Tucson Coffee Party Summit Meeting Success!

On March 27^th the Tucson Coffee Party held its' summit meeting. A national event, the Coffee Party Summit Meeting was the second official meeting held. The purpose of these meetings was for the local chapters to plan their Coffee with Congress meetings. The idea of these meetings is to talk to our local congressmen and congresswomen and discuss the issues that are affecting us and what is needed to be done to address these issues. Our local chapter, here in Tucson, Arizona also celebrated the passing of the healthcare bill. Although we agree that this will need much work, we believe that it is a step in the right direction. The meeting was held at LaPlacita Village in downtown Tucson.

We have two major congressional districts that cover Tucson. District 8, held by Gabrielle Giffords, and district 7 held by Raul Grijalva, both Democrats. The consensus of our local chapter seems to be that Grijalva is doing an excellent job of representing the needs and desires of the people; however Giffords seems to be waffling a bit and may need some more support. One issue that is regularly discussed in our meetings is the need for clean government. This is an issue that Grijalva is championing by supporting the Nation Clean Elections Act. Something we are in support of ourselves.

Many other issues were discussed at this summit meeting, including some that are affecting us here at home. These include the recent budget cuts that have been made here in Arizona. These cuts include, but are not limited to, education, parks and recreation, the complete dissolution of the Kids' Care program, and a huge cut in funding in the AHCCCS budget that will leave thousands of working poor without health care insurance. These are all programs that we believe deserve more funding, not cuts in funding. However, thanks to our Republican representatives, we are assured a bleak future for our children, due to these cuts. "Our public education program in Arizona and particularly the TUSD school district, have suffered for many years as it is. To make further cuts to these programs is just ludicrous," said Coffee Party Member John Savage. He went on to say, "I have two children, and I cannot to afford to put them in private school, nor do I have the time to properly home school them. It is sad to think that if I put them in public school, they will graduate as illiterate." It is clear that the members of the Coffee Party are passionate about the future.

Some other issues that were discussed at the summit meeting were: gay rights, human rights, education, war, the environment, financial reform, and many others. It seems there goal is to reach their representatives, and make sure they are representing the people, and not corporate special interest groups. Overall, I would have to say that this group, which is growing in numbers every day, is beginning to make its' mark and be heard. If you would like to learn more about the Tucson Coffee Party, you may click one of the links in the resources section of this article.