Thread: Update on the Flag In Arizona bill

http://cl.exct.net/?ffcb10-fe6013717...fefc15797d6504

Senate OKs bill on school flags
Carrie Watters
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Raise the flags.

A proposed law that would help to ensure an American flag flies in Arizona public schools classrooms from kindergarten through college levels received a final nod in the state Senate on Thursday. Senators voted to put flags in legislative hearing rooms, too.

"We can't force schools to do it when we don't do it," said Sen. Toni Hellon, R-Tucson.


The House, which passed the bill in March, will now consider the Senate's changes.

House Bill 2583 was the brainchild of Tucson resident Tyler Mott, who noticed the lack of flags in college classrooms when he was a student at the University of Arizona.

Mott approached UA officials about seeking flag donations, but his idea was rejected.

UA President Peter Likins called it a "noble idea" and noted that a large flag already flies on campus. Likins worried that classroom flags could not be properly monitored.

Mott did not take no for an answer and went on to garner overwhelming support from state lawmakers in the bill sponsored by Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa.

"The vote today was a great victory for patriotism in Arizona," Mott said.



Key questions about Old Glory:

What's required? House Bill 2583 requires a 2 feet by 3 feet American flag in Arizona kindergarten through college classrooms and in state legislative hearing rooms. The flag must be made in the U.S. and in place by Independence Day 2007.

What didn't fly? The flags won't be required in state legislators' offices. Senate Republicans vetoed that Democratic idea. Senate President Ken Bennett, R-Prescott, said the work of lawmakers is done in hearing rooms and not in offices, much like the work of teachers is done in classrooms.

The bill also contains no exemptions for classroom flags that are too small or made in a foreign country. "Nobody's going in with a ruler," Pearce said.

What's next? The bill was overwhelmingly approved in the House in March. Since the Senate made some changes to the bill, it will go back to the House, where the lawmakers could agree with the changes or make their own changes. From there, it will go to the governor's desk.

Which schools must display flags? All public kindergarten through college-level schools and any private and parochial schools that receive money through Arizona's education tax credits. Sen. Tim Bee, R-Tucson, criticized extending the mandate to private schools, which he said are supposed to be free of government regulation. He recommended that the House remove this provision before it goes to the governor.

Who buys? The schools must pay for flags unless they are donated. The Senate removed a portion of the bill that called on the state to consider paying for flags in classrooms that didn't receive donations.

Don't schools already have flags? Yes, most elementary and high school classrooms already have flags in classrooms, according to school officials around the Valley. Colleges and universities are far less likely to have flags in classrooms.

How do groups donate flags? There is no donation clearinghouse. If interested in donating, call a school to see if it needs flags.

Go to this link you can respond with your opinion at the bottom of the article.

This is so sad given everything else that is happening today. It makes me want to cry thinking of all the people who are clinging to a country that probably will not survive. Sorry I just don't see how this can be overcome there simply are not enough people in the know at this point.

the governor will probably veto it

Notice a requirement is the flags be made in the U. S. Do we still make our own flags? Our voting machines are made in Venezuela, maybe our flags are made there too. Outrageous!
Yes, the governor will probably veto it. She is the veto queen.

Originally Posted by Mamie

the governor will probably veto it

I ws thinking the same thing, she will veto it