The last two days at the Arizona Capitol have shown the great possibilities for the Grand Canyon State when both Republicans and Democrats work together for the betterment of the people.
Unfortunately, it has also displayed how ugly it can be when fringe legislation to discriminate against people passes one of the legislative chambers.
Jake’s Law gets everyone’s vote
Governor Doug Ducey signed Jake’s Law yesterday (March 3, 2020.)
This law (Senate Bill 1523), sponsored by philosophically diverse legislators like Sean Bowie, Sylvia Allen, David Bradley, and Kate Brophy McGee, garnered the vote of every Republican and Democrat in the State Legislature.
It will, as AZ Central Joanna Allhands wrote, “remove some of the insurance limits on mental health care and, with any luck, help reduce the rising suicide rate that is taking far too many Arizonans.”
This measure is an example of good government that will improve people’s lives and move the state forward.
Barto’s Transgender Athlete Discrimination Bill passes the House on a Party Line Vote.
Unfortunately for the Arizona community, a darker scene enveloped the State House on March 3 when Republicans, on a party-line vote, passed LD 15 Nancy Barto’s draconian and discriminatory ban (House Bill 2706) on transgender females participating in public school sports.
This ugly measure, forged in reactionary fear, ignorance, and bigotry, is everything government is not supposed to be about.
Hopefully, the measure will die in the State Senate.
If not, hopefully, Doug Ducey will have the wisdom (or common sense) to veto it.
Hopefully.
On March 3, the people saw what good actions for the community public servants can do if they come together.
Unfortunately, on the same day, they also glimpsed what dystopian possiblities exist when fringe elements are allowed to infuence backward legislation.
The people need to contact their legislators and let them know what they prefer moving the good acts moving forward rather than the ugly ones that pull the community back.