Arizona Candidate Pushes for Stolen Valor Act with Veterans Support

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Veterans rallying for the Stolen Valor Act during a press conference in Phoenix.

News Summary

In Phoenix, Arizona, gubernatorial candidate Rodney Glassman rallied with veterans to advocate for HB 2030, the Stolen Valor Act, aimed at increasing penalties for fraudulent military honor claims. Despite strong backing, the bill faces delays in the Senate, with tensions rising between lawmakers over amendments and potential political motivations behind the holdups. Veterans are encouraged to make their voices heard in this pivotal fight for integrity and respect.

Arizona Governor Candidate Joins Forces with Veterans for Stolen Valor Act

In a spirited >press conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 1, Rodney Glassman, a candidate for Arizona Attorney General, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans to push for a crucial piece of legislation. They are urging State Senate President Warren Petersen to release HB 2030, known widely as the Stolen Valor Act. This bill is designed to enhance penalties for individuals who falsely claim military honors or manipulate military documents.

What’s the Big Deal about the Stolen Valor Act?

Introduced on January 15 by Republican State Representative Walt Blackman and receiving enthusiastic support from veterans, the Stolen Valor Act quickly gained momentum. It sailed through the Arizona House with a unanimous vote on February 11. However, the excitement hit a snag when the bill was sent to the Senate’s Judiciary and Elections Committee, led by State Senator Wendy Rogers. Here’s where things got murky—the bill was held for over a month before being granted a hearing.

Senator Rogers Puts on the Brakes

During the hearing, Senator Rogers decided to put the bill on hold. She claimed that she wanted to amend the bill to ensure it aligned with federal law. However, she accused Representative Blackman of being uncooperative and not willing to make any adjustments. This spurred rumors of a personal conflict between the two, heightening tensions around the legislative process.

Blackman countered her claims by stating that her requests for amendments were inappropriate. He argued that it was either a clueless misunderstanding of how legislation works, or an intentional delay tactic on Rogers’ part. This back and forth has left many veterans shaking their heads in disbelief.

Veterans Speak Out

The frustrations were palpable among the veteran community. Retired Army Master Sergeant Jack Dona expressed his outrage over the bill being held up and highlighted the importance of protecting those who serve the country. He described the political maneuvering surrounding the bill as a case of “bad politics.” Over 70 veterans rallied in support of HB 2030, but unfortunately, many were left without a chance to voice their opinions during the committee hearing.

Political Maneuvering Takes Center Stage

Meanwhile, Senate President Warren Petersen remains optimistic that both Rogers and Blackman can find some common ground to move the bill forward. However, Blackman suspects that some legislators may intentionally be slow-walking the bill’s progress.

In an intriguing twist, Senator Shawna Bolick has attempted to revive the stalled legislation by invoking Arizona’s striker amendment, seeking to replace her own bill with HB 2030. This tactic could inject new life into the legislation, but only time will tell if it will bear fruit.

Veterans Take Action

The call for action among veterans is growing louder, with Dona urging fellow servicemen and women to actively advocate for the bill. He suggested they reach out to lawmakers through phone calls and emails, making it clear that every voice matters in this battle against those who deceitfully claim military honors.

This entire controversy is further complicated by political rivalries, especially following a primary election where Steve Slaton, endorsed by Rogers, faced Blackman. Slaton has faced claims of stolen valor, making this issue all the more controversial.

A Fight for Integrity

As tensions flare and the political drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the fight for the Stolen Valor Act is not just about legislation. It’s about integrity, respect, and the commitment to honor those who serve our country faithfully. All eyes will be on the Arizona Senate to see if this mission can overcome the hurdles of political gridlock.