Statement from Governor Jan Brewer

Statement

"I didn‟t act lightly this week when I called the Legislature into an emergency Special Session. The minor statutory change that I‟ve proposed would extend federally-funded unemployment aid for as many as 45,000 Arizona families in need, while keeping nearly $3.5 million a week flowing into the local economy. There is no state cost, and no future state obligation.

"Legislation drafted by my staff, in coordination with lawmakers, was prepared for consideration by the Legislature. I remain hopeful that will still happen. This Legislature owes an „up or down‟ vote to the people of Arizona on this critical issue.

"I understand that some legislators have concerns about the extension of unemployment aid. They worry about the federal deficit. So do I. But you don‟t balance the federal budget by turning your back on Arizonans in their time of need. That‟s not principled fiscal conservatism. It‟s just cruel. And we are better than this.

"The jobless rate in Arizona remains an unacceptable 9.3 percent, and is significantly higher in many rural areas. Legislation drafted by my team would provide temporary assistance to the unemployed, while requiring that they demonstrate and document their efforts to find work. Long-term, I‟m happy to consider additional actions to boost our state economy. But thousands of Arizonans will lose their federal unemployment assistance if we don‟t take action immediately. Throwing them a lifeline is the priority.

"So, here is my message to legislators that will return to the Capitol on Monday: Get to work. The people of Arizona, your constituents, are counting on it."

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