I found this great article on Townhall.com...it's worth reading and passing along. Here is a sample:
"5) Conservatives, but not necessarily Republicans (which is unfortunate), believe it's vitally important to the future of the country to reduce the size of government, keep taxes low, balance the budget, and get this country out of debt. Liberals, and Democrats for that matter, believe in big government, high taxes, and they have never met a new spending program they didn't like, whether we will have to go into debt to pay for it or not.
4) Conservatives believe that government, by its very nature, tends to be inefficient, incompetent, wasteful, and power hungry. That's why we believe that the government that governs least, governs best. Liberals think that the solution to every problem is another government program. Even when those new programs create new problems, often worse than the ones that were being fixed in the first place, the solution is always....you guessed it, another government program."
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Joint Committee on Capitol Review Meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
8:00 A.M.
House Hearing Room 4
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2007.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT (if necessary).
1. COCHISE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT - Review of Revenue Bond Projects.
2. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A. Review of Grand Canyon Airport Modular Housing Project.
B. Review of Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems Project.
3. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Review of Memorial Union Fire Renovations Bond Project.
4. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
A. Review of Infrastructure Upgrades Bond Project.
B. Review of New Residence Life Warehouse Bond Project.
C. Review of Revised Applied Research Facility Bond Project at NAU-Yuma
The Chairman reserves the right to set the order of the agenda.
5/8/08
sls
People with disabilities may request accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or assistance with physical accessibility. Requests for accommodations must be made with 72 hours prior notice. If you require accommodations, please contact the JLBC Office at (602) 926-5491
8:00 A.M.
House Hearing Room 4
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2007.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT (if necessary).
1. COCHISE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT - Review of Revenue Bond Projects.
2. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A. Review of Grand Canyon Airport Modular Housing Project.
B. Review of Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems Project.
3. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Review of Memorial Union Fire Renovations Bond Project.
4. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
A. Review of Infrastructure Upgrades Bond Project.
B. Review of New Residence Life Warehouse Bond Project.
C. Review of Revised Applied Research Facility Bond Project at NAU-Yuma
The Chairman reserves the right to set the order of the agenda.
5/8/08
sls
People with disabilities may request accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or assistance with physical accessibility. Requests for accommodations must be made with 72 hours prior notice. If you require accommodations, please contact the JLBC Office at (602) 926-5491
Minutes from the December JCCR Meeting
NOTE: There is a JCCR Meeting coming up so I thought that I would post a portion of the minutes from the last JCCR meeting which was held in December of last year.
Review of State Lake Improvement Fund Grants & Consider Approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund Projects.
Mr. Art Smith, JLBC Staff, presented the review of the Arizona State Parks Board State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) projects and approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund (SPEF) projects.
SLIF provides funding for counties and local governments for land acquisition and capital projects on water where motorized boats are permitted.
Funding for SLIF comes from the gasoline taxes for boating and watercraft license taxes.
The 25 grants and projects total $7.1 million of the SLIF request. They include boat purchases and refurbishments, boating area renovations and improvements, leasehold acquisition and state parks projects. SLIF items are for review by the Committee.
SPEF provides funding for operating state parks and other capital projects as approved by the Committee. Funding from SPEF comes from admissions and concessions fees. The 2 SPEF projects total $1 million for a new visitor center at Picacho Peak and a wastewater treatment facility at Slide Rock State Park. SPEF items are for consideration of approval by the Committee.
The JLBC Staff provided several options for the Committee to consider.
Discussion ensued on this item.
Mr. Jay Ziemann, Assistant Director, Arizona State Parks Board, responded to member questions.
Representative Pearce moved that the Committee give a favorable review to the Parks Board request for 25 SLIF grants and projects totaling $7,104,400 with the condition that the favorable review does not constitute an endorsement of General Fund support of these projects in the future.
Also, approve the Parks Board request for$1,000,000 in SPEF monies for 2 State Parks capital projects. The motion carried.
Mr. Clifford Edey, La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Mark Nexsen, Lake Havasu City Mayor, addressed their support of the SLIF projects to the Committee.
Review of State Lake Improvement Fund Grants & Consider Approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund Projects.
Mr. Art Smith, JLBC Staff, presented the review of the Arizona State Parks Board State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) projects and approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund (SPEF) projects.
SLIF provides funding for counties and local governments for land acquisition and capital projects on water where motorized boats are permitted.
Funding for SLIF comes from the gasoline taxes for boating and watercraft license taxes.
The 25 grants and projects total $7.1 million of the SLIF request. They include boat purchases and refurbishments, boating area renovations and improvements, leasehold acquisition and state parks projects. SLIF items are for review by the Committee.
SPEF provides funding for operating state parks and other capital projects as approved by the Committee. Funding from SPEF comes from admissions and concessions fees. The 2 SPEF projects total $1 million for a new visitor center at Picacho Peak and a wastewater treatment facility at Slide Rock State Park. SPEF items are for consideration of approval by the Committee.
The JLBC Staff provided several options for the Committee to consider.
Discussion ensued on this item.
Mr. Jay Ziemann, Assistant Director, Arizona State Parks Board, responded to member questions.
Representative Pearce moved that the Committee give a favorable review to the Parks Board request for 25 SLIF grants and projects totaling $7,104,400 with the condition that the favorable review does not constitute an endorsement of General Fund support of these projects in the future.
Also, approve the Parks Board request for$1,000,000 in SPEF monies for 2 State Parks capital projects. The motion carried.
Mr. Clifford Edey, La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Mark Nexsen, Lake Havasu City Mayor, addressed their support of the SLIF projects to the Committee.
Feds to Review Polygamy Problems
A federal prosecutor has been assigned to look for ways to help tackle the problems associated with polygamy in Southwestern states.
AHCCCS Growth in April
In April, AHCCCS caseload’s totaled 1,101,367 members, an increase of 1.0%, or 11,124
members, above the March totals. Year-overyear, the AHCCCS caseload has increased by
6.1%, or 63,712 members.
members, above the March totals. Year-overyear, the AHCCCS caseload has increased by
6.1%, or 63,712 members.
Joint Legislative Budget Committee - What's New
Budget and Revenue Updates
Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Non-General Fund Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Monthly Fiscal Highlights April 2008 (04/30/08)
FY 2008 Budget Plan - HB 2620 - April 17, 2008 (4/18/08)
For you budget wonks, these links provide some very interesting information.
Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Non-General Fund Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Monthly Fiscal Highlights April 2008 (04/30/08)
FY 2008 Budget Plan - HB 2620 - April 17, 2008 (4/18/08)
For you budget wonks, these links provide some very interesting information.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Arizona Rates an "A"
From the desk of Harriette Johnson, Media Relations Manager hjohnson@heartland.org
Choice and Education: Arizona Rates an AA new state-by-state analysis reveals how willing states are to give
(Chicago, Illinois - April 28, 2008) Parents hoping to wrest control of their children's futures away from education bureaucrats and politicians should consider moving to Arizona, a new "report card" from The Heartland Institute suggests. They should avoid Montana or Washington State.
Choice & Education Across the States ranks state efforts to increase accountability and improve student achievement with four kinds of school choice: vouchers, charters, tax credits, and public school choice.
"School choice programs give parents the power to decide where their children are schooled," notes author Michael Van Winkle. "School choice is accountability. When parents have the power to remove their children from a school that is failing them, without financial penalty, they and their children are better served."
With 23 being the highest possible score on Van Winkle's evaluation, the median score totaled just five points. Arizona and Florida achieved scores of 15 and 14, respectively--grades of A in Van Winkle's curved grading system--while Washington and Montana scored just one point each.
Arizona offers parents strong voucher, charter school, and scholarship tax-credit programs. Florida offers similar benefits, but short of Arizona's commitment. All of the other top-ranking states--Wisconsin, Ohio, Utah, Minnesota, and Georgia--offer vouchers and charters, but none offers scholarship tax credits as well.
The lowest-ranking states offer only public school choice, generally in the form of magnet schools or open enrollment across school districts. Of the eight lowest-ranking states--Montana, Washington, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia--only Oklahoma offers any form of choice other than public school choice. Oklahoma has a charter school program.
Trevor Martin, vice president of government affairs for The Heartland Institute, explained the report card "aims to provide a roadmap for state legislators seeking to improve student achievement through school choice."
"Many states are experimenting with choice as a way to provide a quality public education," Van Winkle added. "A few states, like Arizona and Florida, are innovating at an impressive pace, willing to try new and better ways to educate children. Other states are not keeping pace and seem committed to preserving the largely choice-free status quo."
Editors: Michael Van Winkle was The Heartland Institute's legislative specialist for education policy at the time this report was written. He has since been named vice president for the Chicago-based Sam Adams Alliance. Robert Holland, Heartland's senior fellow for education policy, is available for comment on this study. To communicate with him, contact Harriette Johnson, Heartland's media relations manager, at 312/377-4000 or by email at hjohnson@heartland.org.
The Heartland Institute is a 24-year-old national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. It is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nothing in this news release or the report it describes is intended to influence the passage of pending legislation.
Choice and Education: Arizona Rates an A
parents control of their children's educations
(Chicago, Illinois - April 28, 2008) Parents hoping to wrest control of their children's futures away from education bureaucrats and politicians should consider moving to Arizona, a new "report card" from The Heartland Institute suggests. They should avoid Montana or Washington State.
Choice & Education Across the States ranks state efforts to increase accountability and improve student achievement with four kinds of school choice: vouchers, charters, tax credits, and public school choice.
"School choice programs give parents the power to decide where their children are schooled," notes author Michael Van Winkle. "School choice is accountability. When parents have the power to remove their children from a school that is failing them, without financial penalty, they and their children are better served."
With 23 being the highest possible score on Van Winkle's evaluation, the median score totaled just five points. Arizona and Florida achieved scores of 15 and 14, respectively--grades of A in Van Winkle's curved grading system--while Washington and Montana scored just one point each.
Arizona offers parents strong voucher, charter school, and scholarship tax-credit programs. Florida offers similar benefits, but short of Arizona's commitment. All of the other top-ranking states--Wisconsin, Ohio, Utah, Minnesota, and Georgia--offer vouchers and charters, but none offers scholarship tax credits as well.
The lowest-ranking states offer only public school choice, generally in the form of magnet schools or open enrollment across school districts. Of the eight lowest-ranking states--Montana, Washington, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia--only Oklahoma offers any form of choice other than public school choice. Oklahoma has a charter school program.
Trevor Martin, vice president of government affairs for The Heartland Institute, explained the report card "aims to provide a roadmap for state legislators seeking to improve student achievement through school choice."
"Many states are experimenting with choice as a way to provide a quality public education," Van Winkle added. "A few states, like Arizona and Florida, are innovating at an impressive pace, willing to try new and better ways to educate children. Other states are not keeping pace and seem committed to preserving the largely choice-free status quo."
Editors: Michael Van Winkle was The Heartland Institute's legislative specialist for education policy at the time this report was written. He has since been named vice president for the Chicago-based Sam Adams Alliance. Robert Holland, Heartland's senior fellow for education policy, is available for comment on this study. To communicate with him, contact Harriette Johnson, Heartland's media relations manager, at 312/377-4000 or by email at hjohnson@heartland.org.
The Heartland Institute is a 24-year-old national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. It is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nothing in this news release or the report it describes is intended to influence the passage of pending legislation.
FOXNews.com - Groups Struggle to Clean Up Mess Illegal Immigrants Leave Behind
"The latest battle in the war on illegal immigration isn't over the smuggling of undocumented workers, it's over the trash they leave behind."
Upcoming Event~ Polygamy Town Hall
The Utah/Arizona Safety Net Committee Presents:
MEDIA & POLYGAMY~TELLING THE STORY
May 8, 2008 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Dixie Center
1835 Convention Center Dr • St. George, Utah
Polygamists, social workers, law enforcement agencies and reporters will gather for a panel discussion and training session to identify obstacles and best practices for reporting about polygamous families.
Here are the goals for the session:
• Help journalists seek truth and report it; minimize harm; act independently; and be held accountable.
• Help polygamists and people working with polygamists provide information in a way that is accurate, fair and minimizes harm, especially to children.
The training session will be followed by a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the work of the Safety Net Committee and to solicit ideas and feedback from the public.
MEDIA & POLYGAMY: TELLING THE STORY
1:00-2:00 p.m. Polygamous Community Panel
Christine Brown - Apostolic United Brethren (AUB)
Heidi Foster - Davis County Co-Op
Vicki Kelsch - Independents
Joyce Steed - Centennial Park
Anne Wilde - Principle Voices (Moderator)
2:00-3:00 p.m. Social Service Provider & Law Enforcement Panel
Gary Arnold - Arizona Department of Economic Security
Michelle Benward - New Frontiers for Families
Shannon Price - Diversity Foundation
Donnalee Sarda - Defenders of Children Executive Director
Greg Smith - Mohave County Sheriff’s Department Captain
Elaine Tyler - Hope Organization
Joni Holm - Child Advocate (Moderator)
3:00-4:00 p.m. Media Panel
Brooke Adams Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City
Brent Hunsaker KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City
Mike Watkiss KTVK-TV, Phoenix
Ben Winslow Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Paul Murphy Utah Attorney General’s Office (Moderator)
4:00-5:00 p.m. Best Practices & Action Plan
All Panelists and Participants
Gary Arnold Arizona Department of Economic Security (Moderator)
Jane Irvine Arizona Attorney General’s Office (Moderator)
May 8, 2008 - 7:00-9:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Dixie Center
Page Nine: What if government harming were covered as extensively as global warming?
A sample of Columnist Craig J. Cantoni's article:
"A recent issue of Time magazine has a cover story about global warming. How original. It’s just one of hundreds of messages that drip on our heads and our children’s heads each day about global warming.
Drip-drip-drip.
Hundreds of other messages drip on us about Big Oil, evil corporations, rampant racism, rising income inequality, and the glories of diversity. The drops come from the media, K-12 schools, universities, and, amazingly, even from corporate advertising.
Drip-drip-drip.
The torrent contains some facts, but most of it is hyperbole and hysteria. I’d rather be water-boarded than endure this form of water torture.
Curiously, messages about government harming are as rare as rain in Death Valley. By “harming,” I mean the insidious and pervasive harm that government is inflicting on the economy and society.
For example, you won’t see this on the cover of Time: THE $800,000 INJUSTICE
The staggering sum of $800,000 is what the unfunded liabilities for entitlements and public pensions will come to -- per child -- if they are bequeathed to the 75 million children under the voting age of 18."
A read that is well worth a minute or two of your time, IMO.
"A recent issue of Time magazine has a cover story about global warming. How original. It’s just one of hundreds of messages that drip on our heads and our children’s heads each day about global warming.
Drip-drip-drip.
Hundreds of other messages drip on us about Big Oil, evil corporations, rampant racism, rising income inequality, and the glories of diversity. The drops come from the media, K-12 schools, universities, and, amazingly, even from corporate advertising.
Drip-drip-drip.
The torrent contains some facts, but most of it is hyperbole and hysteria. I’d rather be water-boarded than endure this form of water torture.
Curiously, messages about government harming are as rare as rain in Death Valley. By “harming,” I mean the insidious and pervasive harm that government is inflicting on the economy and society.
For example, you won’t see this on the cover of Time: THE $800,000 INJUSTICE
The staggering sum of $800,000 is what the unfunded liabilities for entitlements and public pensions will come to -- per child -- if they are bequeathed to the 75 million children under the voting age of 18."
A read that is well worth a minute or two of your time, IMO.
Fire Restrictions for Colorado River Area
Contact: Diane Williams 928- 505-1250 Office
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2008 from becoming adevastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announcedfire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.
Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictionswill be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions, and will remain in effect until rescinded. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time inother areas of the State.The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting publiclands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.
The public is reminded that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires.
Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking.
Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
While BLM hopes the weather and dry conditions in the area will not necessitate issuing fire restrictions beyond Stage 1, if conditions for increased fire potential progress during this fire season, Stage 2, 3, and4 restrictions could become necessary. Stage 2 restrictions would prohibitany open fires, and limit off road vehicle travel, as well as use ofinternal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, etc.). Stage 3 restrictions would authorize partial closure of affected areas, and Stage 4 restrictions would call for total closure of affected areas.
National Wildlife Refuges in the area (Imperial, Cibola, Bill WilliamsRiver, and Havasu) continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.
For fire restriction information in Arizona, call Toll Free: 1-877-864 6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2008 from becoming adevastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announcedfire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.
Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictionswill be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions, and will remain in effect until rescinded. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time inother areas of the State.The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting publiclands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.
The public is reminded that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires.
Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking.
Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
While BLM hopes the weather and dry conditions in the area will not necessitate issuing fire restrictions beyond Stage 1, if conditions for increased fire potential progress during this fire season, Stage 2, 3, and4 restrictions could become necessary. Stage 2 restrictions would prohibitany open fires, and limit off road vehicle travel, as well as use ofinternal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, etc.). Stage 3 restrictions would authorize partial closure of affected areas, and Stage 4 restrictions would call for total closure of affected areas.
National Wildlife Refuges in the area (Imperial, Cibola, Bill WilliamsRiver, and Havasu) continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.
For fire restriction information in Arizona, call Toll Free: 1-877-864 6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
State Transportation Board Study Session
NOTICE OF STUDY SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2008
East Flagstaff Community Library
3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the State Transportation Board and to the general public that the State Transportation Board will hold a meeting open to the public on Thursday, May 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.
East Flagstaff Community Library
3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the State Transportation Board and to the general public that the State Transportation Board will hold a meeting open to the public on Thursday, May 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.
The Board may vote to go into Executive Session, which will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters relating to any items on the agenda. Members of the Transportation Board will attend either in person or by telephone conference call.
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.03 (A)(3), notice is hereby given to the members of the Arizona State Transportation Board and to the general public that the Board may meet in Executive Session for discussion or consultation for legal advice with legal counsel at its meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008. The Board may, at its discretion, recess and reconvene the Executive Session as needed, relating to any items on the agenda.
The agenda consists of the following for information and discussion only:
*ITEM 1: Arizona Rural Transit Needs Study Briefing
(For information and discussion only – Rakesh Tripathi and Stephen Decker of
Cambridge Systematic)
*ITEM 2: ADOT’s Prospects to Develop Public /Private Partnerships for Commercial Safety Roadside Rest Areas
(For information and discussion only - staff)
*ITEM 3: Statewide Access Management Program
(For information and discussion only – Sam Elters)
*ITEM 4: Review of Board Retreat
(For information and discussion only – Gail Lewis)
*ITEM 5: Bonding briefing
(For information and discussion only – John McGee)
*ITEM 6: Discussion of 5-year Plan
(For information and discussion only – staff)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department must make a reasonable accommodation to allow a person with a disability to take part in a program, service or activity. For example, this means that if necessary, the Department must provide sign language interpreters for people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that the Department will take any other reasonable action that allows you to take part in and understand a program or activity, including making reasonable changes to an activity. If you believe that you will not be able to understand or take part in a program or activity because of your disability, please let us know of your disability needs in advance if at all possible. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (602) 712-7761.
Dated this 7th day of May 2008.
STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
By: Mary Currie
Center For Arizona Policy Weekly Update
To: CAP Board Members and Friends of CAP
From: Cathi Herrod, President
1) Slow Go at the State Capitol. Legislative activity has slowed to a crawl as lawmakers discuss ways to address the budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday until next Monday.
Here’s a brief recap of CAP-supported bills still pending:
2) Marriage Amendment. The Arizona House vote on the marriage amendment did not happen this week for one simple reason: two representatives who support the amendment are out of town. For the last three weeks or so, we’ve been in a holding pattern: waiting on the “yes” votes to all be present at the same time so the House can pass the amendment and send it to the Senate. It’s been one thing after another –legitimate reasons like sickness, family funerals, work obligations – that have caused some members to be absent. Hopefully, this phase of the campaign to let you, the people of Arizona, decide the definition and meaning of marriage in our state will be over next week. Then, our efforts to unite Arizonans in a strong coalition to vote “yes” on the marriage amendment will begin. (Groe Note: We are going to attempt to vote on this Monday, May 12, 2008)
3) Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. The revised partial-birth abortion ban that addresses the concerns the Governor identified in her veto letter passed out of conference committee on Tuesday. The bill will need a final vote in both the House and the Senate before going back to the Governor.
4) Prohibition on Nurses Performing Abortions. On Tuesday, the Advanced Practice Advisory Committee of the state Board of Nursing voted unanimously to recommend that the Board rule that first trimester surgical abortions are within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. The full Board will vote on this recommendation next week. Meanwhile, HB 2269, which unambiguously prohibits nurses from performing surgical abortions, is awaiting floor action in the Senate.
5) Students’ Religious Liberties Act. HB 2713, the bill that identifies the free speech rights of religious students in public schools, is waiting for a hearing before the Senate Rules Committee.
6) School Choice. As the legislative focus turns toward the state’s 2009 budget, making the corporate tax credit permanent is of utmost importance to school choice advocates. The program is currently set to end in 2011, and all children currently benefiting from the program would suddenly lose their scholarships. Making the tax credit permanent is a simple budget item that would have no effect on this year’s general fund. Including this item in the budget would ensure that kids continue to receive the quality education of their parents’ choosing.
7) Jesse’s Law. HB 2823, which would make minor changes to the laws on medical decision-making for patients who cannot communicate their wishes, is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.
Stay up-to-date on of all the CAP-supported bills at www.azpolicy.org/legislation.
From: Cathi Herrod, President
1) Slow Go at the State Capitol. Legislative activity has slowed to a crawl as lawmakers discuss ways to address the budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday until next Monday.
Here’s a brief recap of CAP-supported bills still pending:
2) Marriage Amendment. The Arizona House vote on the marriage amendment did not happen this week for one simple reason: two representatives who support the amendment are out of town. For the last three weeks or so, we’ve been in a holding pattern: waiting on the “yes” votes to all be present at the same time so the House can pass the amendment and send it to the Senate. It’s been one thing after another –legitimate reasons like sickness, family funerals, work obligations – that have caused some members to be absent. Hopefully, this phase of the campaign to let you, the people of Arizona, decide the definition and meaning of marriage in our state will be over next week. Then, our efforts to unite Arizonans in a strong coalition to vote “yes” on the marriage amendment will begin. (Groe Note: We are going to attempt to vote on this Monday, May 12, 2008)
3) Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. The revised partial-birth abortion ban that addresses the concerns the Governor identified in her veto letter passed out of conference committee on Tuesday. The bill will need a final vote in both the House and the Senate before going back to the Governor.
4) Prohibition on Nurses Performing Abortions. On Tuesday, the Advanced Practice Advisory Committee of the state Board of Nursing voted unanimously to recommend that the Board rule that first trimester surgical abortions are within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. The full Board will vote on this recommendation next week. Meanwhile, HB 2269, which unambiguously prohibits nurses from performing surgical abortions, is awaiting floor action in the Senate.
5) Students’ Religious Liberties Act. HB 2713, the bill that identifies the free speech rights of religious students in public schools, is waiting for a hearing before the Senate Rules Committee.
6) School Choice. As the legislative focus turns toward the state’s 2009 budget, making the corporate tax credit permanent is of utmost importance to school choice advocates. The program is currently set to end in 2011, and all children currently benefiting from the program would suddenly lose their scholarships. Making the tax credit permanent is a simple budget item that would have no effect on this year’s general fund. Including this item in the budget would ensure that kids continue to receive the quality education of their parents’ choosing.
7) Jesse’s Law. HB 2823, which would make minor changes to the laws on medical decision-making for patients who cannot communicate their wishes, is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.
Stay up-to-date on of all the CAP-supported bills at www.azpolicy.org/legislation.
Mohave Republican Forum
YOU ARE INVITED--PLEASE COME!
MOHAVE REPUBLICAN FORUM—
May 13, 2008 Meeting
Division V Judicial Candidates Taylor, Hlavac and Williams to Speak at Republican Forum
The public is invited to the Mohave Republican Forum 5:30 PM meeting, Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008, at the Elks Club in Kingman.
Hear Cerbat Justice of the Peace John Taylor, Public Defender Dana Hlavac, and Attorney Rick Williams, announced candidates seeking the Mohave County Superior Court Division V Judgeship, a position currently held by Robert Moon, who is retiring at the end of his term.
Following the candidates speaking, there will be a time for questions and answers.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Richard at 692-4771, or Laurie at 753-5581.
MOHAVE REPUBLICAN FORUM—
May 13, 2008 Meeting
Division V Judicial Candidates Taylor, Hlavac and Williams to Speak at Republican Forum
The public is invited to the Mohave Republican Forum 5:30 PM meeting, Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008, at the Elks Club in Kingman.
Hear Cerbat Justice of the Peace John Taylor, Public Defender Dana Hlavac, and Attorney Rick Williams, announced candidates seeking the Mohave County Superior Court Division V Judgeship, a position currently held by Robert Moon, who is retiring at the end of his term.
Following the candidates speaking, there will be a time for questions and answers.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Richard at 692-4771, or Laurie at 753-5581.
F.Y.I. ~ $20.00 Per Diem Begins Monday
Monday, May 12, 2008 is the 120th day of the 48th Legislature, Second Regular Session.
Per ARS 41-1104.C, " . . . After the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session, each member of the legislature shall be paid the sum of ten dollars for subsistence for each day of the regular session beyond the first one hundred twenty days. Each member whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa county shall receive an additional ten dollars for each day beyond the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session as subsistence."
Beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2008 per diem for In-County Members will be reduced from $35/day to $10/day. Per diem for Out-of-County Members will be reduced from $60/day to $20/day.
Per ARS 41-1104.C, " . . . After the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session, each member of the legislature shall be paid the sum of ten dollars for subsistence for each day of the regular session beyond the first one hundred twenty days. Each member whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa county shall receive an additional ten dollars for each day beyond the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session as subsistence."
Beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2008 per diem for In-County Members will be reduced from $35/day to $10/day. Per diem for Out-of-County Members will be reduced from $60/day to $20/day.
Voters Can Trump Spending
By Tom Jenney
You play the hand you’ve been dealt, and in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game, fiscal conservatives in Arizona have a lot of bad cards.
Instead of an ace in the executive branch of state government, fiscal conservatives have a two.
Back in the fall, when Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 revenues began falling below the revenues for FY 2007, a fiscally conservative Governor would have made modest reductions in agency spending to bring expenditures in line with revenue. Instead, Gov. Janet Napolitano continued to spend FY 2008 money as if there were no shortage of revenue. She also failed to call the Legislature into a mid-year special session to correct the over-optimistic FY 2008 budget passed in June.
For the FY 2009 budget, Napolitano will likely continue doing what she has done for the last five years, which is to bargain shrewdly so as to maximize government spending. According to her budget office, state government spending now takes up 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—the biggest slice for government since 1980.
Napolitano’s deficit plan involves financing current spending levels with huge amounts of (unconstitutional) debt. And with her recent veto of House Bill 2220, she has promoted the fiction that a property tax increase is necessary to close the budget deficit.
Instead of an ace in the judicial branch, fiscal conservatives have a three. The Arizona Supreme Court in past years has refused to enforce the constitutional prohibition on state debt, and it is unlikely to start doing so now.
A third ace would be a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, but instead, fiscal conservatives have a seven (in other words, less than half). Most of the time, they do not have the votes to get fiscally conservative bills onto the Governor’s desk, or to send those bills to the ballot via referenda (a move that bypasses the Governor’s veto pen). (GROE NOTE: Remember this when election time comes around in the fall!)
With a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, Arizona would not have overspent during the last five years, and we would not have the largest budget deficit in the nation. In any case, a fiscally conservative majority (with some cooperation from the Governor) would make short work of current deficits, holding FY 2008 and FY 2009 spending constant at FY 2007 levels ($9.8 billion). Modest transfers of cash from the Rainy Day Fund could easily balance those budgets—without accounting gimmicks, and without taking on debt.
Although most of Arizona’s fiscally profligate legislators are Democrats, this is not a strictly partisan problem. In the recent Senate battle over HB 2220, Republicans Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale and Tom O’Halleran of Prescott voted to increase property taxes, while Democrat Ken Cheuvront of Phoenix provided the 16th vote to get tax relief out of the Senate. In the House, Democrat Mark DeSimone crossed party lines to vote for property tax relief, while Republicans Pete Hershberger and Jennifer Burns chose to snub homeowners and businesses.
A fourth ace would be legislative leadership strong enough to bargain hard with the Governor and put petty bills on hold until the budget crisis is resolved. Individually, some of our legislative leaders are face cards, but collectively, they’re more like a six—easily beaten by the Queen of Spending.
The only good card fiscal conservatives hold this year is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. Taxpayer activists must work hard to push to balance the FY 2009 budget without tax increases, accounting gimmicks or debt, put strong property tax and budget reforms on the November ballot, and support fiscally conservative candidates in September and November. If they do those things, the grassroots wild card could turn out to be the missing ace fiscal conservatives need to play a winning hand this year.
The stakes of the fiscal-policy poker match are high. Arizona can choose the path of strong economic growth and prosperity, or it can slide into high-tax, high-spending sluggishness. Grassroots taxpayer activists will decide.
--Tom Jenney is the Arizona director of Americans for Prosperity (https://owa.azleg.state.az.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.aztaxpayers.org)
You play the hand you’ve been dealt, and in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game, fiscal conservatives in Arizona have a lot of bad cards.
Instead of an ace in the executive branch of state government, fiscal conservatives have a two.
Back in the fall, when Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 revenues began falling below the revenues for FY 2007, a fiscally conservative Governor would have made modest reductions in agency spending to bring expenditures in line with revenue. Instead, Gov. Janet Napolitano continued to spend FY 2008 money as if there were no shortage of revenue. She also failed to call the Legislature into a mid-year special session to correct the over-optimistic FY 2008 budget passed in June.
For the FY 2009 budget, Napolitano will likely continue doing what she has done for the last five years, which is to bargain shrewdly so as to maximize government spending. According to her budget office, state government spending now takes up 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—the biggest slice for government since 1980.
Napolitano’s deficit plan involves financing current spending levels with huge amounts of (unconstitutional) debt. And with her recent veto of House Bill 2220, she has promoted the fiction that a property tax increase is necessary to close the budget deficit.
Instead of an ace in the judicial branch, fiscal conservatives have a three. The Arizona Supreme Court in past years has refused to enforce the constitutional prohibition on state debt, and it is unlikely to start doing so now.
A third ace would be a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, but instead, fiscal conservatives have a seven (in other words, less than half). Most of the time, they do not have the votes to get fiscally conservative bills onto the Governor’s desk, or to send those bills to the ballot via referenda (a move that bypasses the Governor’s veto pen). (GROE NOTE: Remember this when election time comes around in the fall!)
With a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, Arizona would not have overspent during the last five years, and we would not have the largest budget deficit in the nation. In any case, a fiscally conservative majority (with some cooperation from the Governor) would make short work of current deficits, holding FY 2008 and FY 2009 spending constant at FY 2007 levels ($9.8 billion). Modest transfers of cash from the Rainy Day Fund could easily balance those budgets—without accounting gimmicks, and without taking on debt.
Although most of Arizona’s fiscally profligate legislators are Democrats, this is not a strictly partisan problem. In the recent Senate battle over HB 2220, Republicans Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale and Tom O’Halleran of Prescott voted to increase property taxes, while Democrat Ken Cheuvront of Phoenix provided the 16th vote to get tax relief out of the Senate. In the House, Democrat Mark DeSimone crossed party lines to vote for property tax relief, while Republicans Pete Hershberger and Jennifer Burns chose to snub homeowners and businesses.
A fourth ace would be legislative leadership strong enough to bargain hard with the Governor and put petty bills on hold until the budget crisis is resolved. Individually, some of our legislative leaders are face cards, but collectively, they’re more like a six—easily beaten by the Queen of Spending.
The only good card fiscal conservatives hold this year is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. Taxpayer activists must work hard to push to balance the FY 2009 budget without tax increases, accounting gimmicks or debt, put strong property tax and budget reforms on the November ballot, and support fiscally conservative candidates in September and November. If they do those things, the grassroots wild card could turn out to be the missing ace fiscal conservatives need to play a winning hand this year.
The stakes of the fiscal-policy poker match are high. Arizona can choose the path of strong economic growth and prosperity, or it can slide into high-tax, high-spending sluggishness. Grassroots taxpayer activists will decide.
--Tom Jenney is the Arizona director of Americans for Prosperity (https://owa.azleg.state.az.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.aztaxpayers.org)
Measure would let officers enforce immigration laws
Here is an AZCentral article about the press conference that Senator Gould and I participated in along with Sheriff Joe, Representative Russell Pearce, Don Goldwater, Chris Simcox, and many others in order to urge Speaker Jim Weiers into scheduling this Illegal Immigration Legislation for Third Read in the House of Representatives.
HB 2017~Greenhouse Emissions,Regulation, Fuel Economy
This bill prohibits a state agency from adopting or enforcing rules or regulations to implement a regional program addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or motor vehicle fuel economy that is not expressly authorized by federal law, or that is more stringent than federal laws or regulations and requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to provide a written statement on any such program.
This bill will come before the House of Representatives early next week since we will not be meeting tomorrow. I fully support this bill, believing that the Governor, by her recent actions, is muddying the waters, overstepping her authority and side-stepping the proper legislative process.
UPDATE: The Governor vetoed this legislation but we may have her stopped yet...more on this to come as we await the outcome of a federal ruling
This bill will come before the House of Representatives early next week since we will not be meeting tomorrow. I fully support this bill, believing that the Governor, by her recent actions, is muddying the waters, overstepping her authority and side-stepping the proper legislative process.
UPDATE: The Governor vetoed this legislation but we may have her stopped yet...more on this to come as we await the outcome of a federal ruling
Catching Up
Dear Republican Friends,
Session is winding down & for the most part the majority of bills have been voted on & sent to the Governor. The House & Senate bodies continue to meet each day to Third & Final read a handful of bills that could probably be voted on in one or two days but the bills are being spaced out over the remainder of the session in order to have business to address when we convene each day. The House and Senate are not meeting tomorrow so the majority of members have the day off...most of them will get an extra day to work at their "regular" job or spend time gathering signatures for re-election. I will not have this luxury, though I cannot complain as I am doing what I love...assisting in the creation of a potentially conservative budget. Is that laughter I hear? No, don't laugh...it helps to have hope (and a strong dose of faith) with this job.
As I have mentioned before, Senator Gould & I are participating in lengthy daily budget meetings to create an acceptable, responsible solution to address the $2 Billion Dollar shortfall. The other participants (all Republicans) include House & Senate Leadership, the appropriations chairmen, & a variety of rank & file members who represent various ideological views. We have made some progress in the meetings, making slight cuts in a variety of government programs, attempting to stem the bleeding but unfortunately the bloodletting is still to come. Trimming $1 Million here or $13 Million there hardly makes a dent in this fiscal crisis. At this point though, personalities have taken a backseat to policy & for that I am thankful.
In other news, the Governor & her Regulatory Review Council have overstepped their authority by requiring automobiles in Arizona to meet new standards for greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2011. Besides the fact the Governor & her council have side-stepped the legislature (& therefore, the people) once again, she has followed California in this endeavor & The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has so far refused to give California the power to enact its own greenhouse gas emission standards. Many of the Phoenix area papers have written articles detailing this decision so check out my "reading room" feature for more information.
Session is winding down & for the most part the majority of bills have been voted on & sent to the Governor. The House & Senate bodies continue to meet each day to Third & Final read a handful of bills that could probably be voted on in one or two days but the bills are being spaced out over the remainder of the session in order to have business to address when we convene each day. The House and Senate are not meeting tomorrow so the majority of members have the day off...most of them will get an extra day to work at their "regular" job or spend time gathering signatures for re-election. I will not have this luxury, though I cannot complain as I am doing what I love...assisting in the creation of a potentially conservative budget. Is that laughter I hear? No, don't laugh...it helps to have hope (and a strong dose of faith) with this job.
As I have mentioned before, Senator Gould & I are participating in lengthy daily budget meetings to create an acceptable, responsible solution to address the $2 Billion Dollar shortfall. The other participants (all Republicans) include House & Senate Leadership, the appropriations chairmen, & a variety of rank & file members who represent various ideological views. We have made some progress in the meetings, making slight cuts in a variety of government programs, attempting to stem the bleeding but unfortunately the bloodletting is still to come. Trimming $1 Million here or $13 Million there hardly makes a dent in this fiscal crisis. At this point though, personalities have taken a backseat to policy & for that I am thankful.
In other news, the Governor & her Regulatory Review Council have overstepped their authority by requiring automobiles in Arizona to meet new standards for greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2011. Besides the fact the Governor & her council have side-stepped the legislature (& therefore, the people) once again, she has followed California in this endeavor & The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has so far refused to give California the power to enact its own greenhouse gas emission standards. Many of the Phoenix area papers have written articles detailing this decision so check out my "reading room" feature for more information.
ACTION ALERT: Signatures Needed
The deadline to turn in petitions to the Arizona Secretary of State's office in order to get my name on the ballot for re-election is fast approaching so I am asking all of my friends and Republican supporters for assistance in making one last push for the collection of signatures as I am in Phoenix primarily and unable to devote the time needed for this important task.
Please, any help in this endeavor is urgently needed and much appreciated. If you would like a petition mailed to you or dropped off at your home or place of business, call or email my husband, Frank and he will be glad to hear from you. Frank can be reached at 928-855-5413 or by email at fgroe@groe.org.
Thanks for your encouragement and continued support!
Please, any help in this endeavor is urgently needed and much appreciated. If you would like a petition mailed to you or dropped off at your home or place of business, call or email my husband, Frank and he will be glad to hear from you. Frank can be reached at 928-855-5413 or by email at fgroe@groe.org.
Thanks for your encouragement and continued support!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
GOLDEN VALLEY 230kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
NOTE: The following information is taken from Project Fact Sheet # 3, provided to me by Unisource Energy.
In order to meet increased electrical demands and growth, UNS Electric, Inc. (UNSE) plans to construct a new electrical transmission line in the Golden Valley area near Kingman. The project involves the construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and two substations to serve the existing and planned electrical loads within Golden Valley and the Mineral Park Mine. The primary and initial electrical need is at the Mineral Park Mine, which is located approximately
20 miles northwest of Kingman along the east side of US Route 93 (US 93) on the western slope of the Cerbat Mountains. Additionally, the new transmission line will enhance the electrical infrastructure to the developing Golden Valley area.
GETTING INVOLVED OR MAKING COMMENTS:
A series of public open houses have been scheduled on May 6, 7, and 8, 2008.
Open houses will be held at Black Mountain Elementary and Golden Valley Middle School, 3404 N. Santa Maria Road, Golden Valley, Arizona 86413, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The open houses are designed to provide an informal forum in which the public may ask questions, receive answers, and provide comment. Specifically, UNSE would like to provide an opportunity at the open houses to:
• Discuss the process
• Suggest or offer alternatives
• Comment on alternatives
• Visit directly with siting and design team
• Discuss health and safety concerns
• Discuss right-of-way needs
Your comments regarding this project are welcome. Comments will assist UNSE and the involved agencies in making sound choices for the project. You may address written comments to Transcon Environmental, 3740 E. Southern Ave., Suite 218, Mesa, Arizona 85206, or you may make written or verbal comments during any of the public open houses. If you have questions regarding the proposed project, please call the Project Information Phone Line at (928) 415-0213 or toll-free at (866) 453-2401.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In order to meet increased electrical demands and growth, UNS Electric, Inc. (UNSE) plans to construct a new electrical transmission line in the Golden Valley area near Kingman. The project involves the construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and two substations to serve the existing and planned electrical loads within Golden Valley and the Mineral Park Mine. The primary and initial electrical need is at the Mineral Park Mine, which is located approximately
20 miles northwest of Kingman along the east side of US Route 93 (US 93) on the western slope of the Cerbat Mountains. Additionally, the new transmission line will enhance the electrical infrastructure to the developing Golden Valley area.
GETTING INVOLVED OR MAKING COMMENTS:
A series of public open houses have been scheduled on May 6, 7, and 8, 2008.
Open houses will be held at Black Mountain Elementary and Golden Valley Middle School, 3404 N. Santa Maria Road, Golden Valley, Arizona 86413, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The open houses are designed to provide an informal forum in which the public may ask questions, receive answers, and provide comment. Specifically, UNSE would like to provide an opportunity at the open houses to:
• Discuss the process
• Suggest or offer alternatives
• Comment on alternatives
• Visit directly with siting and design team
• Discuss health and safety concerns
• Discuss right-of-way needs
Your comments regarding this project are welcome. Comments will assist UNSE and the involved agencies in making sound choices for the project. You may address written comments to Transcon Environmental, 3740 E. Southern Ave., Suite 218, Mesa, Arizona 85206, or you may make written or verbal comments during any of the public open houses. If you have questions regarding the proposed project, please call the Project Information Phone Line at (928) 415-0213 or toll-free at (866) 453-2401.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Photo Radar Monies & A Rant
UPDATE: The $165.00 fine from a photo radar ticket is now directed to the state's general fund~this is part of the governor's attempt to generate money in order to continue to grow government despite facing a $2.3 Billion Dollar deficit.
In response to a couple of snide comments in the Today's News Herald discussion forum let me make the following clarification:
Monies generated by photo radar goes to the General Fund of the Cities from the City Courts and to the County general fund from the JP Courts. The surcharges go to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (that goes to about 14 different entities in the criminal justice system) and then to the Clean Elections Commission. None of it goes to the state except through the surcharges.
I am always amazed that folks like to snap back and forth with accusing remarks over issues that they know nothing about. I must state again that the online discussion forum of the Today's News Herald is a disgrace to the paper and a poor reflection on the citizens of Lake Havasu City. I truly wish TNH would shut the feature down.
In response to a couple of snide comments in the Today's News Herald discussion forum let me make the following clarification:
Monies generated by photo radar goes to the General Fund of the Cities from the City Courts and to the County general fund from the JP Courts. The surcharges go to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (that goes to about 14 different entities in the criminal justice system) and then to the Clean Elections Commission. None of it goes to the state except through the surcharges.
I am always amazed that folks like to snap back and forth with accusing remarks over issues that they know nothing about. I must state again that the online discussion forum of the Today's News Herald is a disgrace to the paper and a poor reflection on the citizens of Lake Havasu City. I truly wish TNH would shut the feature down.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Seeing Green~Professional Grass Painting Company
What a concept! Apparently grass painting has been around for some time, according to this company's website. With conservation concerns on the rise, businesses like this are expanding. What a novel idea...I have to admit I love the look of a lush, deep green lawn! Perhaps we will see companies like this pop up in Arizona. In Lake Havasu City there are folks who have green painted rocks in their yards, though I appreciate their efforts, the results are not quite as appealing.
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