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State Sen. Jack Harper interview
For Video film clip click on picture below.
There was fresh debate on Friday about a controversial letter written to Arizona voters by
Republican State Sen. Jack Harper. A church organization weighed-in on Harper's letter, calling it "unthinkable." Harper defended the blunt language of the letter, saying it was a necessary reality check to Arizonans.The letter was published in the Capitol Times on March 6th. It caught the ire of many Democratic lawmakers, who viewed Harper's letter as too harsh and cruel.
An excerpt of the letter says this: "I do not speak for the entire Republican caucus, and certainly not the minority party, but I hope to summarize this with a broad view of what to expect in the next budget for the under-employed or over-expectant.
If you are relying on any services from the state that are not mandated by the federal government, I advise you that those services may end June 30, 2009.
If you have children that require expensive experimental treatment or therapy that is not provided by the federal government, I advise that the state does not have the money for it after June 30.
If you have been laid off from your job and are not willing to take a job that is available, unemployment benefits, food stamps, and AHCCCS for health care, are going to fall short of what you could make by being employed.
Arizona will not follow the country into socialism. If you feel you need greater assistance and are not able to move to another state, please turn to your local churches and give them the opportunity to show their generosity and love.
If you are ready to bind together and bring this state back to it full potential, then I thank you. You, the working class and the employers of the state, will show that capitalism still works in America..."
Friday, Harper told 12 News that he meant for the letter to be a wake-up call to Arizonans. Harper says that as details emerged about the federal stimulus money and the strings attached, he felt he needed to be up front with Arizonans. Republican lawmakers say they will turn down some federal money because the state would have to change some policies and laws to be eligible.
"I felt like it was time to inform people of what the real status of the Arizona economy and fiscal situation was," Harper said.
A non-profit group comprised of 45 various church leaders, known as Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), spoke out against Harper's remarks Friday.
"To lay all of this at the doorstep of the churches I think is unthinkable because the churches are not equipped to handle medical and therapy and things like that. The churches are already helping as much as they can," said Anita Parker, a VIP representative and parishioner at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Phoenix.
Harper said he believes members of churches should increase their charity donations to make up for bad economic times.
"If they want to reach people for the values they believe in, reach people in the name of Christ, it's time for them to step up and show generosity to the church," Harper said.In response to how much Harper donates to his own church, the state senator said he gives ten percent of his take-home pay.
