District 6 Democrats Newsletter	February 25, 2009

Welcome to the Newsletter for District 6 Democratic PC's and voters. This is a communication by and for the Democrats of District 6. If you have feedback about the newsletter, please let me know.

Please forward this to any Democrats in our neighborhood who might enjoy reading about our work. Past issues of this news letter are now available on our web site under the News tab.

-Harold Holmes, LD6 Chair

in this issue

:: March4Schools - Action ALERT

:: 2nd Annual LD6 Yard Sale

:: Become A Legislative Advocate

:: Precinct Profile: Victoria

:: Next District Meetig - March 19

:: New LD6 Blog Debuts

:: Council on Aging Update

March 4 Schools - Action ALERT
Rally to Save Arizona's Education Funding
When: March 4th, 4 p.m., Arizona Capitol, 1700 West Washington, Phoenix, Arizona (map)

Why? To tell our state legislators how the proposed $1 billion cut to education funding will impact your job, your students, and your community. Watch the AEA's Call to Action to find out more about why it is so important to make your voice heard. Click here for more details on the march.

2nd Annual LD6 Yard Sale
A Big Success

On Saturday, February 21, volunteers came together for our second annual yard sale to raise money for District 6 voter registration and get out the vote efforts.

Over twenty families generously donated items ranging from furniture to jewelry, fine crystal and collectibles to a life size doll of Uncle Sam. There were lots of incredible bargains, and many shoppers went home happy with their finds.

After a busy five hours, over $1,200 dollars was raised, just topping last year's sale.

Thank you to the dozens of people who donated items and worked to make this event happen.

-Kathleen Yardley

You Can Advocate With AZ Legislature Online
Make Your Opinions Heard

Did you know that you can have your opinions voiced on any bill that is heard before the Arizona State Legislature...from the comfort of your own home?

It's easy. All you need to do is register on the Arizona Legislature Information System (ALIS) and create a user name and password. When you find a bill about to heard before a committee you can enter your comments which will be seen by every member of the committee in which the bill is heard, and your position will be read into the record. Furthermore, your comments and position will be attached to the bill and may be viewed by every member of the legislature at the time the bill goes to the full floor for voting.

ALIS can do a lot of things to help you advocate. To get started there is an online manual that shows you the features.

So, get started and let these representatives know we are watching.

Precinct Profile
Victoria Precinct Elects 3 Democrats

What does a winning Democratic LD6 precinct look like? It includes a majority of Democrats and Independents. The Victoria Precinct gave winning votes to 3 Democrats (Conrad, Doody and Larsen) in November. Victoria has no elected or appointed PC.

Only 67.6% of Victoria's registered Democrats tuned out to vote, one of the lowest percentages in LD6. However, of its 477 registered voters, 288 (60.4%) voted Democratic.

Next District Meeting

March 19, 2009 - Thursday - 7:00 PM @ Mountain Sky Junior High Library

7th Ave/Greenway - For directions, visit d6demsaz.com

New LD6 Blog
News, Commentary & Live Links

Check out our new LD6 Blog created by Tes La Loggia, PC for the Kerry Precinct. The site offers news feeds and ongoing updates relating to pending Arizona legislation, action items and other informative links.

Join us and add your voice to the discussion. Your contribution is welcome. Contact Tes if you have any questions.

Council on Aging - Legislative Update
Arizona Budget Cut Impacts Accumulate

While discussions regarding Fiscal Year 2009 Budget cuts continue, Fiscal Year 2010 budget deficit estimates have reached $2.4 billion.

State Agencies are announcing actions taken related to the FY 2009 budget cuts and fund transfers. Those measures include but are not limited to employee furlough days (days without pay), layoffs and reduction or elimination of services. The following links outline actions being taken at some of the state agencies connected to aging services.

On a positive note - Arizona stands to benefit by the recently-signed federal stimulus plan. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimate of federal stimulation assistance (dated 02.19.09).

Visit the Council's web page for the list of bills the Council is tracking.

-Bill Engler