By Howard Fischer
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-972971.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – The proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer would make a change in state law to keep checks coming for those who have been been out of work for more than 79 weeks. And the governor pointed out that the cash would come entirely from the federal government. But many members of her own Republican Party balked at the idea. Sen. Sylvia Allen said providing extended benefits does not deal with the underlying problem.
(The real issue is we have destroyed thousands of jobs in Arizona and also in America because of progressive socialist principles that have been used in the last 20 years that has changed our country. The real root of the problem is this country's in desperate need of jobs.''
And Sen. Al Melvin told colleagues they need to say no to the federal cash.
(We have to do everything that we can to make sure that this Obama administration and this Democratic Party in all 50 states stop the generational theft that they have engaged in ever since the Obama administration came to power. )
But the governor scoffed at the idea that turning away the federal cash is the responsible thing to do.
(If we don't pass this legislation it's not going to make a diddly-dink in the federal deficit. And it's going to bring in probably $80 million into our economy. And Lord knows, we need the help also.)
Brewer said she is unwilling to cave in to demands to include business tax cuts or other changes in unemployment laws to get the necessary votes. Lawmakers are due back at the Capitol on Monday. But without action, the extended benefit checks going out this coming week will be the last. For Arizona Public Radio this is Howard Fischer.