BIONIC

“BIONIC ~ Believe It or Not, I Care”

Frank & I attended a graduation ceremony last night at the Arizona State Prison-Kingman. ASP – Kingman is a low custody private prison under contract with the Arizona Department of Corrections to provide custody and substance abuse treatment for 1400 adult male offenders who have demonstrated a need for substance or alcohol abuse intervention.

What a celebration this was!

After Ralph McKie, the 1st VP of Vietnam Veterans of America, Mohave County Chapter 975 led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, the festivities began with a bang when the band playing praise music warmed up the crowd of family & friends. With inmates on the guitar, tambourine, & drums, guests clapped their hands to a soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace”. Though I cannot remember the name of the “lead singer,” his powerful voice does stick in my memory.

Kingman Mayor John Salem then delivered a motivational message regarding attitude & the choices we are presented with each day…how our attitude frames our perspective of events that occur in our daily life. Mayor Salem's stories were met with a few laughs and cheers from the inmates and their families.

Proud instructors, led by Dr. Elizabeth Gwynne, MTC's Education Administrator, passed out over 60 diplomas to inmates who successfully completed GED, Creative Writing, and Financial Literacy courses. By the time the graduation ceremony concluded my eyes were wet & swollen, my hands red & raw from clapping, & my heart was bursting with happiness over the accomplishment of these inmates. These guys get it! Taking a bad situation and turning it around shows gumption and character and never fails to amaze me. God's grace and forgiveness is awesome. With HIM, through HIM, all things are possible and work together for good! AMEN!

Rising from my chair to leave the prision, I turned over the graduation program & saw it:

BIONIC ~ Believe It or Not, I Care

Warden Elliot, Chaplin Basye, MCC Instructors, MTC Staff, thank you...I do believe it & so do those men you inspire.

TIME'S UP!

GROE NOTE: Hooray! I just received this email about the demise of the TIME Initiative and a "dragon-slaying" party to celebrate the good news. Please take a moment, as Tom suggests, to send a note to those who fought on your behalf to kill this tax increase.

Dear Arizona Taxpayer,

You are invited to a Dragon Slaying Party this Friday evening, August 29th, at the George and Dragon Pub in Phoenix. The occasion for the festivities is the demise of the TIME Ballot Initiative, which was thrown off the ballot today by the Arizona Supreme Court:

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/08/25/daily27.html

The TIME Initiative would have increased the state sales tax by 18 percent, and thrown $42 billion at unspecified transportation projects, including projects—such as light rail—that have very little to do with transportation. The government largess for rail projects would have been doled out by the members of a “Passenger Rail Projects Committee,” a majority of whose members would have been appointees serving at the pleasure of the Governor.

To learn about the many disastrous provisions of the TIME Initiative, read this analysis by transportation expert John Semmens:

http://www.americansforprosperity.org/includes/filemanager/files/az/timeinitiativeanalysis.pdf
And please send a note of thanks to Steve Voeller of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club (http://www.azfec.org/), for the work AZFEC did to oppose the TIME Initiative on the legal front. Steve’s email is steve@AZFreeEnterpriseClub.org.

If anyone is interested in organizing festivities outside of the Valley, let me know, and I will help.

For Liberty,
--Tom

Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
(Arizona Federation of Taxpayers)
http://www.aztaxpayers.org/
tjenney@afphq.org
(602) 478-0146

2008 Annual Republican Picnic

The Annual Republican Picnic was held in the Haulapai's today and what a fantastic event it was! Hundreds of GOP faithful turned out to enjoy the mild mountain weather, fantastic Tennessee BBQ, and opportunity to fellowship among friends. The message from candidates and voters alike was of similar mind and purpose...success in November! A victory over Obama is a victory for the GOP.

BTW, if you haven't taken the time to attend one of these picnics, you are really missing out on a great party!

LHC Locals Rally for Private Property Rights

This past Wednesday’s Lake Havasu City Government Planning Division work session focused on additional potential restrictions to residential parking. I was excited that so many folks attended the meeting to voice their opposition to any new proposals. Private property rights are under assault from all levels of government and every effort must be made to protect these valuable rights. Glenn Conroy, a local REALTOR, was right on the mark when he stated that focus should be on enforcement of current ordinances.

This issue will continue to be discussed at the next Planning Division work session. The next meeting is Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. Please plan on attending or, if you prefer, e-mail Stuart Schmeling at schmelings@lhcaz.gov, Janice Sorenson at sorensonj@lhcaz.gov or Dan Kassik at kassikd@lhcaz.gov with your opinions and input.

DINNER AND A SHOW

THE GREAT DEBATE

at the

Kingman Historic Elk's Lodge

MOHAVE COUNTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Thursday, August 14, 2008
5:00 P.M. Light Supper

6:00 P.M. Debate

ADMISSION $10.00*

Free admission to persons who bring a guest who is not a club

member of one of the event's sponsors

Event Sponsors:

Mohave County Republican Central Committee
Mohave Republican Forum
Kingman Republican Men's Club
Kingman Republican Women's Club

For Additional Information, call RepGroe at (928) 230-5641

or email her at tgroe@groe.org

Signs of the Times

UPDATE: I just opened the mail that had come while in Phoenix and have in my hand a letter from the Arizona Medical Association announcing their endorsement of my campaign! I am so proud to have their support.


Frank & I just got back from Phoenix where we picked up campaign signs (a bit of trouble there if you notice from the picture) campaign literature and ran an errand for constituent who is having some difficulty with her property management association.

I am always excited to be back in the district and just want to remind everyone that I am speaking tomorrow at the Lake Havasu Republican Women's meeting at the Quality Inn. Folks start gathering for the luncheon at 11:15 am...get there by 11:30 am if you want a good seat.

Tomorrow afternoon expect several posts on new laws passed this session...some good, some bad...some downright terrible.

Until then,
Trish Groe

Kingman Bound

Friends,

Just a reminder that I am in Kingman for the day today and am available to meet with you if you have a moment. I will be "manning" the new Kingman Republican Headquarters this morning from 9:00 am til noon. Call or stop by; I would love to see you!

A True & Honorable Solider

The monthly Kingman Republican Women's Club meeting took place yesterday and I was one of the featured speakers though the highlight of the meeting was my introduction to a local hero, Major Josef Hatch, recent recipient of the Purple Heart.

I had the opportunity to speak with Major Hatch after the meeting and he shared with me that though he has several years of service ahead of him, he plans to return to our community and serve our citizens in a different way ~ by running for public office!

For more information on Major Josef Hatch, click on the title of this post to read a recent article in the Kingman Daily Miner.

Major Hatch, our hats off to you for your courage, dedication to the freedoms ton which this country was founded, and your unending sacrifice of self! May God provide strength and comfort to you and those you love!

Radio Interview on Wednesday

I am on KNTR radio tomorrow (Wednesday, July 2) between noon and 1:00 pm with new SpeakOut radio host Paul LaVoie. This will be my first in- studio interview with Mr. LaVoie so tune in to hear us get to know each other as I answer some of his questions about the end of session wrap. Turn the dial to 980 AM or 97.1 FM or listen to the show via the Internet at http://www.kntram.com/. Call in; I look forward to hearing from you!

Groe Campaign Events for July

The upcoming month of July is going to be a fun-filled month of campaign events that offer plenty of opportunity to meet with me face to face and ask me all of those burning questions that are at the tip of your tongue. Please check out my google calendar to the right of this post!

Moschcau Meet & Greet

I rushed home from Phoenix yesterday in order to attend a meet & greet held by my great friends Lenny & Nancy Moschcau at their beautiful Valle Vista home. What a wonderful way to put the ugliness of this past legislative session behind me while celebrating the beginning of my time back home!

At the Moschcau's I met folks who share my deep sense of patriotism for all of the principles on which this country was founded. We talked about new laws passed this session that effect your CCW permit, where you can ride your ATV, the ELL lawsuit, and new illegal immigration policy.

I also had the opportunity to answer questions about the reality of my DUI experience versus what was reported in the paper. The subject of my DUI and the conversations about this experience continue to be a blessing. Not only can I bring to light the truth of what happened as opposed to what was reported in our local papers but I can share my ongoing experience of hope and faith since my sobriety. I spoke with a gentleman yesterday who told Frank he would not have thrown me a rope if I was drowning...his opinion of me framed by what he read in the local rag. After we sat and spoke for a couple hours, he is now willing to assist me with my re-election campaign! Praise God! What a awesome Heavenly Father we have!


**If you would like to help me in my fight against unnecessary government regulation, if you would like to send me, a staunch conservative Republican back to Phoenix, please consider hosting one of these meet and greets at your home or place of business. I value the opportunity to meet you along with three or four of your neighbors, family members or friends. If you yourself would like to grab a cup of coffee and pick my brain, I am up for that too! Think about it and give me a call!

A New Day

It is a sunny new day today and I am thankful for all that it brings!

This morning I am quickly straightening the RV before heading home to Lake Havasu City. Though I am not looking forward to the 4 hour drive, I am tremendously excited to be going home after 6 months in Phoenix. I am excited about reuniting with my friends after this time away and looking forward to the opportunity to assist and serve my community on a local level. The icing on the cake, too, is that our boat is in the slip at the Lake Havasu Marina for the summer and I plan on taking some relaxing evening tours of the lake!

The Arizona House and Senate adjourned Sine Die last night at 10:09 pm after an unusually long and contentious day. In past years, we have adjourned immediately after passing a budget but this session but, in order to allow certain bills to continue through the process (like the marriage amendment) we worked until late last night. Here are three media interpretations to what transpired last night:

Legislature's session ends with testy finale

Contention rules floor on last day of session

Finally! Legislature ends session on 166th day

For any of you reading this in the Kingman area, I will be attending a Candidate Meet and Greet later on this afternoon at the home of Lenny and Nancy Moschcau. The gathering is between 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm. For more information, call me on my cell phone: (928) 230-5641.

SpeakOut Radio Interview

Hey Guys! For those of you that missed it, my radio interview with Paul LaVoie went extremely well! He definitely asked some poignant questions and I look forward to further opportunities to be on his show.

Mark your calendars for my next appearance on SPEAKOUT ~ Friday, July 18th from 11:00 to noon!

* I have a standing appearance on the show scheduled for the third Friday of every month.

SpeakOut Radio Interview Today

I am on KNTR radio today between 11:oo and noon with new SpeakOut radio host Paul LaVoie. This will be my first interview with Mr. LaVoie so tune in to hear us get to know each other as I answer some of his very pointed questions. Turn the dial to 980 AM or 97.1 FM or listen to the show via the Internet at www.kntram.com.

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

Lake Havasu Republican Forum

Don Bergen, former member of the City's blue ribbon panel on the zoning of Lake Havasu City's channel area, will be addressing the Republican Forum this Saturday at the Quality Inn.

The Forum meets the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 AM for coffee and invites those interested in issues specific to Lake Havasu City to attend the meeting which commences at 10:00 AM. No reservations are necessary. For further information call 928-680-0609.

Mohave Republican Forum Meeting

5:30 Dinner Meeting
Kingman Elk's Club
Tuesday, June 10th

SPEAKERS: Mohave County Sheriff Candidates, Sheriff Tom Sheahan & Challenger Ron Weaver, in addition to Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith, who is seeking re-election.

This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Donna at 692-9872, or Laurie at 753-5581.

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!

Kingman Area Republican Headquarters Open House

Folks, be sure to attend the Open House for the new Kingman Area Republican Headquarters on Thursday, May 22, from 4-7 pm!

The address is 1415 Andy Devine (just past Stockton Hill Rd going South).

If we happen to finish our work at the Capitol early on Thursday, I will see you there!

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