Upcoming Events
Resources
In the News
Take Action
Become a Member
About the Coalition
Links
Contact Us
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Take Action
Hot Issues!
HCR 2044 would allow the Arizona Legislature to balance the state budget by raiding voter-approved and protected funding streams for initiatives such as first things first.
Background:
· In 1998 voters approved Proposition 105 which prohibits lawmakers from changing, or repealing a voter approved act or expenditure without a three-fourths approval.
· This bill would ENABLE THE LEGISLATURE TO gut many health and human services initiatives including health care for the poor, education support, and early childhood development like most recent use of tobacco tax funding to increase healthcare coverage for low income children and adults and for First Things First (Early Childhood Health and Development).
· HCR2044 (voter-protection; temporary budgetary suspension) would upon voter approval, permit the Legislature to appropriate or divert funds enacted by initiative or referendum in years when the state budget is projected to have a deficit. The last time the Legislature tried to end run popular initiatives, the voters passed the Voter Protection Act (Prop 105) that keeps the Legislature from cutting those programs as they would like to do.
Leading the charge on this bill is Representative Russell Pearce (R-Mesa). According to the Arizona Republic, Pearce complains that what voters have protected are "the giveaway programs, the socialist programs," referring to programs like AHCCCS and First Things First."
If you are concerned about the impact HCR will have on children's health and education, please contact your legislators today and tell them to vote NO on HCR 2044.
Find your legislator contact information HERE.
Contact your Elected Officials
If you have questions or comments about this page Contact our webmaster