Wednesday, January 16, 2008

CAP: Legislative priorities this session

(1) Are You Ready? They're Back!

The Arizona Legislature officially began a new session today. About 40 people joined us to pray "first of all" for our elected officials and the tasks ahead. For the 13th year in a row, CAP's policy team will be at the Capitol to represent you and your values. Our policy team includes myself, Peter Gentala, Jennifer Clark, Deborah Sheasby, and policy intern Brett Urig. We'll be watching for bills that impact your ability to practice your religious beliefs and to raise your children according to your beliefs. We'll also be working to protect the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of marriage in our state. Stay tuned - we anticipate another wild ride.



(2) It's All About the Budget

First, state legislators will likely address the $1 billion deficit in the current state budget. CAP's priority will be to oppose any excessive and unnecessary cuts to abstinence education funding, school choice programs, and pregnancy resource center funding.



(3) CAP on Offense

Our legislative priority will be to pass a state ban on partial birth abortion. Other agenda items include clarifying Arizona's parental consent for abortion law, spelling out students' religious liberties in state law; expanding school choice; addressing Internet issues regarding sexual predators; and, simplifying the charitable tax credit law. I'll be discussing each bill and announcing some new agenda items in the coming weeks.



(4) CAP on Defense

As always, the bills we oppose and defeat are as important as the ones we play a role in passing. We will stand guard against laws infringing on religious liberties, limiting parental rights and school choice opportunities, impacting the sanctity of human life, and eroding marriage. Already legislators have introduced an Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) to grant special legal rights on the basis of one's sexual orientation and gender identity. There's talk of a bill to establish a domestic partners registry for the state. We will oppose both of these ideas vigorously.

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