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
Showing posts with label Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
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!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Chambers of Commerce Letter to the Governor Re: HB 2220 Property Tax Repeal
UPDATE: The Governor vetoed this bill.
NOTE: I am so pleased to see that both the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce signed on in support of the bill. I wonder where the Kingman Chamber of Commerce stands.
April 11, 2008
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Office of the Governor
1700 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Dear Governor Napolitano:
As chambers of commerce across Arizona, we encourage you to sign HB 2220 to
permanently repeal the state equalization property tax. Signing this legislation would
prevent an approximately $250 million annual tax hike on businesses and residential
property owners during a time when Arizonans are experiencing economic strain.
The statewide business community has made permanent repeal of the state equalization
rate a top priority for the 2008 legislative session. Currently, commercial property owners in Arizona pay more than twice the amount in taxes that residential property owners pay. That places Arizona in the top highest for commercial property taxes and far above our neighboring states, thus harming our competitiveness.
The business community recognizes the severity of the state’s fiscal crisis. We remain
convinced; however, that the economy is best stimulated by private enterprise. Creating an environment in which businesses can flourish will allow companies to make additional investments that will advance our economy in a powerful way. During this economic crisis, we have an opportunity to put policies in place that position us for future success. Permanently repealing the statewide equalization rate is one important step in that direction.
Sincerely,
Ajo District Chamber of Commerce
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
Benson-San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce
Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce
Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Southern Arizona Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce
Rio Rico Chamber of Commerce
Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
St. John’s Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tri-City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
NOTE: I am so pleased to see that both the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce signed on in support of the bill. I wonder where the Kingman Chamber of Commerce stands.
April 11, 2008
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Office of the Governor
1700 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Dear Governor Napolitano:
As chambers of commerce across Arizona, we encourage you to sign HB 2220 to
permanently repeal the state equalization property tax. Signing this legislation would
prevent an approximately $250 million annual tax hike on businesses and residential
property owners during a time when Arizonans are experiencing economic strain.
The statewide business community has made permanent repeal of the state equalization
rate a top priority for the 2008 legislative session. Currently, commercial property owners in Arizona pay more than twice the amount in taxes that residential property owners pay. That places Arizona in the top highest for commercial property taxes and far above our neighboring states, thus harming our competitiveness.
The business community recognizes the severity of the state’s fiscal crisis. We remain
convinced; however, that the economy is best stimulated by private enterprise. Creating an environment in which businesses can flourish will allow companies to make additional investments that will advance our economy in a powerful way. During this economic crisis, we have an opportunity to put policies in place that position us for future success. Permanently repealing the statewide equalization rate is one important step in that direction.
Sincerely,
Ajo District Chamber of Commerce
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
Benson-San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce
Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce
Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Southern Arizona Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce
Rio Rico Chamber of Commerce
Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
St. John’s Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tri-City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance:
Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce
Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Chamber Day at the Capitol
Today is Chamber Day at the Capitol and I am excited about seeing all of those from my district who work so tirelessly to support small businesses throughout the state!
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