Traveling to Tennessee

I am on a brief jaunt to Chattanooga, Tennessee to celebrate my youngest brother's wedding tomorrow so posting will be extremely light until the start of the new work week. Tennessee is still humid, if anyone is wondering but being surrounded by family is keeping my mind off the sticky weather.

Click the title of this post to read an interesting article that highlights the difference in the definition of the words "endorsing" and "supporting".

In Leiu of Flowers

UPDATE: Senator Flake's Memorial service in Phoenix will be held Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 1:30 pm at the LDS Stake on Missouri.

Please spred the word out that in leiu of flowers for Senator Jake Flake, his family would like people to send contributions to The Snowflake Academy Foundation. Contact information is below.

The Snowflake Academy Foundation
30 W. 2nd South
Snowflake, Arizona 85937
http://www.snowflakeacademy.com/

Arizona Agriculture Furious

"Arizona farmers are angry and considering legal action against their state government for pilfering grower-paid assessment dollars that support research and promotional efforts to balance the state budget.

The Arizona legislature this spring took more than $550,000 in agricultural funds to help offset a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. Included in that total was $161,400 debited from three agricultural councils funded by grower assessments for commodity research and other programs.

The three counts of larceny include $80,000 from the Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council (AGRPC), $41,400 from the Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council, and $40,000 from the Arizona Citrus Research Council. The councils operate under the auspices of the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) which collects and banks funds from growers to support the work of the three councils.

“This is not taxpayer money,” said David Sharp, AGRPC chairman and a Roll, Ariz. wheat grower. “This is money raised by farmers. Farmers have entrusted the money to council leaders to fund research and promotion. The state of Arizona is to hold the dollars but not spend them.”"

Google Calendar ~ Upcoming Events

Dear Readers,

As the campaign season kicks into gear, please remember to access my upcoming event calendar via my website, http://www.trishgroe.com/.

If you know of an event not listed on my calendar or would like me to attend an event, please send me an email at tgroe@groe.org and I will do my best to add it to my schedule.

I look forward to seeing you as session comes to a close.

Trish Groe

Today's Calendar

Today's final passage is comprised of several bills that were to be voted on last week but for some reason, unknown to me, were not. Nothing controversial on the agenda for today. With Senator Flake's passing, I am sure that House and Senate activities will be curtailed.

There are no new announcements about services honoring Senator Flake; the general thought is that there will be a service in Snowflake on Saturday. There will probably be a service at the Capitol and as soon as I have any new information I will post it here.

In your service,

RepGroe

Senator Flake's Obituary

From the Arizona Republic website you can view and sign a guestbook in honor of Senator Jake Flake.

Senator Jake Flake 1935-2008

Senator Jake Flake passed away unexpectedly this morning after sustaining injuries from an early morning fall. My prayers are with his wife, Mary Louise and their family.

Senator Flake had been absent from the Capitol in past days after being bucked off his horse, though he planned to return to work in time to vote on the budget.

Senator Flake, an old cowboy, had an easy-going, peaceful way about him and although passionate, especially about his district, water, agriculture, and cattle, he was slow to anger. A man of few words, he spoke quietly, without hurry. Those about him may not have always agreed with what he had to say, but still they gave respect to the man who said them.

Senator Flake will be missed and his absence will be felt strongly at the state legislature.

Battle on for Legislative Majority

NOTE: This is a brief exerpt from a AZCapitol Times article interview with Emily Bittner, Arizona Democrat spokesperson about their mission to gain control of the state legislature with victories in the upcoming election. This is a call to arms...every Republican should be doing their part to register Republicans to vote!

"Democrats, however, believe they can capitalize on gains made in 2006 and become the majority party in the House.
“We only have to pick up four (seats),” Bittner said.
District 3, which encompasses the state’s western border, is among the targets for Democrats. Pamela Durbin from Lake Havasu City is the only Democrat candidate in the district. She and the party hope to unseat conservative Republican Rep. Trish Groe, who was arrested and convicted last year of driving drunk."