Read this FOX NEWS article about a recent medical mystery/miracle involving 59 year old Val Thomas and hear why she states, “I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll tell me.”
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Timothy Lynch on Child Removal on National Review Online
"Protection Racket ~ They didn’t do it for the children"
By Timothy Lynch
Court proceedings are underway in Texas to sort out the controversial seizure of 465 children from the religious sect near Eldorado. A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that Texas’s Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to justify the seizure of the very young children and teenage boys. The Court said there was simply “no evidence” of immediate danger to them. More legal challenges are expected to follow."
Click the title of this post to view entire article.
By Timothy Lynch
Court proceedings are underway in Texas to sort out the controversial seizure of 465 children from the religious sect near Eldorado. A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that Texas’s Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to justify the seizure of the very young children and teenage boys. The Court said there was simply “no evidence” of immediate danger to them. More legal challenges are expected to follow."
Click the title of this post to view entire article.
Signature Count
Since the weather is dismal this weekend, our Signature Walk is postponed until next week. Though I really needed to be door knocking this weekend, it is difficult to complain about the rain and change of weather.
I have just over 300 signatures and need at least 440 to assure my name is on the ballot. We are getting there...slowly but surely. I do appreciate everyone's assistance...your support and encouragement is a tremendous gift to me!
Since the deadline for turning the signatures into the Secretary of State's office is fast approaching (June 4th) please return any signed petitions to me as soon as you can. Either put them in the mail or call my house (928) 855-5413 to arrange for pick-up.
Again, every signature counts so don't feel bad if you have a petition that only has one or two names!
With much respect,
RepGroe
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Cato-at-liberty » Give the People What They Want
Author Chris Edwards states, "Part of the trick is that members (Congressional members)always claim that they support budget restraint in general, while arguing at the same time that each particular program, when it is up for a vote, desperately needs to be expanded."
I find that this is true at the state level also, even among my Republican colleagues. Everyone wants to cut programs...with the exception of their own pet project.
To address this problem, Edwards suggests putting a cap on the amount of annual growth of the Federal (or State) budget. I have actually sponsored legislation to address this issue at the state level and it has been met with much resistance from the usual special interest groups. As the old saying goes, "Maybe next year."
I find that this is true at the state level also, even among my Republican colleagues. Everyone wants to cut programs...with the exception of their own pet project.
To address this problem, Edwards suggests putting a cap on the amount of annual growth of the Federal (or State) budget. I have actually sponsored legislation to address this issue at the state level and it has been met with much resistance from the usual special interest groups. As the old saying goes, "Maybe next year."
A Discussion with Senator Gould, Foe of Guest-Worker Bill
Senator Gould, never one to mince words, is featured in today's addition of the Repugnant. He points out some of the numerous flaws with the proposal (HCM 2012) and discusses his amendments.
The following Republicans have signed on as sponsors of this measure:
BURNS J
HERSHBERGER
MASON
FLAKE
O'HALLERAN
CRANDALL
MCLAIN
REAGAN
KONOPNICKI
The following Republicans have signed on as sponsors of this measure:
BURNS J
HERSHBERGER
MASON
FLAKE
O'HALLERAN
CRANDALL
MCLAIN
REAGAN
KONOPNICKI
Straight Shoot'n from RepGroe
Good Wednesday Afternoon!
Well, my decision to stay in town versus attending the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon this afternoon was the correct decision, as it turns out. Jodi Jerich, the Speaker's Chief of Staff called me last night, inquiring of my plans for today. It turns out that because of the many absences of House members some important legislation was either being held or had failed to pass initially and my attendance was needed today.
Today was a day where we actually did some good on behalf of the Arizona citizen! The House of Representatives approved three bills that expand the rights of gun owners and I voted in support of all three proposals.
The first measure (HB2629) would allow a person to defensively display a firearm if threatened. The Senate already voted on this proposal so now it is transmitted to the Governor. This is a bill that she will most likely veto. Call the Governor's office if this is a concept that you support.
The second bill (SB1070) allows firearms-safety training courses to be taught by NRA instructors certified in pistol and personal protection and allows said courses to be used to obtain a concealed-weapons permit . This bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and upon its passage proceeds to the Governor.
The last gun-related bill (SB1106) allows the holder of a concealed-weapons permit to apply for a lifetime permit. Currently, the law requires such permits to be renewed every five years. This bill now goes to the Governor. I am unsure of how the Governor will respond to this bill but the majority of the Democrats did not like this bill so I urge a call to the 9th Floor on this bill also.
The Governor's contact information, for your convenience, is listed below.
Governor Janet Napolitano
Telephone: (602) 542-1318
Toll Free 1(800) 253-0883Fax: (602) 542-1381
E-mail address: azgov@az.gov
Well, my decision to stay in town versus attending the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon this afternoon was the correct decision, as it turns out. Jodi Jerich, the Speaker's Chief of Staff called me last night, inquiring of my plans for today. It turns out that because of the many absences of House members some important legislation was either being held or had failed to pass initially and my attendance was needed today.
Today was a day where we actually did some good on behalf of the Arizona citizen! The House of Representatives approved three bills that expand the rights of gun owners and I voted in support of all three proposals.
The first measure (HB2629) would allow a person to defensively display a firearm if threatened. The Senate already voted on this proposal so now it is transmitted to the Governor. This is a bill that she will most likely veto. Call the Governor's office if this is a concept that you support.
The second bill (SB1070) allows firearms-safety training courses to be taught by NRA instructors certified in pistol and personal protection and allows said courses to be used to obtain a concealed-weapons permit . This bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and upon its passage proceeds to the Governor.
The last gun-related bill (SB1106) allows the holder of a concealed-weapons permit to apply for a lifetime permit. Currently, the law requires such permits to be renewed every five years. This bill now goes to the Governor. I am unsure of how the Governor will respond to this bill but the majority of the Democrats did not like this bill so I urge a call to the 9th Floor on this bill also.
The Governor's contact information, for your convenience, is listed below.
Governor Janet Napolitano
Telephone: (602) 542-1318
Toll Free 1(800) 253-0883Fax: (602) 542-1381
E-mail address: azgov@az.gov
A Message From Russell Pearce
Above: One of the signs we encountered after our trip to the Arizona-Mexico Border.
Below: State Rep. Trish Groe talks to Republican Women on the floor of the House.
Can I call on you to help with getting signatures for Arizona State Representative Trish Groe this Saturday, May 24th? We must turn them in by June 4th.
Trish has been a solid Patriot and supported every single issue, assisting the Minutemen and addressing the illegal alien problem. She has been a stalwart on our issues, such as private property rights, 2nd amendment rights, national security issues, and securing the border. She went to the border with me on April 1st, 2005 for the original Minutemen big kick off.
We need Trish back at the Capitol...she needs your support to get there!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Disloyal Opposition: You mean you're not underage?
Interesting post on the Government vs FLDS situation in Texas...
read the post; share your comments...
read the post; share your comments...
Campus-gun bill dies in Senate
"A bill that would allow some students, professors and administrators to carry guns on Arizona's college campuses is dead - at least for this year, said its chief sponsor, state Sen. Karen Johnson."
Though my hard-working colleague has decided not to run for re-election, I have no doubt that we will see this bill again. Whether or not you support this idea, the situation does highlight the fact that political backbone seems to shrivel every other year, in conjunction with the election cycle. What a sad state of affairs!
Though my hard-working colleague has decided not to run for re-election, I have no doubt that we will see this bill again. Whether or not you support this idea, the situation does highlight the fact that political backbone seems to shrivel every other year, in conjunction with the election cycle. What a sad state of affairs!
Calvary Center ~ Recommended Rehabilitation
Calvary Center is the affordable, faith-based residential treatment facility in Phoenix for substance abuse where I sought treatment a little over a year ago. Calvary Center offers a wonderful 30 day multi-faceted program which includes individual and group therapy, educational lectures, Bible study, and AA meetings. Every once in a while, I like to mention this rehabilitation facility both to remind myself of where I have come from and also to offer an option for those who are still struggling with addiction. If you have any questions at all about Calvary Center or my experience there, please feel free to call or email me with your questions.
From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."
From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."
Monday, May 19, 2008
Legislative Report
Check out the latest legislator rankings from the Pachyderm Coalition. Also noted on the page, the previous week's ranking. An explanation on how the legislators are evaluated is found at the bottom of the page. Yours truly has stayed in the top five since the ranking started!
'Newsweek' magazine ranks Ariz. school #1 in country
"'Newsweek' magazine ranked Basis Tucson High School number one among America's public high schools. Four Valley schools, including Pinnacle and North Canyon, also made it on the list of the top 1,300 schools. "
Kudos to all of the administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents employed or involved in these schools! Bravo for a job well done!!!
Kudos to all of the administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents employed or involved in these schools! Bravo for a job well done!!!
ALIS Today~Caucus & Third Read Calendars
Follow this link to view the House of Representatives caucus and Third Read calendar for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20th.
Please call my office at (602) 926-5408 if you have any questions about the proposed legislation.
Please call my office at (602) 926-5408 if you have any questions about the proposed legislation.
Catching Up ~ The Calm Before The Storm
Today (Monday) was a short work day. I drove the 3 1/2 hours from Lake Havasu City to Phoenix in order to make it to the floor today at 1:00 pm. We voted on several bills, none of them very controversial, (one bill dealing addressing gun rights and self-defense was held) and then adjourned until tomorrow at 10:00 am. There were nine legislators absent today and I expect that to be typical for the rest of the session.
The activity at the Capitol has slowed to a snail's pace and there just isn't a lot for the rank and file members to work on while leadership formulates a plan of action to address the $2 Billion dollar shortfall so some members choose to stay in their district (if they are out-of-county) and address constituent concerns. Other members put in a little extra time at their paying jobs while all is quite at the Capitol.
Tomorrow, after floor at 10:00 we have a caucus of the House Republicans. I should have a bit more information to share about the timeframe and direction of the budget. I also have been invited to attend a budget meeting with House Majority Leader, Representative Tom Boone and House Whip, John McComish. From all that I have been reading via the Internet (blogs and newspaper) the subject of borrowing will be the topic of discussion. That, in addition a new tax increase being proposed by my colleague Andy Tobin. I do not have the details of his proposal...another colleague of mine just mentioned it to me briefly. As usual, as soon as I am clear on the details, I will post them here,
Wednesday, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Governor's Luncheon at Shugrue's. Representative McLain and I were entertaining with the idea of attending (Gould flat out said no) since the Speaker of the House, Representative (Jim) Weiers mentioned that he would like for us to be there. As much as I like to support our local chamber, I am having second thoughts about attending. I really do not have the patience or fortitude to stomach the Governor's spin/perspective/lies on the state of Arizona, it's economy, and future without having an opportunity at the luncheon to rebut her statements. Having to sit silent while she spins reality into what I have come to know as her parallel universe is about as fun to me as a trip to the dentist. That, coupled with the hope that we could have some movement on the budget this week gives me a valid excuse to skip the lunch. (Yay! Thanks for sticking with me while I worked that decision out as I typed.) I echo the feeling of Senator Gould when I told him about the $30.00 per person cost of the luncheon. He said, "Yikes! You'd have to pay me at least double to listen to her!" Amen Senator Gould!
In closing, please send an email to Senate President Tim Bee respectfully encouraging him to bring to a vote of the Senate the measure that would constitutionally define marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman. Senator Bee's email address is tbee@azleg.gov.
REMINDER: I still need signatures on petitions for my re-election. If you would like to have a petition mailed to you, please call 928-855-5413 and speak to my biggest supporter and #1 fan, my husband, Frank Groe. He will be more than happy to mail you a petition with a stamped return envelope, or, if you live in LHC, he will drop one off at your house. As always, thank you for allowing me to be your conservative voice here at the Capitol!
The activity at the Capitol has slowed to a snail's pace and there just isn't a lot for the rank and file members to work on while leadership formulates a plan of action to address the $2 Billion dollar shortfall so some members choose to stay in their district (if they are out-of-county) and address constituent concerns. Other members put in a little extra time at their paying jobs while all is quite at the Capitol.
Tomorrow, after floor at 10:00 we have a caucus of the House Republicans. I should have a bit more information to share about the timeframe and direction of the budget. I also have been invited to attend a budget meeting with House Majority Leader, Representative Tom Boone and House Whip, John McComish. From all that I have been reading via the Internet (blogs and newspaper) the subject of borrowing will be the topic of discussion. That, in addition a new tax increase being proposed by my colleague Andy Tobin. I do not have the details of his proposal...another colleague of mine just mentioned it to me briefly. As usual, as soon as I am clear on the details, I will post them here,
Wednesday, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Governor's Luncheon at Shugrue's. Representative McLain and I were entertaining with the idea of attending (Gould flat out said no) since the Speaker of the House, Representative (Jim) Weiers mentioned that he would like for us to be there. As much as I like to support our local chamber, I am having second thoughts about attending. I really do not have the patience or fortitude to stomach the Governor's spin/perspective/lies on the state of Arizona, it's economy, and future without having an opportunity at the luncheon to rebut her statements. Having to sit silent while she spins reality into what I have come to know as her parallel universe is about as fun to me as a trip to the dentist. That, coupled with the hope that we could have some movement on the budget this week gives me a valid excuse to skip the lunch. (Yay! Thanks for sticking with me while I worked that decision out as I typed.) I echo the feeling of Senator Gould when I told him about the $30.00 per person cost of the luncheon. He said, "Yikes! You'd have to pay me at least double to listen to her!" Amen Senator Gould!
In closing, please send an email to Senate President Tim Bee respectfully encouraging him to bring to a vote of the Senate the measure that would constitutionally define marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman. Senator Bee's email address is tbee@azleg.gov.
REMINDER: I still need signatures on petitions for my re-election. If you would like to have a petition mailed to you, please call 928-855-5413 and speak to my biggest supporter and #1 fan, my husband, Frank Groe. He will be more than happy to mail you a petition with a stamped return envelope, or, if you live in LHC, he will drop one off at your house. As always, thank you for allowing me to be your conservative voice here at the Capitol!
Ethanol: Getting There Is None Of The Fun - Forbes.com
This short article is a must read...providing many interesting points about ethanol such as the following:
1) Ethanol is produced in mainly five states: Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois & Minnesota~all about 1,500 miles from 80% of the population.
2) Ethanol is corrosive so it cannot be transported through pipelines but must be transported by trains, barges, or trucks.
3) Our U.S. waterway is overtaxed and antiquated, besides the fact that the Mississippi freezes so that takes care of the barge issue, backlog for rail cars has risen 400% since 2005, so rail is not an option, which just leaves the transportation of ethanol by trucks.
Therein lies the rub!
to quote William Pentland, the author of this piece:
"The best hope for clean, green ethanol right now is to ship it in diesel-powered trucks. Unfortunately, the U.S. already lacks the drivers available to meet anticipated growth in shipping demand, even without ethanol. Driver shortages will reach nearly a quarter of a million by 2015, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Ethanol producers are likely to have particular problems because of the hazardous material certifications required to haul the loads. Add to this the cost of diesel fuel, the extra carbon emissions and the further strain the trucks would place on the nation's highways and the outlook for clean, supposedly green ethanol looks dimmer and dimmer."
1) Ethanol is produced in mainly five states: Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois & Minnesota~all about 1,500 miles from 80% of the population.
2) Ethanol is corrosive so it cannot be transported through pipelines but must be transported by trains, barges, or trucks.
3) Our U.S. waterway is overtaxed and antiquated, besides the fact that the Mississippi freezes so that takes care of the barge issue, backlog for rail cars has risen 400% since 2005, so rail is not an option, which just leaves the transportation of ethanol by trucks.
Therein lies the rub!
to quote William Pentland, the author of this piece:
"The best hope for clean, green ethanol right now is to ship it in diesel-powered trucks. Unfortunately, the U.S. already lacks the drivers available to meet anticipated growth in shipping demand, even without ethanol. Driver shortages will reach nearly a quarter of a million by 2015, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Ethanol producers are likely to have particular problems because of the hazardous material certifications required to haul the loads. Add to this the cost of diesel fuel, the extra carbon emissions and the further strain the trucks would place on the nation's highways and the outlook for clean, supposedly green ethanol looks dimmer and dimmer."
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