Apparently spite is now a public service principle for Arizona’s Republicans

Posted by Craig McDermott

Wow.

The latest gem from Frank Antenori (R-Don't say I'm from Tucson though that is where I live) is HB2770.

It contains a list of prohibited acts for people receiving public assistance (aka – welfare).

From the bill –

A. A person shall not receive assistance or cash assistance under this Title if the person is found:

1. In possession of, consuming or purchasing alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or illegal drugs.

2. With a cellular phone if the cellular phone is not the only phone in the person's home.

3. With a cellular phone contract that includes more than basic phone service.

4. Purchasing an automobile that is worth more than five thousand dollars.

5. Purchasing a television that is worth more than three hundred dollars.

6. With a cable television contract that provides more than basic cable television service.

Yes, it is just sloppily-written election year posturing but this is still a chunk of jaw-droppingly spiteful legisation targeting Arizona's poorest residents.

I wonder what Rep. Antenori's first reaction would be if someone proposed a list of similar restrictions but for the presidents of bailed-out banks or companies that stand before the cities, counties, and state with hat in hand, asking for specific tax breaks?

Just freakin' WOW.

Anyway, it's nice to see that Maricopa County doesn't have a monopoly on the worst of the worst Rs – besides original sponsor Antenori, southern AZ legislators Gowan, Stevens, and Melvin are on the list of cosponsors for this bill.   

Maricopa Rs like Russell Pearce, Jack Harper, and John Kavanagh have been long-established leaders of the winger caucus, making the Rs proud and the state a national embarrassment; I'm sure the state GOP is ecstatic that they've developed such a reliably nasty farm team.