From the Children's Action Alliance:
On June 13, 2011, the Arizona Legislature adjourned without taking any action to help the nearly 15,000 Arizonans who will be cut off of unemployment benefits (UI) this week. Despite heavy pressure by CAA, many community organizations, concerned voters like you and hundreds of people who will be affected, legislative leadership refused to take a vote on legislation to change ONE WORD in existing statute.
The fix would have allowed 15,000 workers to receive the last 20 weeks of their unemployment benefits at no cost to the state. Without the fix, these workers will receive their last weekly benefit payment this week. In addition, none of the 65,000 people in Arizona currently receiving UI benefits will receive assistance if they are still job hunting after 79 weeks.
Dana Wolfe Naimark, CAA President and CEO, said "The lack of action will be extremely damaging to Arizona's economy, and the health and stability of our families. Arizona voters deserve better."
The special session started last Friday but despite bipartisan support, no hearings were held and no legislation was discussed. Senator John McComish (R-19) and Representative Russ Jones (R-24) had originally agreed to sponsor the legislation, but were asked by House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Russell Pearce not to introduce the bills. Democrats in both houses subsequently introduced bills to make the needed fix but no hearings or votes were held.
Thanks for joining CAA in our on-going efforts for children and families across the state. We will need your continued support!
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