2 Reports from Blog For Arizona: Tyranny of The Majority +

Tyranny of the Majority at the Arizona House of Representatives

Posted on January 29, 2019 by David Gordon 

Arizona House Republicans demonstrate what tyranny of the majority looks like by attempting to ram through new rules (some of them changed for the first time in 72 years)  for the legislative session, some of them designed to stifle and reduce debate.

Democratic members, energized by their electoral victory in 2018 which reduced the Republican Majority to two seats, were astonished by this maneuver, complaining that they had no input into the drawing and revisions of these rules and were only given days (after protesting the wish of Republicans to vote on them the day of their release) to review them.
According to State Representative Pamela Powers Hannley (also a contributor to this blog) who was on the floor during this session, “The House Democrats were flabbergasted a week ago when the Republicans wanted to vote a week ago– with NO notice– on these extensive changes. After out leadership protested, Speaker Bowers let our caucus look at the changes for a few days. The two leadership teams met. We thought that there might be a compromise, but their caucus voted not to compromise on anything. . .
READ MORE > click here

 

The GOP tax cut scam was even worse than you imagined

Posted on January 30, 2019 by AZ BlueMeanie | Leave a comment

MSNBC’s Chris Hayes did a brief segment on Monday night’s episode of All In with Chris Hayes about a new economics report that got lost in all the noise of the corporate media’s fixation this week with Billionaire plutocrats of the New Gilded Age dismissing progressive proposals to increase taxes on the super-wealthy to address extreme wealth inequality (i.e., Michael Bloomberg and Howard Schultz).
See Oxfam’s new report, “Public Good or Private Wealth,” which shows how the growing gap between rich and poor is undermining the fight against poverty, damaging our economies and fueling public anger across the globe. Last year, billionaires saw their wealth grow by $2.5 billion a day while the poorest saw their wealth fall:

The 2017 US tax bill is super-charging the worldwide tax race to the bottom and exacerbating the trend of governments dramatically cutting tax rates for wealthy individuals and corporations around the world. In the US, 30 people hold as much wealth as the poorest half of the population. Cutting wealth and corporate taxes predominantly benefits men who own 50 percent more wealth than women globally, and control over 86 percent of corporations . . .

 

Point of fact: Corporate America gives out a record $1 trillion in stock buybacks and 2018’s Record in Stock Buybacks Could Be Shattered in 2019.

 

Earlier this month, economist Paul Krugman explained, The Trump Tax Cut: Even Worse Than You’ve Heard:

The 2017 tax cut has received pretty bad press, and rightly so. Its proponents made big promises about soaring investment and wages, and also assured everyone that it would pay for itself; none of that has happened.

Yet coverage actually hasn’t been negative enough. The story you mostly read runs something like this: The tax cut has caused corporations to bring some money home, but they’ve used it for stock buybacks rather than to raise wages, and the boost to growth has been modest. That doesn’t sound great, but it’s still better than the reality: No money has, in fact, been brought home, and the tax cut has probably reduced national income. Indeed, at least 90 percent of Americans will end up poorer thanks to that cut. . .

. . . As I said, even the mainly negative reporting doesn’t convey how bad a deal this whole thing is turning out to be.

READ THE ENTIRE REPORT > https://blogforarizona.net

Mesa Conservative Republicans Not There Yet on Non-Discrimination

Just like education, the State of Arizona lags way behind the rest of the nation - it could be the 38th State to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment for women to make ERA the law-of-the-land.
 
Whether or not there's 'a new era' here in Arizona or the City of Mesa for extending equal rights-protection in the workplace or in public accommodations is just not where Mesa is ready-to-go. . .

What's missing to nudge Mesa into here now?

Who stands in the way: Eddie Farnsworth is one

 

Will Arizona be crucial 38th state to ratify Equal Rights Amendment?

AZCentral.com-Jan 19, 2019

This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification. ... Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, is expected to block the Equal Rights Amendment bill ...

 

When 'Religious Liberty' Was Used To Justify Racism Instead Of ...

ThinkProgress-Feb 26, 2014

Eddie Farnsworth (R) explained, lawmakers introduced it in response to .... entire professional careers enjoying the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

 

 

GOP lawmakers stymie bid to vote on Equal Rights Amendment

Arizona Capitol Times-Apr 27, 2017

Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, who chairs that panel, was unlikely to give it a hearing. Farnsworth said he's not against the concept of equal rights. “I have seven

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THIS FROM AN EARLIER POST ON THIS BLOG: 
Why Can't Mayor John Giles Come Out For LGBTQ Non-Discrimination??
Kicking-The-Can Down The Road Again? 
11 February 2018

Time-and-time again Giles has said "it's the right thing to do" here in Mesa, delaying action until after last year's election - nothing happened to get it in front of the Mesa City Council to get the Non-Discrimination Ordinance approved -  so why can't he exercise the leadership skills to do it?
Once elected to public office, officials have the duty to serve the public interests - not narrowly-defined religious principles whose adherents are obligated to obey the chain-of-command for faithful followers . . albeit with some fractures. 

Many elected local officials  and state legislators here in Mesa, have been bishops and presidents in LDS wards and stakes who have "received callings" to elected office, carrying with them the heavy baggage of the dictates of their religion to civil governance. Equality for all and human rights gets left by-the-wayside when they're caught in the middle of "Do What You're Told To Do" or "Do What's Right".
It's a struggle to say the least, with John Giles and other fellow Mormons not getting on the same page too soon.
Or that's what the following article by Andrew Nicola seems to say in a narrative, where the AZ State Legislature can't even get to "a hearing" of the issue at hand: thanks to the opposition of Eddie Farnsworth. . .

 . . . while Giles gets a good feature with this quotation:  

The idea that civil rights are only for certain classes of people and not for everyone seems obviously wrong to me
Well then, John  > Take action to Fix It!
It's more than an idea

Bill to bar discrimination against LGBT people can't get a hearing

Andrew Nicla, The Republic | azcentral.com Published 2:35 p.m. MT Feb. 9, 2018 | Updated 3:08 p.m. MT Feb. 9, 2018

For the first time ever, a proposal to protect LGBT people from discrimination in Arizona has gained support from a Republican in the Legislature, along with GOP municipal leaders.

But that doesn't appear to be enough to get a hearing at the Capitol.

The bill, HB 2586, would amend Arizona’s anti-discrimination laws to make it illegal to fire someone from a job, deny them housing or refuse them service because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Phoenix, Tempe, Flagstaff, Sedona, Chandler and Tucson have such protections, but there is no statewide law.

The bill has one more chance to get a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee next week prior to a deadline to hear proposals, but Chairman Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, said he would "probably not" grant it because he disagreed with the proposal.

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Arizona bills to expand non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ have bipartisan support

Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-central Phoenix, is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to update the state’s non-discrimination laws to add protections for the LGBTQ community.

(Photo by Ariel Salk/Cronkite News)

By Ariel Salk | Cronkite News

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019

PHOENIX – Arizona is one of many states that does not protect employees from being fired, denied housing or refused service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Arizona lawmakers have tried in at least one previous session to update the state’s non-discrimination laws to add these protections, but they failed to gain enough traction.
(Blogger Insert:
3 who opposed in the last session, including Bob Worsley
In other gender-related or statute of limitations for sex abuse claims, Howie Fischer [Capitol Media Services] noted
"Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, complained that a seven-year window was “putting organizations that may not have had good procedures in place in the past …. at a tremendous financial risk.” That brought an angry reaction from Contreras.
“I have people that are still hurt,” he told Worsley, saying “they all have to pay for the harm they’ve done.”
It died because it was never allowed to go to the full Senate for a vote.
Source: AZ Capitol Times 30 Jan 2019
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They’re trying once again. This time, with more bipartisan support.
Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, co-sponsored House Bill 2546 along with a handful of other Democrats.
Republican Sen. Kate Brophy McGee of Phoenix has introduced a concurrent bill – Senate Bill 1249 – in that chamber, where Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, is a co-sponsor along with several Democrats.
“The bill has been introduced in prior years,” McGee said at a news conference Tuesday. “Last year, I was the only Republican to sign on. This year, we have another Republican who signed on … and conversations with my colleagues behind the scenes tell me that there may be more Republican votes.”

The bill may face some resistance.
The Center for Arizona Policy, a high profile-conservative nonprofit, released a statement saying, “These bills undermine constitutional guaranteed freedoms of speech and religion, threaten women’s equality and privacy, and harm small businesses.”
One Community, a metro Phoenix coalition fostering diversity and inclusion coalition, supports the bill. Its president, Angela Hughey, is optimistic, telling KJZZ host Lauren Gilger that this year’s effort has more bipartisan names and statewide businesses backing it.
“The business community resoundingly is very supportive of this,” she told KJZZ.
She said six Arizona municipalities have adopted LGBTQ-inclusive ordinances, and 19 states offer statewide protections.
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Tough Fights For Civil Liberties

ACLU of Arizona’s “Sixty Years of Daring to Create a More Perfect Arizona” exhibit opening at Arizona History Museum

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Carolyn Classen | Leave a comment

This traveling exhibit is closing at Etherton Gallery (135 S.6th Avenue) on Feb. 2nd, moving to the Arizona History Museum, 949 E. 2nd Street on Feb. 5 (to March 5), 2019. From Tucson the exhibit travels to Prescott, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Winslow, and  back to Tempe where it started.
“HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ACLU OF ARIZONA’S 60 YEARS OF DEFENDING CIVIL LIBERTIES
Since 1959, the ACLU of Arizona has worked in courts, the Legislature, and communities statewide to protect the constitutional rights of all people.
With the help of nearly 20,000 members and tens of thousands more supporters, we are able to take up the toughest civil liberties fights. Our work is not about one person, one party, or one issue. It is about all of us, we the people, coming together and daring to create a more perfect Arizona. We are in this together.
More information.
This exhibit will be open from February 5th to March 5th 2019.
Opening Reception and Workshop about Civil Discourse February 6th 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.”

Round-Up of Industry News on Affordable Housing Finance

 
 
 

Retrieved this just now from the congested inbox:

Health-Care Systems, Businesses Commit to Affordable Housing

Readers of this blog might like to know these recent developments, as well as wait to see any announcements about the Phoenix Metro Area that includes the city of Mesa where most people can agree there is an affordable housing crisis where new strategies and new solutions are needed to integrate innovative and equitable that doesn't stigmatize or segregate housing by income levels in different areas or neighborhoods.  

 

THIS FIRST:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE

Freddie Mac Sets Multifamily Production Record

In 2018, the company had $78 billion in total multifamily production.

Freddie Mac’s multifamily line of business set a record $77.5 billion in loan purchase and guarantee volume for 2018 and $500 million in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity investments.

Debby Jenkins

The $78 billion in total production bests the company’s prior record of $73.2 billion set in 2017. Overall, the company financed more than 860,000 rental units, more than 90% of which are considered affordable to low- and moderate-income families making 120% of area median income (AMI) and below.

The company’s LIHTC investments are the first since 2008.

In addition to the total production record, the company reached the following milestones:

· A record $8.1 billion in Targeted Affordable Housing loans^. (financing for properties that feature either some or all units with rent restrictions and/or other federal and state subsidies. 2017 amount adjusted to conform to current presentation);

· More than $8.3 billion in Small Balance loans, up from $7.8 billion in 2017; and

· Nearly $23.1 billion in Green Advantage loans for energy- and water-saving improvements to workforce housing.

 

Additional highlights include:

 

• $4.1 billion in seniors housing loans (including seniors apartments);

• $2.5 billion in student housing loans; and

• $1.8 billion in manufactured housing community loans.

"We’re proud of our successes in 2018, but we do not measure them by numbers alone,”
said Debby Jenkins, executive vice president and head of Freddie Mac Multifamily.
“As we look forward, we’re going to continue working to address the persistent affordability challenges facing countless renters. In fact, far too many Americans are struggling to find suitable housing at a reasonable price, and we are continuing our work toward innovations that can help. We’re also striving to improve the customer experience through our digital transformation initiative. This multiyear effort will leverage new technologies to redefine the commercial loan experience so that it is more transparent and efficient."
> Company officials said they securitized a record total of $72.8 billion through their many securitization offerings, such as K and SB deals, transferring a large majority of credit risk to third-party investors.
> Of Freddie Mac's total volume of $77.5 billion, $44.9 billion was not subject to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's volume cap while $32.6 billion was subject to the volume cap.
Uncapped transactions can include certain loans for

• affordable housing
• smaller multifamily properties
• seniors housing
• manufactured housing communities
• energy- and water-saving improvements.

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE Kaiser Permanente Invests in Affordable Housing Development The health-care giant announces three major housing initiatives. Read More

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE Microsoft Makes $500 Million Commitment to Affordable Housing The investment will help kick-start solutions to growing crisis in Puget Sound region. Read More

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE Bay Area Businesses, Foundations to Boost Affordable Housing A new partnership will raise money to address funding gaps and other needs. Read More

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE Large Nonprofit Developers Unite in New Tax Credit Fund The National Affordable Housing Trust fund will feature projects by SAHF members. Read More

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE

New Apartments Expected to Hit Peak

More than 450,000 units are expected this year, mostly Class A market-rate apartments. Read More

 

 

Yup, It's Always Something: Need Another Reminder??

Every day more invasion of personal data piracy and privacy 

Facebook's new data-for-cash debacle

Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios

TechCrunch reported late Tuesday that Facebook had paid users, some of them teenagers, $20 a month to install software on their iPhones giving Facebook detailed access to everything taking place on the device.  

Why it matters: We're all losing count of Facebook's privacy controversies, but this one is even more sensitive because it involves teens.

 

• The social network faces further backlash from users and regulators, and it's also in hot water with Apple.

Facebook described the program as research to analyze how people use its own services and those of competitors. Late Tuesday night, Facebook defended the program, which dates back to 2016, but said it was discontinuing it for iOS users.

"Despite early reports, there was nothing 'secret' about this; it was literally called the Facebook Research App. It wasn't 'spying' as all of the people who signed up to participate went through a clear on-boarding process asking for their permission and were paid to participate. Finally, less than 5 percent of the people who chose to participate in this market research program were teens. All of them with signed parental consent forms."

— Facebook spokesperson

 

From Axios: Wall Street is split on self-driving cars

There's a growing realization on Wall Street that self-driving cars are still many years away. That pessimism is weighing far more heavily on traditional automakers than technology companies.

THE BIG PICTURE: Investors are betting the real value of AV companies will come from the estimated 4 terabytes of data each car will generate per day. And based on the way they’re valuing the major AV players, Wall Street seems to think tech companies have a better shot than Detroit at capitalizing on that data. . .

---Joann Muller4 hours ago 

What's happening: The mood has changed about automated vehicles.

Bold predictions by Tesla and others that cars would be able to drive themselves by now have evaporated in the face of technology challenges and market realities. . .

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THE BOTTOM LINE:

The bottom line: "The value is in the data and what you can do with it," says Jonas.

Here's the link > https://www.axios.com/split-views