Arizona

Supreme Court Halts Public Matching Funds for Arizona Candidates

The Supreme Court ruled today that Arizona candidates who have opted in to the state’s public financing system can’t collect matching funds—the money allotted to candidates who are up against particularly well-funded opponents or interest groups—until the Court has time to consider whether the matching funds are constitutional.

More Border Enforcement Distracts from Real Immigration Solutions

After meeting with Senate Republicans yesterday, President Obama announced that he would send up to 1,200 additional National Guard troops to the Southwest border and would request an extra $500 million in border security spending from Congress. The move was advocated by Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl, both of whom have retreated from their previous support of comprehensive immigration reform.

Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:"

Questions and Answers About the Boycott of Arizona

Questions and answers about SB 1070, Arizona state legislation that will in practice lead to racial profiling as accepted police practice.

Civil Rights Groups Announce Boycott of Arizona

In the wake of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s decision to sign SB 1070, state legislation that will in practice lead to racial profiling as accepted police practice, the undersigned organizations join a growing number of groups across the country in taking a stand against this radical law.

Arizona Governor Signs Harsh New Anti-Immigrant Law

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed an anti-immigrant law that will allow Arizona police to arrest anyone who they suspect of being in the country illegally and who can't immediately prove otherwise.

Arizona Republicans Use Rhetoric of Fear to Push Through Draconian Immigration Law

The Arizona Senate yesterday passed one of the harshest immigration enforcement laws in the country. The bill, written by right-wing state senator Russell Pearce, would allow police to arrest anyone who could not immediately prove they are in the country legally. Despite criticism from civil liberties and immigrants’ rights groups, the bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

Arizona Supreme Court Rejects Voucher Schemes

The Arizona Supreme Court today rejected publicly funded voucher schemes that send public money to religious and other private schools. PFAW and a group of allies filed suit against the state in 2006, pointing to clear language in the Arizona Constitution that forbids appropriating taxpayer money in aid of "private or sectarian schools." "The Arizona Constitution is very clear on this issue, and I'm pleased that the court recognized that," said Tanya Clay House, PFAW Director of Public Policy. "This is a victory for students, parents, taxpayers, and all those who value religious liberty, as guaranteed through the separation between church and state. Taxpayer money shouldn’t be going to pay for private or parochial schools."

Arizona Court of Appeals Rejects Voucher Schemes

The Arizona Court of Appeals today rejected publicly funded voucher schemes that send taxpayer money to religious and other private schools. People For the American Way, along with a group of allies, sued the state in 2006, pointing to clear language in the Arizona Constitution that forbids appropriating public money in aid of "private or sectarian schools."

Back to School with the Religious Right

The Religious Right continues to target public schools in a variety of ways that disrupt education and threaten religious liberty, according to a report released by People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF). The report provides an in-depth analysis of the struggle over the future of our public education system by focusing on six categories: creationism; textbook controversies; sexuality education; religion and public schools; anti-gay activity and censorship.

A Model to Avoid: Arizona's Tuition Tax Credit Law

Over the past 11 months, the school voucher movement has suffered one major political setback after another. Last November, Michigan and California became the latest states in which voters decisively defeated voucher initiatives. This spring, the Wisconsin Legislature refused to support a proposal to significantly expand the Milwaukee voucher plan—the nation’s longest-running, publicly funded voucher program.

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