Bill Clinton

Filibuster Reform and Court Expansion may be necessary in 2021

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While not being presumptuous of a Democratic victory across the board in 2020, Progressive and Centrist Democrats need to ask themselves the question “If we win, where are the votes to enact our progressive programs?” The History of the last 25 years provides some lessons Progressive and Centrist Democrats need to pay heed to if … Read more

We are a Republic Sir, Not an Absolute Monarchy

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The President and his devout counsel must think we are a Banana Republic. Despite his, and the zealots in his party, best efforts to facilitate this development, we are fortunately not there yet. It was revealed today in the New York Times that some of the Presidents lawyers (including those no longer serving him) argued … Read more

Watch the Democratic National Convention from Tucson

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“Downtown’R American Grill (is) inside the hotel. Bring friends & family and watch our POTUS candidate accept the nomination.” Hosted by Pima County Democrats CD 3. Carolyn’s note: Here’s an event for those of us not in Philadelphia, PA this week.  The Democratic National Convention is likely to nominate the Democratic team of Hillary Clinton/Tim Kaine … Read more

Ducey’s cruel move on welfare continues the legacy of “reform”

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Crossposted from DemocraticDiva.com

New Republic welfare cover
This was seriously on the cover of the New Republic in 1996.

Gotta love this headline and lede:

Facing $1 billion deficit, Arizona sharply limits welfare

PHOENIX (AP) — Facing a $1 billion budget deficit, Arizona’s Republican-led Legislature has reduced the lifetime limit for welfare recipients to the shortest window in the nation.

Low-income families on welfare will now have their benefits cut off after just 12 months.

Oh, yes, it’s all about the deficit. Sure it is.

The cuts of at least $4 million reflect a prevailing mood among the lawmakers in control in Arizona that welfare, Medicaid and other public assistance programs are crutches that keep the poor from getting back on their feet and achieving their potential.

“I tell my kids all the time that the decisions we make have rewards or consequences, and if I don’t ever let them face those consequences, they can’t get back on the path to rewards,” Republican Sen. Kelli Ward, R-Lake Havasu City, said during debate on the budget. “As a society, we are encouraging people at times to make poor decisions and then we reward them.”

I saw several people on social media wondering how Arizona could enact such limits to TANF when these are federal dollars in question. Understanding that requires historical context that the AP report touches on briefly in the very last paragraph:

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Democratic Party Glitterati Coming to Arizona

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Do the Democrats smell blood in the purple waters of Arizona? Given our Tea Party Legislature’s current assault on the citizens of Arizona. Let’s  hope so. Democratic Party superstars–Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton and Nancy Pelosi– are coming to Arizona this spring for separate events. The Clinton Global Initiative University is sponsoring a university-based event … Read more