Ariz. Governor Pushing Pro-Cronyism Bill

by Kyle Weidleman  |  March 16, 2012

Dark days are ahead for Arizona if Gov. Brewer's personnel bill passes the state senate (Photo by Ms. Phoenix/Flickr)

Ariz. Gov. Jan Brewer's administration and the pro-corporate, anti-worker Goldwater Institute have been pushing new legislation that would wipe out civil service protections for public service workers and promote political cronyism in the state government. Brewer's personnel reform bill, HB 2571, includes a radical plan to wipe out the requirement that the governor needs a reason to fire a state employee and make every state government employee "at-will."

HB 2571, which passed the state house on a party line vote and now heads to the senate, would allow for long-term employees to be let go without cause. Political appointees could the fire civil service workers to bring in their own friends. This would bring back a political spoils system and reduce checks on political power including whistleblowing and good governance.

This follows an assault on public service that includes extended job vacancies in vital positions, mandatory furloughs and a four-year pay freeze. Last night, AFSCME members from across the Grand Canyon State participated in a tele-townhall to discuss Brewer's latest power grab and the most effective ways to fight back.

It is vital for all public workers that Brewer's pet personnel bill fails in the Arizona Senate. Tell your Arizona elected officials to vote NO on HB 2103. And vote NO on Jan Brewer’s power grab bill, HB 2571. To join in the action, please visit http://action.afscme.org/saveaz