PHOENIX – Thirty-three organizations released the following joint statement calling on the Arizona State Legislature to allow public testimony virtually for the 2022 legislative session:
“We urge Arizona lawmakers to allow remote testimony for the 2022 legislative session. We are at a critical time in our democracy. We cannot go backwards by limiting public testimony to people with easy access to the Capitol.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizonans were permitted to deliver public testimony by video for the very first time for the 2021 legislative session. It was a huge step forward in granting all Arizonans equal access to the political process in the state. After a session during which remote testimony was a definite success, we must not backslide and eliminate video testimony, especially as the pandemic rages on. Maintaining access to video testimony is essential for all Arizonans and particularly for those living in rural areas or on tribal lands and people with disabilities.
“If the session is limited to public comment in-person only, the Arizona State Legislature will only restrict who has a say in the laws that impact all of us. Our laws should be made openly, publicly, and with input from all our communities. If the legislature is making laws for all of Arizona, they should hear from all Arizonans.”
This statement is endorsed by the following organizations:
All Voting is Local Arizona
American Association of University Women Arizona
American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona
Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander for Equity
Arizona Center for Economic Progress
Arizona Center for Empowerment
Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement
Arizona Coalition for Change
Arizona Democracy Resource Center
Arizona Students’ Association
Arizona Faith Network
Children’s Action Alliance
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting
CO+HOOTS
Council on American-Islamic Relations – Arizona
Equality Arizona
Fuerte Arts Movement
Healthcare Rising Arizona
Human Rights Campaign
Instituto
League of Women Voters of Arizona
Mi Familia Vota
NARAL Arizona
National Council of Jewish Women Arizona
One Arizona
Opportunity Arizona
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona
Poder Latinx
Progress Arizona
Rural Arizona Action
Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter
United Food & Commercial Workers Local 99
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix