A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and not legislation. JULY 2011
VOLUME XX, ISSUE III
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
ever vigilant
voter approved measures and is “too restrictive” according to many of our lawmakers.
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
This month I’m talking about something that probably doesn’t seem Motorcycle related, but I think it may show a reason for all of us to remember that we have a voice that our lawmakers need to hear. The Arizona legislators are on break right now, but when they return, they very likely will be trying to make some changes to Proposition 105, the Voter Protection Act. This is a ballot measure that Arizona voters approved in 1998, it limits the Legislature’s ability to change
When I first moved to Arizona I didn’t get the reason for all these “Propositions”, but I do now. Voter initiatives give the voters an opportunity to have “real input” regarding some very personal issues. If the legislature is allowed to make changes to Proposition 105, some vital measures passed during the last twelve years, are in jeopardy. Since 1998 voters approved over two thousand initiatives some of which expanded public health care rolls and required annual increases in funding public education. Right now the Governor is looking for a way to cut public healthcare rolls, ignoring a 2000 voter initiative that mandated coverage for anyone earning up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Do you know anyone on AHCCC’s? I do, and I also know that if they had a job that offered health insurance that they could
afford they would gladly get off of AHCCC’s. One of the propositions to look for in 2012 would ask voters to revisit Prop 105 and vote on it every six years because it is a ballot measure that spends state money. Now you may ask yourself, “What the heck does this have to do with me and my motorcycle?” Well, it gives you the perfect opportunity to contact your legislators, even if you only get to talk to one of their aides. Let them know that you are aware of what they’re doing and remind them that there are real people affected by their decisions and that you appreciate their time. Certainly our motorcycling issues are still the same, but we also need to let our legislators know that we have a stake in every bill they pass. Whether it’s regarding profiling, helmets, traffic signals, health care or education, the motorcycling community is affected. Great practice for Motorcycle Day at the Dome 2012!!