From: AHRF@aol.com Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 15:30:24 EST Subject: ACTION ALERT: Calls still needed on HB2524; DP benefits ban ARIZONA HUMAN RIGHTS FUND ACTION ALERT ANTI-DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP BILL ADVANCES Update: Calls are still needed on HB 2524. HB 2524 is on the Committee of the Whole calendar for Monday, February 22. BACKGROUND: Rep Karen Johnson (R-Mesa) has introduced legislation that would prohibit counties, cities, and towns from providing health or accident coverage to "domestic partners" of their employees. This ban would apply to community colleges and the universities as well. Domestic partners are defined as "nonmarried cohabitating persons except parents and their children." AHRF is encouraging its supporters to oppose this bill which would eliminate the ability of government entities in Arizona to provide domestic partner benefits to its gay and lesbian employees. The legislation is in the form of a strike everything amendment to HB 2524. HB 2524 passed the Government Reform and Rules committee and is scheduled to be voted on by the full house on Monday, February 22. ACTION REQUIRED: 1) Call these five targeted Representatives. These Representatives are considered swing votes. They are listed in order of priority. Ask them to vote against HB 2524 as it takes local control away from cities and counties. Please be polite and courteous. 1. Rep. Barbara Leff (602) 542-5863 2. Rep. Barry Wong (602) 542-5836 3. Rep. Laura Knaperek (602) 542-5169 4. Rep. Wes Marsh (602) 542-5503 5. Rep. Jeff Hatch-Miller (602) 542-5051 2) Call both of your State Representatives. Encourage them to oppose HB 2524. For a list of phone numbers of Representatives go to the ALIS system at: http://www.azleg.state.az.us/members/members.htm 3) WRITE THEM. Letters can be sent to 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007 or faxed to (602) 542-3689. Address them to: The Honorable [member name]. 4) E-MAIL THEM. Links to e-mail addresses can be found at the ALIS address above. For the copy of the bill and status of HB 2524 goto: http://www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/44leg/1r/bills/h501-550.htm#HB2524 If you are outside of Maricopa County you may call 1-800-352-8404 and they will connect you with the appropriate office. If you do not know which legislative district you live in, visit the above web page and see their map, check the back of your voter card or call the House Information desk at (602) 542-4221. You can contact all legislators, regardless of district. ARIZONA HUMAN RIGHTS FUND P.O. Box 25044 Phoenix, AZ 85002 voice mail: (602) 650-0900 fax: (602) 650-0901 e-mail: ahrf@aol.com NOTE: To be added or removed from our e-mail Action Alert list please e-mail us.