This evening, Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed two major bills: the campus carry bill and the birther bill. From what I am seeing on various social media sites, Gov. Brewer has many very unhappy supporters this evening. Some have even resorted to calling her a ‘traitor’ on her personal Facebook page which I do not find at all fair. I at least want to hear her reasoning.
Though I am disappointed with the outcome of the campus carry bill (and I mean that also in the sense of how it was watered down in the state senate), I am also mindful that Gov. Brewer has been a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and has greatly expanded the state’s gun laws since taking office in 2009. The governor expressed her concerns with the campus carry bill regarding the ambiguous ‘public rights of way’ phrase stating it was unclear and overall, the bill was ‘sloppily written’ which has some in the state legislature responding a bill does not pass the state house overwhelmingly if it is unclear; however, the bill’s original language permitting guns inside the college classrooms was eliminated by the time it passed the state senate.
In fact, it was reported on www.myfoxphoenix.com tonight the bill would not have passed the house if it had not been scaled back. Therefore, a gun is only permitted in the ill-defined ‘public rights of way’ but not in a college classroom as originally intended.
There was also concern that ‘public rights of way’ could also be applied to K-12 public schools where guns are already forbidden by law. Just on a side note: as I’m reading through the campus gun veto, I see a headline about a bill in New Hampshire that would allow parents to keep their children out of classes and programs promoting sex ed/condom distribution. I have a sneaking suspicion more children are harmed in public school sex ed programs than would be with a gun-carrying teacher and staff.
As for Arizona’s campus carry, I would like to see the wording clarified and reintroduced in the next session to see if a) it will pass the Arizona house and b) accepted into law by Gov. Brewer
Video: Gov Brewer Explains Her Vetoes of Birther Bill and Campus Gun Law
Another bill getting attention nationally- perhaps even more than the campus carry law – is the birther bill that was vetoed.
I have not been hugely supportive of the birther movement at all. In 2009, I spoke up at legislative district meeting when an older gentlemen, with good intentions, brought a posterboard with a copy of what a birth certificate ‘oughtta look like’. I kindly stated that I understood, but the point was there were more tangible things on which to go after Obama than a birth certificate. Unfortunately, no one cared about Obama’s records during the campaign, so we have to deal with him on his presidential record. Knowing that we have a president who doesn’t care about what he’s doing to us and an entire political and media system that will not challenge him, we have to keep the focus on his record in The White House.
I realize spending $2 million to keep something under wraps is cause for concern; however, we’re also dealing with a malevolent pig (yes, I said that!) who is in control right now. He wants to elevate this conversation to a fever pitch – and then, what if he does produce the birth certificate? Many people will look foolish and the media will have a field day with conservatives as never before. The establishment (Democrat and Republican) want something to happen that will make ‘the birthers’ (who are labelled as ‘conservatives’) look as ridiculous as possible. Who knows? Maybe that’s why The Donald is breathing life into this argument.
Gov. Brewer’s veto is actually something we should welcome. Whenever we are discussing the language of citizenship, there is a tendency to think we can apply it as a state and move on. The truth is, this issue has to be dealt with at the federal level as pointed out in my previous post, Immigration Law: How Far is Too Far? When the birther issue is brought up, so is the uniform establishment of citizenship. Only the United State congress can change laws on that matter. There was a Senate bill introduced on April 5 by Senators Vitter, Paul, Lee and Moran. Let’s see how far this goes as it would be an amendment addressing the concerns brought up by immigration arguments and the birther movement.
When Brewer stated on Greta’s show last night that the power of the Secretary of State would be expanded, I do see her point. Though the Secretary of State (a post Brewer held prior to becoming governor) performs verification, the state itself cannot establish citizenship. Again, I see this as a move to put the debate at the federal level where it belongs.
These are not the only bills the governor has vetoed recently and as a result, the wildfire season has begun in Arizona.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, upheld Arizona residents have a right to claim tax credits when donating to non-profit groups providing scholarships for children to attend private schools. The following week, Gov. Brewer vetoed a bill expanding that credit. This veto does not discontinue the tax credit at all (as some were led to believe) – it simply does not expand it. In addition, Gov. Brewer did sign a separate bill to create a voucher system for special education students to leave public schools, a move hailed by the Goldwater Institute.
The education lobby in Arizona is already planning to challenge the special education voucher in court. The true intent of their challenge is due to the funds that would go to the public school for that special needs child being transferred toward the voucher to educate the child elsewhere. Money is what is at the heart of the challenge – not the interest of the child or parents.
I look at Governor Brewer’s responses to these bills as being very measured and thoughtful. In her decisions, she has asked for or offered solutions. Where I have had my largest disagreement with her is in her support for a sales tax increase that was passed by voters last May. I do not see that it has added any benefit to our state’s businesses and certainly not to residents who are struggling. I also do not envy Gov. Brewer who came into office in 2009 on the heels of one of the most incompetent and deranged people to govern this state. Gov. Brewer indeed inherited a mess and went to work immediately downsizing state government programs, dealing with a tremendous state deficit and being ignored by Napolitano and Obama on the border even prior to the signing of SB1070 last April.
Often times, we see the initial title of a bill without seeing all the items attached to it. It is not a matter of just signing a bill because it’s the ‘birther bill’ or ‘campus carry’, but being mindful of exactly what the language entails. We become emotional about some bills – and that’s where we need to stop ourselves. We need first to listen with reason – and if the reason is not acceptable, then we can get emotional about it ; )
***Gov. Brewer released a statement on Facebook earlier this evening, and I thought you all would be interested in her post regarding the ‘birther bill’:
Why I Vetoed HB2177 (qualifications for federal, state and local elections
by Governor Jan Brewer on Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Also, the bill would require candidates for President – regardless of gender – to submit various records, including baptismal or circumcision records. I hope that it’s obvious why these type of requirements could be problematic.
I believe the bill created significant new problems for our elections and granted too much power to either a state or local election official who could arbitrarily prohibit anyone from appearing on the ballot in any federal, state or local election.
As Governor of Arizona, I do not have line-item veto authority for non-appropriation bills, such as this bill. Although many of you may be disappointed in my decision, it was the right thing to do based on the consequences of the entire bill.
People who have researched and followed the constitutional presidential eligibility requirement issue know that it’s about more than a single piece of paper, that the issue centers around the definition of natural born citizenship. By Obama’s own admission he was not eligible because of the two US parent requirement. His lack of credibility displayed on a daily basis has fueled the desire for clarification of documentation as well. I read somewhere that the vetoed Arizona bill would have changed the definition of natural born citizenship to mean native born with the requirement of only one parent. So the birth certificate/place of birth is a distraction from the central issue.
I appreciate your take on this Artgal, and I agree. It reminds me of some things Palin did as governor that didn’t seem “conservative” on the surface, but had everything to do with following the letter of the law in an open and upright manner.
Though I failed to go specifically in to the circumcision clause, I am also mindful that it was a ridiculous addition to the bill. Then, it becomes the Secretary of State’s responsibility to confirm/validate/establish citizenship on the matter. Insane.
If you research who is responsible for vetting candidates, you will learn that it’s up to the respective parties and the American people… yet another issue with our archaic election system which politicians like Obama know how to game masterfully. It’s yet another debate that as a nation we need to have about government reformation.
When relating specifically to the Arizona bill, one entity in the state would have had the authority to remove any name at all at the federal, state or local level during an election. That is at the heart of the bill’s veto along with the fact it was becoming a circus over certain requirements as Tammy pointed out.
I almost wonder if the governor was being set up. The entire birther thing has devolved into a major distraction and frankly, it’s ridiculous. Though I understand why people are wondering, it becomes the focal point instead of the mess this president is creating right in front of us.
Yes, the American people are to vet the candidates – and so is the media in their responsibility to investigate and report. It doesn’t happen anymore (MSM), but truly, it is not government reformation we need; it’s restoration! When we put decent people into office, we will get the restoration of our nation.
As for reform, that needs to take place in education (and not the reform Obama is discussing). If we are serious about keeping future Obamas out of office, we have to get rid of the leftist boot camp called The Dept. of Education and restore the power over public schools to the local level. It won’t solve everything, but it’s a start.
Excellent article Artgal! I could not agree with you more! Frankly, I am sick and tired of hearing about Obama’s citizenship. I have my beliefs, but at present, I feel there are much bigger fish to fry, like getting people back to work, balancing budgets and cutting spending. The reality is, there are some things that are up to the Federal Government to determine. Rather then continuing to force separation in the party and the citizens, we should be pushing our elected federal officials to make the changes in Washington. Yeah, I know, Grijalva is my rep. so he will not listen to me, but that doesn’t mean I do not have a voice. It also means that I am obligated as a God Fearing, American Loving woman to get my butt up out of my chair and become active! Change! Educate!
Regarding the gun law… I SUPPORT COLLEGE CAMPUS CARRY, but let me tell EVERYONE this who may have any doubts… I am sick and tired of bills that leave room for the unintended consequences. And if anyone for one second thinks that guns have any place in a public school system you don’t know anything about TUSD! I WOULD NEVER SUPPORT anyone employed by the Tucson Unified School District to carry a gun into a class room. EVER! Maybe other districts in Arizona would make sense, but not here! I am VERY HAPPY with Governor Brewer for recognizing this!
Artgal,
Excellent article. I couldn’t agree with you more. Amen to SouthernAzGal above. I live in Tucson and know what you mean about TUSD. I heard on the radio this afternoon that Governor Brewer also vetoed the SB 1593 concerning purchasing health insurance across state lines. What is your take on that one? Was I missing something re: SB 1593?
Hi Pamelarice,
I’m in Tucson, too, and thus far, there is nothing coming across locally or on national media on SB1593; however, SB1592 was vetoed yesterday and that may be what you were hearing about. It was ‘partner legislation’ to SB1593, but it’s SB1593 on which we are awaiting word.
When I called about 4 hours ago, Gov. Brewer’s office said she had not made a decision, and they did not know where she leaned on the matter. In fact, she was in talks with people.
We’ll see what will happen.
I do want SB1593 to pass. It will revive our state & pose the challenge to Obamacare not only in Arizona, but nationally.
Its my sincere hope she does the right thing arizona should set the example because the country is watching
Thanks so much Artgal for the informative piece. Being way over yonder on the East Coast, it is difficult to get “into the weeds” with what is really happening out your way, since the MSM for the most part doesn’t seem to have an interest in dispassionate “just the facts” reporting. With Gov. Brewer, I just applied the TammyBruce rule, if you hear something “off” about someone you know, don’t jump to conclusions before investigating. Your article gives an excellent perspective of what’s happening and is greatly appreciated.
Artgal, as you know for quite some time I am a fan of your gifted writing. You have a mind that grasps the whole picture, condenses information to terms that get precisely to the main points and sorts it out in an understandable way. You are a true educator & we are all so thankful that you share your gifts with us!