Release: "Just because I’m a Democrat don’t ignore them. These are Arizonans too!”
“When it comes to bills that reflect rural Arizona... just because I’m a Democrat don’t ignore them. These are Arizonans too!
“Only Four bills with Democrats as the Primary Sponsor have been Heard this Session.” —Rep. Arlando Teller
PHOENIX — Last Thursday, Rep. Arlando Teller of LD 7 took to the House floor to urge the Republican caucus to hear Democratic bills following the death of his uncle on the Navajo Nation.
“It took paramedics 22 minutes to get to him, right in town, right down the street from a hospital. It took 10 minutes for Navajo Nation police to get to him. This is a common situation in rural Arizona… just because it’s tribal nation doesn’t mean we are not allotted these services that we take for granted in metro Arizona.” Rep. Teller told the House that his family and district are looking to him to solve this issue, and are asking why his bills are not being heard in committee.“I’m trying to do something for them down here. I’m trying to be their advocate, their voice. I’m imploring, I’m imploring, I’m asking all of you… when it comes to bills that reflect rural Arizona...just because I’m a Democrat don’t ignore them. These are Arizonans too!” Teller finished his remarks by stating “there is a reason why we are here today, there is a reason why they voted us in, let's do something for Arizona.”
With slim majorities in the Arizona House (31 R - 29 D) and Senate (17 R - 13 D), weshouldsee a more equal distribution of bills heard in committee. Yet four weeks into the legislative session with the February 22nd deadline to pass bills out of their chamber of origin quickly approaching, there have only been FOUR bills heard with Democrats as the primary sponsor – that's four bills total for both chambers. Democratic Bills Heard this Session:
SB1191 - will provide up to 10 million for students enrolled in career and technical education programs at community colleges.
SB1119 - Prohibits tanning facility operators and employees from allowing individuals under 21 years of age to use a tanning device and establishes recordkeeping and advertising standards.
HB2321 - appropriates money for a scholarship fund to students who complete a term of service in a national service program and attend an eligible in-state educational institution.
HB2093 - which appropriates more money for veteran benefit counselors.
While Republicans are squabbling over tax-cutsand ways to suppress voters, Democrats have introduced a number of bills that will improve the lives of Arizonans.Yet, with this current distribution of bills nearly half of the state is being silenced by the majority party. Constituents from Democratic districts should have their votes honored by assigning and hearing bills from their chosen representatives.
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