunger and homelessness have grown, the health crisis deepens and widens, family violence continues.

We must find new ways to make the public investments necessary rather than perpetuate illusionary methods which have not resolved these community needs.

Current approaches will only continue failed solutions rather than stimulate creative and new thinking and political will. New thinking and new solutions with new investments are needed.

Examples of Health and Human Services Unfinished Agenda

All sectors suffer from workforce issues based on historically low rates and low wages for direct worker caregivers which have not kept up with marketplace wages. Qualified, caring staff leave sensitive jobs due to poor pay and working conditions in which they help elders, children, and others to remain independent.

Hundreds of thousands of children and low income working adults go without needed health care coverage.

Thousands of women and children continue go without safety and shelter from domestic violence each year.

Child care rates are at least seven years outdated limiting parents' choices of quality services.

Funding for services for persons with serious mental illness and substance abuse seeking healing and recovery has not addressed the need.

Children's services for the most vulnerable are constantly stretched beyond the system's capacity to respond.

Poverty, hunger, and homelessness persist without comprehensive systematic plans for elimination.

Affordable housing is in short supply throughout the state.

People with disabilities have limited opportunities while independent living services go under-funded.

We must find new ways to overcome societal attitudes that subtly tolerate poverty, homelessness, family violence, and inadequate care of our children and vulnerable members.