A reminder that Tuesday, March 4th is the regular Republican Women's Club meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Kingman.
This organization is made up of some fantastic women who never cease to amaze me with their generosity and spirit! They are active in their community and leaders in the Arizona republican party. They are the movers and the shakers, getting a lot done and having a darn good time doing it! If you have not attended one of their meetings, get to it and let them know that I sent you. You will have a great time, make new friends, learn something new and be actively supporting the Republican party and the Republican Party Platform by doing so.
Monday, March 3, 2008
The Grades are In
B-
Average.
The Pew Center recently completed it's 2008 50 States Report and Arizona takes home a B-. The report examines and measures four key areas in state government - money, people, infrastructure and information. No surprising revelations in this report. Easy read if you are interested.
Average.
The Pew Center recently completed it's 2008 50 States Report and Arizona takes home a B-. The report examines and measures four key areas in state government - money, people, infrastructure and information. No surprising revelations in this report. Easy read if you are interested.
HB 2678 ~Drug Testing;Welfare Recipients
This measure, which I co-sponsored, would require all welfare applicants to be drug tested before receiving benefits. Critics of the bill argue that the program would be too costly to implement but my the majority of colleagues and I predict a net savings will be realized due to the number of people disqualified.
HB2678 will be heard in the House Appropriations committee this Wednesday.
HB2678 will be heard in the House Appropriations committee this Wednesday.
HB 2692 ~ Taxpayer Information Ruling
UPDATE: This bill passed out of the House today and heads to the Senate to begin the process there.
ATRA SUPPORTS HB2692 which maintains a taxpayer’s right to seek tax guidance from the Department of Revenue anonymously. (ATRA stands for Arizona Tax Research Association. Their website is http://www.arizonatax.org)
Basis for ATRA’s Support:
HB2692 continues the practice of allowing taxpayers to request tax guidance anonymously by means of a taxpayer information ruling (TIR) through the taxpayer’s representative. If a TIR is requested, the taxpayer representative is required to provide the same level of information that is required under a PTR. A taxpayer that discloses its identity prior to the publication date of the TIR is provided the same level of protection as a PTR, which is waiver of tax, penalty, and interest for periods prior to revocation or modification of the ruling if DOR changes its position. If the taxpayer chooses to remain anonymous, the ruling is not binding on DOR for abatement of tax, penalty, and interest.
If the taxpayer believes that its identity can be determined by publication of either a PTR or TIR despite redaction, the taxpayer may request that the ruling not be published at the time of its request for a PTR or TIR. If DOR determines that the ruling should be published, the taxpayer may withdraw its ruling request at that time and DOR is not to proceed with a ruling.
ATRA SUPPORTS HB2692 which maintains a taxpayer’s right to seek tax guidance from the Department of Revenue anonymously. (ATRA stands for Arizona Tax Research Association. Their website is http://www.arizonatax.org)
Basis for ATRA’s Support:
HB2692 continues the practice of allowing taxpayers to request tax guidance anonymously by means of a taxpayer information ruling (TIR) through the taxpayer’s representative. If a TIR is requested, the taxpayer representative is required to provide the same level of information that is required under a PTR. A taxpayer that discloses its identity prior to the publication date of the TIR is provided the same level of protection as a PTR, which is waiver of tax, penalty, and interest for periods prior to revocation or modification of the ruling if DOR changes its position. If the taxpayer chooses to remain anonymous, the ruling is not binding on DOR for abatement of tax, penalty, and interest.
If the taxpayer believes that its identity can be determined by publication of either a PTR or TIR despite redaction, the taxpayer may request that the ruling not be published at the time of its request for a PTR or TIR. If DOR determines that the ruling should be published, the taxpayer may withdraw its ruling request at that time and DOR is not to proceed with a ruling.
Wonderful (Windy) Weekend
What a wonderful weekend in Lake Havasu City! Started Saturday off right, with a well-attended meeting of the Lake Havasu Republican Forum. BHC Attorney Rick Williams, candidate for Mohave County Superior Court Judge spoke about his work experience and qualifications as a candidate. Dana Hlavac, candidate for the same position spoke at the previous meeting.
Saturday afternoon, Frank & I unexpectedly attended a going away party for members of our church that are moving out-0f-state to be nearer to grandkids (understandable) and in the process we met some new neighbors. What a delight to know that just a few streets over are some great folks who just happen to attend the same church we do and share our love for community and fellowship! While we say goodbye to our friends Randy and Jessica we say hello to our new friends and neighbors Joyce and Cody!
Later on that same evening we attended a smashing dinner hosted by the H***l's~tireless Republicans who opened up their beautiful home to Lake Havasu Precinct Committee people so that we could have the opportunity to see and say hello to one another in a relaxed atmosphere. The weather was perfect (near 80's) as we dined under the stars, enjoying the delicious dinner (loved the Thai Vegetable Salad) and decadent desserts so tempting and abundant. DH energized the crowd as he spoke, urging us to continue to fight for our precious republican platform and rally behind the republican nominee. Senator Gould echoed these sentiments.
Sunday morning the winds kicked up and the "Community Celebration" church service, tail gate party and BBQ that was to be held in a large tent at the Sweetwater property had to be moved at the last minute back to the church. As the tent sides flapped and folding chairs toppled, the local firefighters declared the tent unsafe. What a scramble! Phone calls and text messages flew and as the news spread the Calvary Baptist church and parking lot filled to capacity. We did celebrate as we listened and learned how the various outreach programs have impacted the community by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and reaching countless individuals through CBC's participation in various Main Street events. After the jam-packed service the crowd lined up for a bountiful buffet of pizza, sandwiches, nachos, an assortment of homemade chilis, hotdogs and hamburgers. What a smorgasbord! As the day progressed, my great friend Bonnie (Hi Bonnie!) collected signatures for my re-election campaign, continuing to stun me with her grace and determination!
F&I are back now in Phoenix, refreshed and renewed because of our wonderful community and all who make Lake Havasu City a great place to call home!
Saturday afternoon, Frank & I unexpectedly attended a going away party for members of our church that are moving out-0f-state to be nearer to grandkids (understandable) and in the process we met some new neighbors. What a delight to know that just a few streets over are some great folks who just happen to attend the same church we do and share our love for community and fellowship! While we say goodbye to our friends Randy and Jessica we say hello to our new friends and neighbors Joyce and Cody!
Later on that same evening we attended a smashing dinner hosted by the H***l's~tireless Republicans who opened up their beautiful home to Lake Havasu Precinct Committee people so that we could have the opportunity to see and say hello to one another in a relaxed atmosphere. The weather was perfect (near 80's) as we dined under the stars, enjoying the delicious dinner (loved the Thai Vegetable Salad) and decadent desserts so tempting and abundant. DH energized the crowd as he spoke, urging us to continue to fight for our precious republican platform and rally behind the republican nominee. Senator Gould echoed these sentiments.
Sunday morning the winds kicked up and the "Community Celebration" church service, tail gate party and BBQ that was to be held in a large tent at the Sweetwater property had to be moved at the last minute back to the church. As the tent sides flapped and folding chairs toppled, the local firefighters declared the tent unsafe. What a scramble! Phone calls and text messages flew and as the news spread the Calvary Baptist church and parking lot filled to capacity. We did celebrate as we listened and learned how the various outreach programs have impacted the community by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and reaching countless individuals through CBC's participation in various Main Street events. After the jam-packed service the crowd lined up for a bountiful buffet of pizza, sandwiches, nachos, an assortment of homemade chilis, hotdogs and hamburgers. What a smorgasbord! As the day progressed, my great friend Bonnie (Hi Bonnie!) collected signatures for my re-election campaign, continuing to stun me with her grace and determination!
F&I are back now in Phoenix, refreshed and renewed because of our wonderful community and all who make Lake Havasu City a great place to call home!
Friday, February 29, 2008
HB 2769 and SB 1099 ~ Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion
Both the Senate and House gave tentative approval to a state ban on partial-birth abortion last week. You can read more about the bill’s progress in the Arizona Daily Star. A final vote in both houses could happen as early as next week.
UPDATE: HB 2769 passed out of the House today (along party lines) and heads to the Senate to begin the process there.
UPDATE: HB 2769 passed out of the House today (along party lines) and heads to the Senate to begin the process there.
F.Y.I. ~ The Cost of a Proposal
To find out the potential estimated cost of a bill (fiscal note) visit the JLBC's webpage dedicated to this session's bills and their fiscal note.
JLBC fiscal notes usually use the "static" impact model as opposed to the "dynamic" impact model and because of this, can be at times, insufficient or incomplete in their projections. The static approach of evaluation the fiscal impact of a bill may be over or under estimated by ignoring the economic effects triggered by the bill.
JLBC fiscal notes usually use the "static" impact model as opposed to the "dynamic" impact model and because of this, can be at times, insufficient or incomplete in their projections. The static approach of evaluation the fiscal impact of a bill may be over or under estimated by ignoring the economic effects triggered by the bill.
JLBC ~ What's New?
Check out the new information on the Joint Legislative Budget Committee's "What's New" web page that includes a February 26, 2008 presentation on State and Local Debt. Also available are the monthly fiscal highlights (low lights) and an explanation on the state appropriations limit.
AZ Auditor General's Report on Classroom Dollar Spending
The Arizona Office of the Auditor General recently released a report on the percentage of dollar spent on classroom costs. You can look up specific school districts and see how they compare to the national average. There is also information how many schools are in the district, the number of students in said district and the district's ranking within the 239 state school districts.
Comparative information includes the student/teacher ratio, the average teacher's salary, and a teacher's average years experience.
Interesting reading from the report:
Comparative information includes the student/teacher ratio, the average teacher's salary, and a teacher's average years experience.
Interesting reading from the report:
- In fiscal year 2007, Arizona’s state-wide percentage of dollars spent in the classroom decreased for the third consecutive year to 57.9 percent and remains more than 3 percentage points below the national average. More than half of the school districts’ classroom dollar percentages declined in 2007, but the biggest impact on the state average came from declines in the very large districts. With the infusion over the past several years of significant state-provided resources largely directed to the classroom, the State’s classroom dollar percentage could have been higher, but districts appear to be using these monies to supplant other monies, a violation of A.R.S. §15-977.
- Compared with the national average, Arizona districts spent a larger portion of their current dollars on student support services, plant operation and maintenance, and food service. However, on a positive note, Arizona districts spent much less on administration.
Simmering with Indignation
facing this deficit
the future before us bleak
painful cuts we have to make
so many troubling, so terribly deep
blindly borrowing against your future
she wants to grow and grow
greedy layers of government
gluttons fat and slow
spending your hard-earned money to excess
while my patience with her becomes less and less
Alright, you guessed it...tonight is amateur poetry night and, although it might hurt your ears if read aloud, it won't hurt your pocketbook
the future before us bleak
painful cuts we have to make
so many troubling, so terribly deep
blindly borrowing against your future
she wants to grow and grow
greedy layers of government
gluttons fat and slow
spending your hard-earned money to excess
while my patience with her becomes less and less
Alright, you guessed it...tonight is amateur poetry night and, although it might hurt your ears if read aloud, it won't hurt your pocketbook
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Where's the Budget?
While waiting for caucus to begin this morning I thought I would take the opportunity to post. No good news to share. With only a few days left in February and a budget crisis weighing heavily on my mind I am ashamed to say that there is no movement on the budget. The silence is deafening as focus on (terrible) bills moving forward in the process. The Appropriations committee which usually meets on Wednesdays has been cancelled this week. Appropriations Chair Russell Pearce just walked by; apparently the delay in voting on the proposed budget "fixes" is because the Senate does not have the votes. Looks like the House will continue to wait for action in the Senate as the budget problems worsen.
While Rome burns, we are reviewing over 60 bills in caucus. After we vet them I will attempt to post both the highlights and lowlights...stay tuned!
While Rome burns, we are reviewing over 60 bills in caucus. After we vet them I will attempt to post both the highlights and lowlights...stay tuned!
Stop the Bleeding ~ Commentary on SB1223
By Glenn Hamer
Arizona has an estimated physician shortage of over 2,200, based on 2005 findings. At 219/100,000, the physician to population ratio is well below the national average of 283/100,000. Although the number of doctors in Arizona increases each year, it's not enough to meet the demands of Arizona's growing population. In fact, every county in Arizona has been designated in part or whole as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
These are troubling figures that should prompt Arizona to examine its medical environment. There is an increasing complaint among hospitals about the diminishing number of physicians willing to serve in emergency rooms. Having to assume additional medical liability is one factor that contributes to the decline in available ER physicians. A recent survey by the Arizona Medical Association showed 23 percent of physicians who do not currently take emergency department calls stated the primary reason was increased medical liability exposure.
A bill currently in the Arizona Senate would improve upon Arizona's medical liability environment by raising the burden of proof to "clear and convincing evidence" to show medical malpractice. The measure, SB 1223 introduced by Sen. Carolyn Allen, is currently working its way through the legislative process. This bill would make Arizona's liability environment more equitable for those providing emergency services. It would also stop the loss of doctors and start to replenish Arizona's supply.
In 2006, Governor Napolitano assembled the Emergency Medical Services Access Task Force to study ways to increase the number of physicians providing emergency and trauma care. The task force made numerous recommendations, including increasing the burden of proof to "clear and convincing evidence" in civil medical liability cases filed against physicians providing mandatory, emergency care. The task force said, "This reform is necessary because emergency department patients present unique challenges that make physicians less willing to assume their care, yet preserves the right of emergency patients to receive compensation in the event of clear and convincing evidence of a malpractice event."
Meeting our emergency medical needs is an issue of critical importance not only to Arizona's economic health, but its physical health. Raising the burden of proof for emergency services will improve access to emergency care for all. It would be malpractice for Arizona to ignore this issue and not initiate reforms to make Arizona ERs more attractive to doctors.
Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Arizona has an estimated physician shortage of over 2,200, based on 2005 findings. At 219/100,000, the physician to population ratio is well below the national average of 283/100,000. Although the number of doctors in Arizona increases each year, it's not enough to meet the demands of Arizona's growing population. In fact, every county in Arizona has been designated in part or whole as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
These are troubling figures that should prompt Arizona to examine its medical environment. There is an increasing complaint among hospitals about the diminishing number of physicians willing to serve in emergency rooms. Having to assume additional medical liability is one factor that contributes to the decline in available ER physicians. A recent survey by the Arizona Medical Association showed 23 percent of physicians who do not currently take emergency department calls stated the primary reason was increased medical liability exposure.
A bill currently in the Arizona Senate would improve upon Arizona's medical liability environment by raising the burden of proof to "clear and convincing evidence" to show medical malpractice. The measure, SB 1223 introduced by Sen. Carolyn Allen, is currently working its way through the legislative process. This bill would make Arizona's liability environment more equitable for those providing emergency services. It would also stop the loss of doctors and start to replenish Arizona's supply.
In 2006, Governor Napolitano assembled the Emergency Medical Services Access Task Force to study ways to increase the number of physicians providing emergency and trauma care. The task force made numerous recommendations, including increasing the burden of proof to "clear and convincing evidence" in civil medical liability cases filed against physicians providing mandatory, emergency care. The task force said, "This reform is necessary because emergency department patients present unique challenges that make physicians less willing to assume their care, yet preserves the right of emergency patients to receive compensation in the event of clear and convincing evidence of a malpractice event."
Meeting our emergency medical needs is an issue of critical importance not only to Arizona's economic health, but its physical health. Raising the burden of proof for emergency services will improve access to emergency care for all. It would be malpractice for Arizona to ignore this issue and not initiate reforms to make Arizona ERs more attractive to doctors.
Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Proposed Military and Veteran Related Bills
SB 1006 professional license extensions; military members
Prohibits the expiration of various professional and occupational licenses issued to members of the armed forces serving on active duty.
SB 1009 military reservations; facilities; security
An emergency measure that makes criminal trespassing on a military reservation or facility a class 6 felony, authorizes the Adjutant General to implement Department of Defense (DOD) security methods and requires new and current Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) employees to have a fingerprint clearance cards.
SB 1034 wireless telephone contracts; military personnel
Allows military service members called on active duty or their spouses to cancel, without penalty, their wireless telephone service contracts.
SB 1035 military veterans; tuition waiver
The bill would provide tuition waivers to military veterans residing in the state to attend an Arizona community college or public university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents. Fiscal Note Available
SB 1169 military family relief; fund; committee
Expands the pool of individuals eligible to serve on the Military Relief Fund (Fund) Advisory Committee (Committee) and further defines and limits eligible assistance paid to military family members from the Fund.
SB 1277 task force; retraining disabled veterans
Creates a six-member Task Force for Retraining Disabled Military Veterans.
SB 1320 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
SB 1334 compact; educational opportunity; military children.
Establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Compact) and the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Commission) to address the educational transition issues of children of military families.
SB 1379 military installation fund; lands acquired
Allows the state land department to accept title to and manage real estate, property rights and related infrastructure and requires the Department of Veterans’ Services to transfer any real estate, property rights and infrastructure for preserving or enhancing military installations.
SB 1430 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
SCR 1030 disabled veterans property tax exemption
Establishes a constitutional property tax exemption for disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse.
HB 2026 veterans; game and fish licenses
Expands the requirements for veterans who can receive complimentary game and fish licenses.
HB 2223 retired military veterans; in-state tuition
Clarifies that members of the United States armed forces who are stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders, their spouses, and their dependent children are entitled to immediate classification as an in-state student and allows an honorably discharged member of the USAF, who has not been domiciled in this state for one year, to be classified as in-state student if they are registered to vote in Arizona.
The proposed strike-everything amendment to HB 2223 clarifies that members of the U.S. military who are stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders, their spouses and their dependent children are entitled to immediate classification as an in-state student. Additionally, the amendment provides for the transfer of educational benefits, to the extent permitted by Federal law, to dependents of an active U.S. armed forces member, a discharged veteran of the U.S. military or a member of the U.S. armed forces killed in combat.
HB 2249 military procession right-of-way
Provides regulations for those participating in and directing a military procession. The bill contains an Emergency Clause.
Amendment to the Strike-Everything Amendment
· Modifies the definition of a military procession to include vehicles accompanying a person who is being honored at a military event or a monument that is being transported in this state which honors United States military members or veterans.
HB 2260 military justice; technical correction
Makes a technical correction. Striker has been adopted that has changed the content of the bill.
HB 2261 national guard; technical correction
Makes a technical correction. Striker has been adopted that has changed the content of the bill.
HB 2519 health spa contracts; military members
Allows an active duty member of the U.S. military or the member’s legally designated representative to cancel or suspend a health spa contract within 90 days of receiving notice of active duty deployment outside of Arizona.
HB 2720 compact; educational opportunity; military children
Establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Compact) and the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Commission) to address the educational transition issues of children of military families.
HB 2803 GPLET; military use zones
Establishes new notification and economic analysis requirements for leases and development agreements between a prime lessee and a government lessor that are entered into after May 31, 2008. Additionally, government property improvements located in military use zones are exempted for up to eight years from the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET).
Amendments
· Exempts leases or development agreements involving rental residential housing from the economic estimate analysis requirements of the Act.
· Narrows the definition of military use zone.
HB 2815 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
HB 2821 accommodation schools; military reservations; board
Expands the definition of accommodation school. Establishes the requirements for the governing board of an accommodation school. Allows the board to include P.L. 81-874 assistance allocated for children with disabilities to children living within the boundaries of an accommodation school. Modifies the equalization assistance for education for accommodation schools.
HB 2846 tuition waivers; disabled veterans; spouses
The bill would provide tuition waivers to military veterans spouses or dependents who received a purple heart to attend an Arizona community college or public university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents.
HCR 2002 property tax exemption; disabled veterans
Establishes a constitutional property tax exemption for disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse.
Amendments
Replaces the term household income with income from all sources.
Adds surviving spouses of those killed in action or a combat zone to those who qualify for a tax exemption.
Makes technical and conforming changes. Fiscal Note Available
HCR 2012 veterans’ honors
Resolves that the state legislature recognize the Black Star and Silver Star Service Banners to honor those veterans who have been wounded or disabled.
HCR 2031 military personnel; technical correction
Amends the constitution to state that any military personnel stationed in Arizona are not considered residents of the state.
Prohibits the expiration of various professional and occupational licenses issued to members of the armed forces serving on active duty.
SB 1009 military reservations; facilities; security
An emergency measure that makes criminal trespassing on a military reservation or facility a class 6 felony, authorizes the Adjutant General to implement Department of Defense (DOD) security methods and requires new and current Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) employees to have a fingerprint clearance cards.
SB 1034 wireless telephone contracts; military personnel
Allows military service members called on active duty or their spouses to cancel, without penalty, their wireless telephone service contracts.
SB 1035 military veterans; tuition waiver
The bill would provide tuition waivers to military veterans residing in the state to attend an Arizona community college or public university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents. Fiscal Note Available
SB 1169 military family relief; fund; committee
Expands the pool of individuals eligible to serve on the Military Relief Fund (Fund) Advisory Committee (Committee) and further defines and limits eligible assistance paid to military family members from the Fund.
SB 1277 task force; retraining disabled veterans
Creates a six-member Task Force for Retraining Disabled Military Veterans.
SB 1320 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
SB 1334 compact; educational opportunity; military children.
Establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Compact) and the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Commission) to address the educational transition issues of children of military families.
SB 1379 military installation fund; lands acquired
Allows the state land department to accept title to and manage real estate, property rights and related infrastructure and requires the Department of Veterans’ Services to transfer any real estate, property rights and infrastructure for preserving or enhancing military installations.
SB 1430 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
SCR 1030 disabled veterans property tax exemption
Establishes a constitutional property tax exemption for disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse.
HB 2026 veterans; game and fish licenses
Expands the requirements for veterans who can receive complimentary game and fish licenses.
HB 2223 retired military veterans; in-state tuition
Clarifies that members of the United States armed forces who are stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders, their spouses, and their dependent children are entitled to immediate classification as an in-state student and allows an honorably discharged member of the USAF, who has not been domiciled in this state for one year, to be classified as in-state student if they are registered to vote in Arizona.
The proposed strike-everything amendment to HB 2223 clarifies that members of the U.S. military who are stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders, their spouses and their dependent children are entitled to immediate classification as an in-state student. Additionally, the amendment provides for the transfer of educational benefits, to the extent permitted by Federal law, to dependents of an active U.S. armed forces member, a discharged veteran of the U.S. military or a member of the U.S. armed forces killed in combat.
HB 2249 military procession right-of-way
Provides regulations for those participating in and directing a military procession. The bill contains an Emergency Clause.
Amendment to the Strike-Everything Amendment
· Modifies the definition of a military procession to include vehicles accompanying a person who is being honored at a military event or a monument that is being transported in this state which honors United States military members or veterans.
HB 2260 military justice; technical correction
Makes a technical correction. Striker has been adopted that has changed the content of the bill.
HB 2261 national guard; technical correction
Makes a technical correction. Striker has been adopted that has changed the content of the bill.
HB 2519 health spa contracts; military members
Allows an active duty member of the U.S. military or the member’s legally designated representative to cancel or suspend a health spa contract within 90 days of receiving notice of active duty deployment outside of Arizona.
HB 2720 compact; educational opportunity; military children
Establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Compact) and the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Commission) to address the educational transition issues of children of military families.
HB 2803 GPLET; military use zones
Establishes new notification and economic analysis requirements for leases and development agreements between a prime lessee and a government lessor that are entered into after May 31, 2008. Additionally, government property improvements located in military use zones are exempted for up to eight years from the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET).
Amendments
· Exempts leases or development agreements involving rental residential housing from the economic estimate analysis requirements of the Act.
· Narrows the definition of military use zone.
HB 2815 veterans’ home facility; appropriation extension
Extends the $10,000,000 appropriation for the state veterans’ home from lapsing until June 30, 2010.
HB 2821 accommodation schools; military reservations; board
Expands the definition of accommodation school. Establishes the requirements for the governing board of an accommodation school. Allows the board to include P.L. 81-874 assistance allocated for children with disabilities to children living within the boundaries of an accommodation school. Modifies the equalization assistance for education for accommodation schools.
HB 2846 tuition waivers; disabled veterans; spouses
The bill would provide tuition waivers to military veterans spouses or dependents who received a purple heart to attend an Arizona community college or public university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents.
HCR 2002 property tax exemption; disabled veterans
Establishes a constitutional property tax exemption for disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse.
Amendments
Replaces the term household income with income from all sources.
Adds surviving spouses of those killed in action or a combat zone to those who qualify for a tax exemption.
Makes technical and conforming changes. Fiscal Note Available
HCR 2012 veterans’ honors
Resolves that the state legislature recognize the Black Star and Silver Star Service Banners to honor those veterans who have been wounded or disabled.
HCR 2031 military personnel; technical correction
Amends the constitution to state that any military personnel stationed in Arizona are not considered residents of the state.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Constituent Mail: Commentary On SB1214~Concealed Weapons;School Campus
SB1214 – Separating Fact from Hyperbole
As can be expected with any socially-charged topic, the issue of Sen. Karen Johnson’s (and co-sponsors) SB1214 has created quite a stir here in Arizona. Unfortunately, there is more emotion, exaggeration, and distortion of facts being bantered about than at a WWE ‘SmackDown’.
First and foremost, I’d place a huge wager that the vast majority of those lambasting this bill have never read it, nor the associated Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) concerning firearms use, possession, carry, and related issues. Research SB1214 and ARS Title 13, Chapter 32 at http://www.azleg.gov/ and stop listening to the ignorant (uneducated) emotionally pontificate on this issue.
Let’s establish some foundational facts:
1. Federal Law already allows certified CCW licensees to carry weapons on school grounds (18 USC § 922(q)(2)(B)(ii)) – unless otherwise restricted by local law. Some states (e.g., Utah) do not restrict CCW carry on campuses, and there are no ‘wild west shoot outs’ as a result.
2. Legal concealed weapons carry is already the law of Arizona. CCW licensees are subjected to an extensive law enforcement check, where any significant prior infractions disqualify an applicant. Applicants are required to be 21 or older, attend regulated mandated training including firearms use, safety, laws, and legal briefings on use of deadly force. Applicants must pass safety and practical shooting exams at a range – under supervision of certified instructors.
3. Most CCW holders are experienced firearms owners/operators – all have passed the training and investigation. Many, like me, are current or former military with extensive weapons training. Because we are conscientious no-nonsense folks, the general public isn’t even aware we are armed in the grocery stores, gas stations, malls, cinemas, and convenience stores you frequent.
4. Despite the Chicken Little-like cries of anti-gunners, Arizona did not fall into chaos when licensed CCW became state law in 1994. You don’t see licensed CCW holders shooting jay-walkers and candy-bar shop lifters like the anti-gun folks warned. Nor have any of the 48 states which have codified their citizens’ rights granted under the U.S. Constitution (that would be the 2nd Amendment to those who never read that either) had systematic problems with CCW holders. (Note: most states, like AZ, have ‘shall issue’ CCW laws, another 8 have ‘may issue’ laws.)
5. SB1214 does not require anyone to carry a weapon, anywhere. SB1214 does not demand that anyone use a weapon, in any circumstance. Distortions and outright lies aside, SB1214 will not arm students and teachers around AZ. It forces no one to do anything.
6. Sen. Johnson’s bill proposes that individuals, meeting rigid state-sanctioned requirements, be permitted (not required or obligated) to carry a weapon in the heretofore ‘gun free school zones’ should they wish; same as we do in our homes, businesses, stores, parks, etc. This harmonizes state law with federal.
7. While many violent criminals and murderers are mentally deficient – few are so stupid as to plan an attack on an armed target. Claims that such persons don’t “think clearly or logically, so he would not reason through the possibility of confrontation with an armed teacher” (a.k.a. victim) lacks credibility and logic. Why do these same attackers target schools (a.k.a. ‘gun free zones’) instead of police stations, National Guard Armories, Military Installations, or even sportsmen at the local gun club/range?
8. Even the suicidal psychopaths that eventually take their own lives are looking for soft targets to maximize their demented 15-minutes of fame. Armed trained adults on campus might not totally deter such psychos – but they might be able to end their carnage while the victim count is still low. (Case in point: 09-Dec-07, an armed CCW church member in Colorado stopped Matthew Murray before he killed anyone inside the church; he had previous killed 2 people at a missionary training facility and 2 people in the church parking lot. After being incapacitated by the experienced CCW licensee, Murray killed himself.)
Much of the anti SB1214 propaganda has been by teachers. Those I have read recite the same disingenuous fear-based nonsense that permitting guns on campus will result in more random violence… shootings over hallway scuffles and lunch line cuts. In their illogical world, CCW holders who carry and behave responsibly everywhere else in the state will suddenly become idiots when on a school campus. I think not.
Some teachers have stated they don’t want to carry guns; great – they shouldn’t. But their fear, inexperience, and lack of training should not preclude those who are properly trained and motivated from doing so.
SB1214 is a good idea – one which gets the full support of citizens like myself who are willing, able, and fully qualified to protect myself and/or my charges.
Respectfully,
Joe Walker
Nationally Certified Firearms Instructor
AZ State Certified Firearms Instructor
Former US Army Officer (Ranger, Airborne)
Joe Walker has been an avid shooter since childhood; he was raised around firearms and learned their safe and effective use at an early age. He became a certified shooting instructor while competing on his university’s rifle team in the mid-1970s. Later, he received advanced precision long range shooting training with the US Army and served as the Captain of one of the Army’s installation Rifle & Pistol Teams. He has participated in civilian and military shooting competitions domestically and internationally. He is a nationally certified firearms instructor and an Arizona State certified CCW course instructor. He has an AZ CCW license and is a decorated veteran Army Officer.
As can be expected with any socially-charged topic, the issue of Sen. Karen Johnson’s (and co-sponsors) SB1214 has created quite a stir here in Arizona. Unfortunately, there is more emotion, exaggeration, and distortion of facts being bantered about than at a WWE ‘SmackDown’.
First and foremost, I’d place a huge wager that the vast majority of those lambasting this bill have never read it, nor the associated Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) concerning firearms use, possession, carry, and related issues. Research SB1214 and ARS Title 13, Chapter 32 at http://www.azleg.gov/ and stop listening to the ignorant (uneducated) emotionally pontificate on this issue.
Let’s establish some foundational facts:
1. Federal Law already allows certified CCW licensees to carry weapons on school grounds (18 USC § 922(q)(2)(B)(ii)) – unless otherwise restricted by local law. Some states (e.g., Utah) do not restrict CCW carry on campuses, and there are no ‘wild west shoot outs’ as a result.
2. Legal concealed weapons carry is already the law of Arizona. CCW licensees are subjected to an extensive law enforcement check, where any significant prior infractions disqualify an applicant. Applicants are required to be 21 or older, attend regulated mandated training including firearms use, safety, laws, and legal briefings on use of deadly force. Applicants must pass safety and practical shooting exams at a range – under supervision of certified instructors.
3. Most CCW holders are experienced firearms owners/operators – all have passed the training and investigation. Many, like me, are current or former military with extensive weapons training. Because we are conscientious no-nonsense folks, the general public isn’t even aware we are armed in the grocery stores, gas stations, malls, cinemas, and convenience stores you frequent.
4. Despite the Chicken Little-like cries of anti-gunners, Arizona did not fall into chaos when licensed CCW became state law in 1994. You don’t see licensed CCW holders shooting jay-walkers and candy-bar shop lifters like the anti-gun folks warned. Nor have any of the 48 states which have codified their citizens’ rights granted under the U.S. Constitution (that would be the 2nd Amendment to those who never read that either) had systematic problems with CCW holders. (Note: most states, like AZ, have ‘shall issue’ CCW laws, another 8 have ‘may issue’ laws.)
5. SB1214 does not require anyone to carry a weapon, anywhere. SB1214 does not demand that anyone use a weapon, in any circumstance. Distortions and outright lies aside, SB1214 will not arm students and teachers around AZ. It forces no one to do anything.
6. Sen. Johnson’s bill proposes that individuals, meeting rigid state-sanctioned requirements, be permitted (not required or obligated) to carry a weapon in the heretofore ‘gun free school zones’ should they wish; same as we do in our homes, businesses, stores, parks, etc. This harmonizes state law with federal.
7. While many violent criminals and murderers are mentally deficient – few are so stupid as to plan an attack on an armed target. Claims that such persons don’t “think clearly or logically, so he would not reason through the possibility of confrontation with an armed teacher” (a.k.a. victim) lacks credibility and logic. Why do these same attackers target schools (a.k.a. ‘gun free zones’) instead of police stations, National Guard Armories, Military Installations, or even sportsmen at the local gun club/range?
8. Even the suicidal psychopaths that eventually take their own lives are looking for soft targets to maximize their demented 15-minutes of fame. Armed trained adults on campus might not totally deter such psychos – but they might be able to end their carnage while the victim count is still low. (Case in point: 09-Dec-07, an armed CCW church member in Colorado stopped Matthew Murray before he killed anyone inside the church; he had previous killed 2 people at a missionary training facility and 2 people in the church parking lot. After being incapacitated by the experienced CCW licensee, Murray killed himself.)
Much of the anti SB1214 propaganda has been by teachers. Those I have read recite the same disingenuous fear-based nonsense that permitting guns on campus will result in more random violence… shootings over hallway scuffles and lunch line cuts. In their illogical world, CCW holders who carry and behave responsibly everywhere else in the state will suddenly become idiots when on a school campus. I think not.
Some teachers have stated they don’t want to carry guns; great – they shouldn’t. But their fear, inexperience, and lack of training should not preclude those who are properly trained and motivated from doing so.
SB1214 is a good idea – one which gets the full support of citizens like myself who are willing, able, and fully qualified to protect myself and/or my charges.
Respectfully,
Joe Walker
Nationally Certified Firearms Instructor
AZ State Certified Firearms Instructor
Former US Army Officer (Ranger, Airborne)
Joe Walker has been an avid shooter since childhood; he was raised around firearms and learned their safe and effective use at an early age. He became a certified shooting instructor while competing on his university’s rifle team in the mid-1970s. Later, he received advanced precision long range shooting training with the US Army and served as the Captain of one of the Army’s installation Rifle & Pistol Teams. He has participated in civilian and military shooting competitions domestically and internationally. He is a nationally certified firearms instructor and an Arizona State certified CCW course instructor. He has an AZ CCW license and is a decorated veteran Army Officer.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sick...Cough, Cough, Cough...
Sorry for the lack of posts this week...I am on the mend from the sickness that has infected the Capitol these past few weeks. Thank goodness for the greatest D.O. I know, Dr. Kelli Ward (LHC)! Due to her urging, I got a flu shot in December and have successfully managed to stave off the flu where others have not been so lucky.
I have two posts I am close to completing and hope to have them up late tomorrow, after church in the morning and a Pregnancy Care Banquet tomorrow afternoon. Tonight, as I am no longer contagious, F & I are headed to Kingman for the last of three Lincoln Day Dinners held annually in our district. I am looking forward to seeing all of my friends from the many republican organizations in the area as I miss them tremendously when in Phoenix during session. Also, Congressman Trent Franks is the featured speaker this evening and I always enjoy listening to what he has to say!
Later!
I have two posts I am close to completing and hope to have them up late tomorrow, after church in the morning and a Pregnancy Care Banquet tomorrow afternoon. Tonight, as I am no longer contagious, F & I are headed to Kingman for the last of three Lincoln Day Dinners held annually in our district. I am looking forward to seeing all of my friends from the many republican organizations in the area as I miss them tremendously when in Phoenix during session. Also, Congressman Trent Franks is the featured speaker this evening and I always enjoy listening to what he has to say!
Later!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Defining Marriage
Let the people of Arizona define marriage
Cathi Herrod
Arizona Daily Star
February 21, 2008
Arizonans could have an opportunity to decide the future of marriage in our state in November. Resolutions introduced in the Senate and House would refer to the voters a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
The amendment simply states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
The majority of Arizonans agree that marriage should be between one man and one woman. Gov. Napolitano has stated on multiple occasions that she believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
This amendment allows voters to decide if the Arizona Constitution should reflect and protect that belief.
Marriage is a unifying issue — for Arizonans and for all Americans. A November 2007 poll found that 65 percent of Arizonans support a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Nationwide, an average of 70 percent of people agree that marriage should be between one man and one woman. This belief cuts across religions, cultural backgrounds and political associations.
Arizonans previously have not been given an opportunity to voice their opinion on a definition of marriage that does not involve debate over domestic-partnership benefits.
This amendment is not about disagreements about benefits or domestic partnerships. This amendment is about what the majority of Arizonans agree on — defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. A constitutional amendment is necessary to protect the rights of the people of Arizona to decide on marriage. The future of marriage in Arizona should not be a judge's decision, and it should not be a politician's decision. The people should decide.
We have seen what happened in Massachusetts in 2003, when the state Supreme Court imposed a redefinition of marriage that the people of the commonwealth never agreed to. We also see active legal challenges in California, Connecticut and Iowa, where courts are being asked to overrule state statutes that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
The bottom line is that a state statute cannot control what a future court or legislature might do with marriage. Approving a constitutional amendment defining marriage eliminates that uncertainty. The people of Arizona have the right to decide the future of marriage in Arizona.
So let the people decide.
Cathi Herrod
Arizona Daily Star
February 21, 2008
Arizonans could have an opportunity to decide the future of marriage in our state in November. Resolutions introduced in the Senate and House would refer to the voters a constitutional amendment defining marriage.
The amendment simply states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
The majority of Arizonans agree that marriage should be between one man and one woman. Gov. Napolitano has stated on multiple occasions that she believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
This amendment allows voters to decide if the Arizona Constitution should reflect and protect that belief.
Marriage is a unifying issue — for Arizonans and for all Americans. A November 2007 poll found that 65 percent of Arizonans support a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Nationwide, an average of 70 percent of people agree that marriage should be between one man and one woman. This belief cuts across religions, cultural backgrounds and political associations.
Arizonans previously have not been given an opportunity to voice their opinion on a definition of marriage that does not involve debate over domestic-partnership benefits.
This amendment is not about disagreements about benefits or domestic partnerships. This amendment is about what the majority of Arizonans agree on — defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. A constitutional amendment is necessary to protect the rights of the people of Arizona to decide on marriage. The future of marriage in Arizona should not be a judge's decision, and it should not be a politician's decision. The people should decide.
We have seen what happened in Massachusetts in 2003, when the state Supreme Court imposed a redefinition of marriage that the people of the commonwealth never agreed to. We also see active legal challenges in California, Connecticut and Iowa, where courts are being asked to overrule state statutes that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
The bottom line is that a state statute cannot control what a future court or legislature might do with marriage. Approving a constitutional amendment defining marriage eliminates that uncertainty. The people of Arizona have the right to decide the future of marriage in Arizona.
So let the people decide.
Revenue Forcast Meeting
The next Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in Senate Hearing Room 1.
The FAC is made up of academic, business and government economists and other knowledgeable individuals who will present their views on the state of the U.S. and Arizona economies over the next two years.
This is an essential element of the state's revenue estimating process. If you have an interest in this process, you may want to attend.
The FAC is made up of academic, business and government economists and other knowledgeable individuals who will present their views on the state of the U.S. and Arizona economies over the next two years.
This is an essential element of the state's revenue estimating process. If you have an interest in this process, you may want to attend.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sure Could Use a Little Good News Today
For now, Greg Patterson's post about the state of the state will paint the bloody picture of our budget woes. Follow the link.
I promise a post on the House proposed budget, the budget process and the bad news, bad budget, bad bills blues that are wreaking havoc at the capitol, causing many a member stressful days and sleepless nights. I am struggling to find the good in this situation we face and praying that, in attempting to address the crisis, we lawmakers don't do more harm, than good. The task tonight feels weighty and my shoulders worn. I am grateful I know a lighter yoke and for the respite it provides. May today's stumbling blocks be tomorrow's stepping stones.
And, along those lines, may tomorrow's bills have plenty of amendments, to make them palatable, at the very least. There is a reason "they" say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
I promise a post on the House proposed budget, the budget process and the bad news, bad budget, bad bills blues that are wreaking havoc at the capitol, causing many a member stressful days and sleepless nights. I am struggling to find the good in this situation we face and praying that, in attempting to address the crisis, we lawmakers don't do more harm, than good. The task tonight feels weighty and my shoulders worn. I am grateful I know a lighter yoke and for the respite it provides. May today's stumbling blocks be tomorrow's stepping stones.
And, along those lines, may tomorrow's bills have plenty of amendments, to make them palatable, at the very least. There is a reason "they" say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Friday, February 15, 2008
SB1463 ~ Tax Deductions, Sewer Expenses
UPDATE: This bill was held in committee as many of the Republican members of the committee were not in attendance due to illness.
ACTION ALERT!!!
IMPORTANT SEWER TAX DEDUCTION BILL TO BE HEARD IN COMMITTEE NEXT WEEK...WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Senator Gould and I have sponsored SB1463 Tax Deductions; Sewer Expenses which would allow a taxpayer to deduct the amount paid for residential sewer expenses during the taxable year.
This bill scheduled to be heard in the Senate next week so loosen up your fingers, stretch the muscles in your hands and write to members of the Senate Finance Committee expressing your strong support of this legislation! Beg, plead, and twist their arms to pass this legislation by explaining the horrid situation of the sewer expansion, the financial burden placed on homeowners in tough times.
These are the email addresses for the Senators that sit on the Senate Finance Committee:
rBurns@azleg.gov
RGould@azleg.gov
BLeff@azleg.gov
KCheuvront@azleg.gov
DMcCuneDavis@azleg.gov
JWaring@azleg.gov
PGorman@azleg.gov
rMiranda@azleg.gov
Log on to the legislative website during the committee hearing and leave your comments in support of our effort. Remember to thank Senator Gould for his sponsorship!
ACTION ALERT!!!
IMPORTANT SEWER TAX DEDUCTION BILL TO BE HEARD IN COMMITTEE NEXT WEEK...WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Senator Gould and I have sponsored SB1463 Tax Deductions; Sewer Expenses which would allow a taxpayer to deduct the amount paid for residential sewer expenses during the taxable year.
This bill scheduled to be heard in the Senate next week so loosen up your fingers, stretch the muscles in your hands and write to members of the Senate Finance Committee expressing your strong support of this legislation! Beg, plead, and twist their arms to pass this legislation by explaining the horrid situation of the sewer expansion, the financial burden placed on homeowners in tough times.
These are the email addresses for the Senators that sit on the Senate Finance Committee:
rBurns@azleg.gov
RGould@azleg.gov
BLeff@azleg.gov
KCheuvront@azleg.gov
DMcCuneDavis@azleg.gov
JWaring@azleg.gov
PGorman@azleg.gov
rMiranda@azleg.gov
Log on to the legislative website during the committee hearing and leave your comments in support of our effort. Remember to thank Senator Gould for his sponsorship!
Third Read Calendar for 2/18/08
Third Reading of bills is the final reading of the bill before the entire body of the House where House members vote Y or N to support or oppose the bill. If the bill's passage is successful, the bill goes to the Senate where the process begins again.
House members must take their seats at their desks and are not allowed to move about during the Third Read process. If a legislator needs to communicate with another legislator during Third Read, emails can be sent back and forth. At times members may not have their computers on the floor so notes are passed back and forth via the pages.
I am going to try to post all Third Read calendars, as these calendars provide a complete list of bills that have sucessfully made their way through their committee assignments to be voted on by the entire body of the House of Representatives. If you don't have time to offer suggestions on tweaks to the bills as they make their way through the system, the ideal time to comment on a bill...to sway the opinion of your legislator is before they vote, before Third Read.
The following bills will be voted on Monday afternoon. You can look up the bill summary on the http://www.azleg.gov/ website. Just enter the bill number in the space provided at the upper right-hand side of the page.
Bill Number Short Title
HB2099 premium tax credit; STO contribution
HB2105 tax refund check-off boxes
HB2106 sales tax; electronic payment delinquency.
HB2107 delinquent information tax returns; penalty
HB2108 income tax credit review schedule
HB2130 residential property tax; homesite area
HB2204 DES; notice; documents; electronic service
HB2206 unemployment insurance; liability; liens; service
HB2263 parental consent; abortion
HB2378 counties; debit card acceptance
HB2406 county auctions; easement exemption
HB2410 open meetings; public opinion
HB2420 flood control districts; property
HB2443 constables; ethics; training.
HB2479 governmental swap agreements; conditions
HB2554 justice courts; criminal actions; jurisdiction
HB2671 driver licenses; document of gift
House members must take their seats at their desks and are not allowed to move about during the Third Read process. If a legislator needs to communicate with another legislator during Third Read, emails can be sent back and forth. At times members may not have their computers on the floor so notes are passed back and forth via the pages.
I am going to try to post all Third Read calendars, as these calendars provide a complete list of bills that have sucessfully made their way through their committee assignments to be voted on by the entire body of the House of Representatives. If you don't have time to offer suggestions on tweaks to the bills as they make their way through the system, the ideal time to comment on a bill...to sway the opinion of your legislator is before they vote, before Third Read.
The following bills will be voted on Monday afternoon. You can look up the bill summary on the http://www.azleg.gov/ website. Just enter the bill number in the space provided at the upper right-hand side of the page.
Bill Number Short Title
HB2099 premium tax credit; STO contribution
HB2105 tax refund check-off boxes
HB2106 sales tax; electronic payment delinquency.
HB2107 delinquent information tax returns; penalty
HB2108 income tax credit review schedule
HB2130 residential property tax; homesite area
HB2204 DES; notice; documents; electronic service
HB2206 unemployment insurance; liability; liens; service
HB2263 parental consent; abortion
HB2378 counties; debit card acceptance
HB2406 county auctions; easement exemption
HB2410 open meetings; public opinion
HB2420 flood control districts; property
HB2443 constables; ethics; training.
HB2479 governmental swap agreements; conditions
HB2554 justice courts; criminal actions; jurisdiction
HB2671 driver licenses; document of gift
Live Proceedings at the House: Check It Out!
Click the post heading to watch live committee hearings in the House or Senate or peek in on Third Reads on the Floor to see how your legislator votes!
ADOT Public Meeting ~ HWY 95 Re-Alignment
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Havasu Aquatic Center Gym
100 Park Ave.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86403
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Havasu Aquatic Center Gym
100 Park Ave.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86403
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Mohave County, and Lake Havasu City, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and Bureau of Land Management, have initiated a study of potential corridors in which to realign the portion of State Route (SR) 95 that passes through Lake Havasu City. SR 95 would potentially be realigned between Milepost (MP) 175 and MP191 to a new corridor east of Lake Havasu City.
The study will identify feasible corridors in which SR 95 could be realigned. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will be carried forward for further, detailed study. The purpose of the meeting is to gather public input on issues, concerns, and opportunities to be considered during the study. The comments received from this meeting will be used to help identify critical issues for the SR 95 realignment.
Study team members will be present to answer your questions and address your concerns. Maps of the project area and informational exhibits will be available for viewing at the meeting.
For additional technical information:
Elijah Williams, phone: (480) 503-2250
email: elijah.williams@epsgroupinc.com.
Written comments may be submitted by April 4, 2008, to
ADOT c/o Laura Nordan,
875 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 201,
Tempe, Arizona 85284
fax (480) 763-8601
email: laura.nordan@jacobs.com.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Laura Nordan at (480) 763-8715. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. This document is available in alternate formats by contacting Ms. Nordan.
How a Bill Becomes Law
From the Arizona League of Cities and Towns website:
Arizona Bill is a three page pictorial that explains the process it takes for an idea/bill to become statute/law. Great explantation for kid and adults alike.
Arizona Bill is a three page pictorial that explains the process it takes for an idea/bill to become statute/law. Great explantation for kid and adults alike.
Fiscal Report Card: Governor Gets an F
I stumbled across this article as I am catching up on my reading today and it adds insight to why today the state faces a $1.2 Million dollar deficit for the current fiscal year and a $2+Million Dollar deficit for FY09. You won't see the blame put upon Napolitano though, no, as she continues to grow government programs, stubbornly insisting that we borrow more money, digging ourselves, our future generations, further into debit.
BTW, check out the grades awarded to then governors Huckabee and Romney.
BTW, check out the grades awarded to then governors Huckabee and Romney.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth What?
This article, from the respected Cato Institute dispels the myth that I hear perpetuated so often by those who testify/lobby for the health care industry that if we (legislators, government) would only "invest money now, on the front end" that it would save us money in the long run. Though I have long held this belief, verification from the Cato Insitute is satisfying.
Statewide Water Advisory Group Meeting
Friday, March 14, 2008 is the next Full SWAG Meeting
Meeting Time is 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Arizona Department of Water Resouces
3550 N. Central Avenue
2nd Floor Upper/Middle Verde Conference Room
-----THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC-----
***If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact:Michelle Moreno Direct Line: (602) 771-8530 orNan Flores Direct Line: (602) 771-8526
Meeting Time is 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Arizona Department of Water Resouces
3550 N. Central Avenue
2nd Floor Upper/Middle Verde Conference Room
-----THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC-----
***If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact:Michelle Moreno Direct Line: (602) 771-8530 orNan Flores Direct Line: (602) 771-8526
Water Adequacy Meeting in Parker
Arizona Department of Water Resources
3550 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Telephone 602-771-8586
Fax 602-771-8689
Web Page: www.azwater.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
3550 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Telephone 602-771-8586
Fax 602-771-8689
Web Page: www.azwater.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
ADWR has initiated an informal stakeholder’s group to discuss proposed rule amendments of the assured and adequate water supply rules related to modifications required by SB 1575, the “Adequacy Bill” recently passed by the Legislature.
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: La Paz County Board of Supervisor's office meeting room
1108 Joshua Avenue, Parker, Arizona, 85344
The meeting is open to the general public. A copy of the agenda for the meeting is posted below.
AGENDA : Adequacy Rule Modification
Initiation of Informal Stakeholder process (February – June)
Initiation of Formal rule process (July – October, effective November)
Areas to be modified:
· Public Notice of applications (March)
· Criteria to include water supply projects completed in 20 years (March)
Criteria to estimate water demand for any projected use in the same GW basin (April)
· Aquifer specific criteria for physical availability (June)
· Cleanup/Comment response, & Summary (June - July)
Summary of Adequacy Bill (SB 1575)
Guidelines for Exemptions
Close
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting the Arizona Department of Water Resources at (602) 771-8500. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Controversial Bill Alert ~HB2833 Bullet Serialization
House Bill 2833, introduced by State Representative Martha Garcia, (D-13), would require that all handgun and “assault weapon” ammunition manufactured or sold in Arizona to be coded with an individual serial number, and entered into a statewide database at the time of sale.
Encoded ammunition would be registered to the purchaser and would include the date of transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and the serial number of the ammunition.
This dangerous legislation could be bound for a hearing this legislative session if a handful of anti-gun legislators have their way. Similar legislation failed several years ago in California and just today Hawaii failed to pass one of two Senate versions after NRA and the Hawaii Attorney General testified against the measure.HB2833 seeks only to harass law-abiding gun owners as criminals are not likely to purchase their ammunition through legal channels. Please take a moment to contact your State Legislators and voice your opposition to House Bill 2833.
Bullet serialization efforts are making their way across the country looking for a foothold and it is vital that Arizona not be the first!
Encoded ammunition would be registered to the purchaser and would include the date of transaction, the purchaser’s name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and the serial number of the ammunition.
This dangerous legislation could be bound for a hearing this legislative session if a handful of anti-gun legislators have their way. Similar legislation failed several years ago in California and just today Hawaii failed to pass one of two Senate versions after NRA and the Hawaii Attorney General testified against the measure.HB2833 seeks only to harass law-abiding gun owners as criminals are not likely to purchase their ammunition through legal channels. Please take a moment to contact your State Legislators and voice your opposition to House Bill 2833.
Bullet serialization efforts are making their way across the country looking for a foothold and it is vital that Arizona not be the first!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
SB1080 ~ OUI Bill Stalls in Committee
Read the East Valley Tribune's recent article about the SenateTransportations Committee Member's concerns with Senate Bill 1080. (Senator Ron Gould chairs this powerful committee.) Although this bill did not pass out of committee, I believe with some tightening of language, this bill still has legs. I am sending an email to the bill's sponsor with some drafting suggestions.
If you are in public safety/law enforcement and want to view the bill as written, not just the summary I posted previously, please visit the http://www.azleg.gov/ website. Any suggestions on how to massage the verbiage is appreciated.
If you are in public safety/law enforcement and want to view the bill as written, not just the summary I posted previously, please visit the http://www.azleg.gov/ website. Any suggestions on how to massage the verbiage is appreciated.
Check Out My Voting Record
Check out my voting record on issues such abortion, regulation, taxes, children and family issues at Project Vote Smart. You can look up your other elected officials there too!
SB 1080 ~ OUI Watercraft (Drunken Boating)
Note: This bill stalled in the Senate Transportation Committee and was held at the request of it's sponsor, Senator Linda Gray. To contact her, email her at LGray@azleg.gov.
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1080
operating under the influence; watercraft
Purpose
Increases penalties for persons convicted of operating a watercraft while intoxicated or who refuse to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
Background
It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft. This is commonly referred to as operating under the influence (OUI). If a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or more, it is presumed in a trial that the person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. A person also commits an OUI if he or she has a BAC of 0.08 or more within two hours of operating or being in actual physical control of the watercraft. Statute requires a person who operates a watercraft in Arizona to submit to an alcohol or drug test if the person is arrested for an OUI offense. A person who refuses to submit to such a test is subject to a civil penalty of $1,250.
Currently, a person convicted of a first time OUI offense pays a minimum of $1,250 in fines and assessments. Statute allows the court to impose community restitution and suspend any imposed sentence if the person completes alcohol or other drug screening, education or treatment (treatment). If a person is convicted of a second OUI violation within 60 months, the person is sentenced to 90 days in jail, 30 of which must be served consecutively, must pay a minimum of $3,000 in fines and assessments and may be ordered to perform community restitution. The judge may suspend all but 30 days of the sentence if the person completes treatment.
A person commits extreme OUI if the person has a BAC of 0.15 or greater within two hours of operating or being in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft. The person must pay a minimum of $2,250 in fines and assessments and must be sentenced to at least 30 consecutive days in jail, ten of which may be suspended if the person completes treatment. If a person is convicted of an extreme OUI offense and has previously been convicted of an OUI offense within the past 60 months, the person is sentenced to 120 days in jail, 60 of which may be suspended if the person completes treatment. Additionally, the person is subject to fines and assessments of at least $3,000 and may be required to perform community restitution.
Finally, a person commits aggravated OUI, a class 4 felony, if the person commits a third or subsequent OUI or extreme OUI offense within the past 60 months. The person is subject to fines and assessments of at least $3,750 and is sentenced to four months in prison for a third violation and eight months in prison for a subsequent violation.
S.B. 1080 aligns OUI penalties with current DUI sentencing requirements, fines and assessments, except in some circumstances judges have discretion to suspend a portion of extreme OUI sentences, but not extreme DUI sentences. The fiscal impact associated with this legislation is unknown. While city and county jails and the Arizona Department of Corrections may have an increase in the sentence duration of OUI incarcerations as a result of this legislation, fines and assessments collected as a result of OUI convictions may also increase.
Provisions
Operating Under the Influence
1. Requires a person convicted of OUI to serve not less than ten consecutive days in jail and specifies that the person is not eligible for probation or suspension of execution of sentence unless the entire sentence is served.
2. Allows the judge to suspend all but 24 hours of an OUI sentence, instead of the entire sentence, if the person completes a court ordered treatment program.
3. Increases the look-back period, from 60 to 84 months, for determining a second time or aggravated OUI offense.
4. Requires a second time OUI offender to perform at least 30 hours of community service, instead of allowing the court to order the person to perform community service.
5. Removes the requirement that the person pay the costs of treatment.
6. Disallows a judge to do the following:
a) if the judge determines that the person requires further treatment, to require the person pursuant to court order to obtain treatment under the court’s supervision from an approved facility.
b) to review a treatment determination at the request of the state, the defendant or on the judge’s initiative.
7. Removes the requirement for a treatment facility to report to the court whether the person has successfully completed the treatment program.
8. Eliminates immunity from liability for political subdivisions processing or utilizing the services of a person ordered to perform community restitution for an OUI offense.
9. Disallows the court to provide in the sentence that the person be released from jail for up to 12 hours per day and five days per week to continue his or her employment or studies.
10. Disallows an OUI offender to be eligible for a home detention program.
11. Removes the requirement that the court allow the allegation of a prior conviction or other pending OUI charge filed 20 days or more before the date the case is tried and removes the ability of the court to allow the allegation of a prior conviction or other pending OUI charge filed any time before the date the case is tried.
12. Disallows any OUI conviction to be used to enhance another conviction.
13. Eliminates the requirement for probation to be supervised.
Extreme Operating Under the Influence
14. Requires a person convicted of an extreme OUI to pay an additional assessment of $250 and provides rules for the transfer of the monies to the Driving Under the Influence Abatement Fund.
15. Requires any fine, assessment, restitution and incarceration costs to be paid before the above assessment.
16. Requires a person convicted of an extreme OUI with a BAC of 0.20 or more to pay a minimum fine of $500 for the first offense and $1000 for a second OUI offense within 84 months.
17. Prescribes the following minimum sentences for persons convicted of extreme OUI with a BAC of 0.20 or more, and prohibits the person from being eligible for probation or suspension of execution of sentence unless the entire sentence has been served:
a) 45 consecutive days in jail for a first time extreme OUI offender.
b) 180 days in jail, 90 of which must be served consecutively, for a second extreme OUI offender.
18. Requires, instead of allows, the court to order a second time extreme OUI offender to perform at least 30 hours of community restitution.
Aggravated Operating Under the Influence
19. Specifies that a person is guilty of aggravated OUI if he or she commits an OUI offense while a person under 15 years of age is aboard the motorized watercraft.
20. Classifies the above aggravated OUI offense as a class 6 felony.
21. Specifies the following minimum terms of incarceration for persons convicted of the above aggravated OUI offense:
a) 10 consecutive days, for a first offense OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.15 (all but 24 hours may be suspended).
b) 90 days, at least 30 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.15 (all but 30 days may be suspended).
c) 30 consecutive days, for a first offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was at least 0.15, but below 0.20 (all but 10 days may be suspended).
d) 45 consecutive days for a first offense extreme OUI, if the person’s BAC was 0.20 or more.
e) 120 days, 60 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.20 (all but 60 days may be suspended).
f) 180 days, 90 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was 0.20 or more.
22. Requires the court, in addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, to order a person convicted of aggravated OUI to pay an additional assessment of $250 and provides rules for the transfer of the monies to the DUI Abatement Fund.
23. Requires any fine, assessment, restitution and incarceration costs to be paid before the above assessment.
24. Excludes the following time periods when determining the 84 month look-back period for aggravated OUI:
a) the time that a probationer is found to be on absconder status.
b) the time that a person is incarcerated in any state, federal, county or city jail or correctional facility.
Alcohol Concentration Tests and Refusal to Submit
25. Requires both of the following, instead of one of the following, to be true in order for results of a breath test administered to determine a person’s BAC to be admissible as evidence:
a) duplicate tests were administered and the test results were within 0.02 alcohol concentration of each other.
b) an operator observed the person charged with OUI for 15 minutes, instead of 20 minutes, immediately preceding the administration of the test.
26. Removes the Department of Health Services as an agency that can approve a quantitative breath testing device or an operational checklist for conducting breath tests.
27. Increases the civil penalty from $750 to $3,000 and the additional civil penalty from $500 to $1,000 for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol concentration test.
Watercrafts
28. Allows the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to register a watercraft for up to a period of 36 months, instead of 18.
29. Requires the operator of a watercraft involved in a collision, accident or other casualty to do the following:
a) immediately stop the watercraft at the scene or as close as possible to the scene of the collision, accident or other casualty, but immediately return to the scene.
b) remain at the scene of the collision, accident or other casualty until the operator has given his or her name, address and identification of his or her watercraft to any person injured and to the owners of any property damaged.
30. Eliminates the class 2 misdemeanor classification for not immediately stopping a watercraft to allow a peace officer to come aboard, and instead designates as a class 5 felony wilfully fleeing or attempting to elude a pursuing officer who is ordering the operator ashore to correct any unlawful condition, issuing a written warning or repair order or issuing a citation.
31. Requires the law enforcement watercraft to be appropriately marked to show that it is an official law enforcement watercraft.
Miscellaneous
32. Makes technical and conforming changes.
33. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1080
operating under the influence; watercraft
Purpose
Increases penalties for persons convicted of operating a watercraft while intoxicated or who refuse to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
Background
It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft. This is commonly referred to as operating under the influence (OUI). If a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or more, it is presumed in a trial that the person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. A person also commits an OUI if he or she has a BAC of 0.08 or more within two hours of operating or being in actual physical control of the watercraft. Statute requires a person who operates a watercraft in Arizona to submit to an alcohol or drug test if the person is arrested for an OUI offense. A person who refuses to submit to such a test is subject to a civil penalty of $1,250.
Currently, a person convicted of a first time OUI offense pays a minimum of $1,250 in fines and assessments. Statute allows the court to impose community restitution and suspend any imposed sentence if the person completes alcohol or other drug screening, education or treatment (treatment). If a person is convicted of a second OUI violation within 60 months, the person is sentenced to 90 days in jail, 30 of which must be served consecutively, must pay a minimum of $3,000 in fines and assessments and may be ordered to perform community restitution. The judge may suspend all but 30 days of the sentence if the person completes treatment.
A person commits extreme OUI if the person has a BAC of 0.15 or greater within two hours of operating or being in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft. The person must pay a minimum of $2,250 in fines and assessments and must be sentenced to at least 30 consecutive days in jail, ten of which may be suspended if the person completes treatment. If a person is convicted of an extreme OUI offense and has previously been convicted of an OUI offense within the past 60 months, the person is sentenced to 120 days in jail, 60 of which may be suspended if the person completes treatment. Additionally, the person is subject to fines and assessments of at least $3,000 and may be required to perform community restitution.
Finally, a person commits aggravated OUI, a class 4 felony, if the person commits a third or subsequent OUI or extreme OUI offense within the past 60 months. The person is subject to fines and assessments of at least $3,750 and is sentenced to four months in prison for a third violation and eight months in prison for a subsequent violation.
S.B. 1080 aligns OUI penalties with current DUI sentencing requirements, fines and assessments, except in some circumstances judges have discretion to suspend a portion of extreme OUI sentences, but not extreme DUI sentences. The fiscal impact associated with this legislation is unknown. While city and county jails and the Arizona Department of Corrections may have an increase in the sentence duration of OUI incarcerations as a result of this legislation, fines and assessments collected as a result of OUI convictions may also increase.
Provisions
Operating Under the Influence
1. Requires a person convicted of OUI to serve not less than ten consecutive days in jail and specifies that the person is not eligible for probation or suspension of execution of sentence unless the entire sentence is served.
2. Allows the judge to suspend all but 24 hours of an OUI sentence, instead of the entire sentence, if the person completes a court ordered treatment program.
3. Increases the look-back period, from 60 to 84 months, for determining a second time or aggravated OUI offense.
4. Requires a second time OUI offender to perform at least 30 hours of community service, instead of allowing the court to order the person to perform community service.
5. Removes the requirement that the person pay the costs of treatment.
6. Disallows a judge to do the following:
a) if the judge determines that the person requires further treatment, to require the person pursuant to court order to obtain treatment under the court’s supervision from an approved facility.
b) to review a treatment determination at the request of the state, the defendant or on the judge’s initiative.
7. Removes the requirement for a treatment facility to report to the court whether the person has successfully completed the treatment program.
8. Eliminates immunity from liability for political subdivisions processing or utilizing the services of a person ordered to perform community restitution for an OUI offense.
9. Disallows the court to provide in the sentence that the person be released from jail for up to 12 hours per day and five days per week to continue his or her employment or studies.
10. Disallows an OUI offender to be eligible for a home detention program.
11. Removes the requirement that the court allow the allegation of a prior conviction or other pending OUI charge filed 20 days or more before the date the case is tried and removes the ability of the court to allow the allegation of a prior conviction or other pending OUI charge filed any time before the date the case is tried.
12. Disallows any OUI conviction to be used to enhance another conviction.
13. Eliminates the requirement for probation to be supervised.
Extreme Operating Under the Influence
14. Requires a person convicted of an extreme OUI to pay an additional assessment of $250 and provides rules for the transfer of the monies to the Driving Under the Influence Abatement Fund.
15. Requires any fine, assessment, restitution and incarceration costs to be paid before the above assessment.
16. Requires a person convicted of an extreme OUI with a BAC of 0.20 or more to pay a minimum fine of $500 for the first offense and $1000 for a second OUI offense within 84 months.
17. Prescribes the following minimum sentences for persons convicted of extreme OUI with a BAC of 0.20 or more, and prohibits the person from being eligible for probation or suspension of execution of sentence unless the entire sentence has been served:
a) 45 consecutive days in jail for a first time extreme OUI offender.
b) 180 days in jail, 90 of which must be served consecutively, for a second extreme OUI offender.
18. Requires, instead of allows, the court to order a second time extreme OUI offender to perform at least 30 hours of community restitution.
Aggravated Operating Under the Influence
19. Specifies that a person is guilty of aggravated OUI if he or she commits an OUI offense while a person under 15 years of age is aboard the motorized watercraft.
20. Classifies the above aggravated OUI offense as a class 6 felony.
21. Specifies the following minimum terms of incarceration for persons convicted of the above aggravated OUI offense:
a) 10 consecutive days, for a first offense OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.15 (all but 24 hours may be suspended).
b) 90 days, at least 30 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.15 (all but 30 days may be suspended).
c) 30 consecutive days, for a first offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was at least 0.15, but below 0.20 (all but 10 days may be suspended).
d) 45 consecutive days for a first offense extreme OUI, if the person’s BAC was 0.20 or more.
e) 120 days, 60 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was below 0.20 (all but 60 days may be suspended).
f) 180 days, 90 of which must be served consecutively, for a second offense extreme OUI if the person’s BAC was 0.20 or more.
22. Requires the court, in addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, to order a person convicted of aggravated OUI to pay an additional assessment of $250 and provides rules for the transfer of the monies to the DUI Abatement Fund.
23. Requires any fine, assessment, restitution and incarceration costs to be paid before the above assessment.
24. Excludes the following time periods when determining the 84 month look-back period for aggravated OUI:
a) the time that a probationer is found to be on absconder status.
b) the time that a person is incarcerated in any state, federal, county or city jail or correctional facility.
Alcohol Concentration Tests and Refusal to Submit
25. Requires both of the following, instead of one of the following, to be true in order for results of a breath test administered to determine a person’s BAC to be admissible as evidence:
a) duplicate tests were administered and the test results were within 0.02 alcohol concentration of each other.
b) an operator observed the person charged with OUI for 15 minutes, instead of 20 minutes, immediately preceding the administration of the test.
26. Removes the Department of Health Services as an agency that can approve a quantitative breath testing device or an operational checklist for conducting breath tests.
27. Increases the civil penalty from $750 to $3,000 and the additional civil penalty from $500 to $1,000 for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol concentration test.
Watercrafts
28. Allows the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to register a watercraft for up to a period of 36 months, instead of 18.
29. Requires the operator of a watercraft involved in a collision, accident or other casualty to do the following:
a) immediately stop the watercraft at the scene or as close as possible to the scene of the collision, accident or other casualty, but immediately return to the scene.
b) remain at the scene of the collision, accident or other casualty until the operator has given his or her name, address and identification of his or her watercraft to any person injured and to the owners of any property damaged.
30. Eliminates the class 2 misdemeanor classification for not immediately stopping a watercraft to allow a peace officer to come aboard, and instead designates as a class 5 felony wilfully fleeing or attempting to elude a pursuing officer who is ordering the operator ashore to correct any unlawful condition, issuing a written warning or repair order or issuing a citation.
31. Requires the law enforcement watercraft to be appropriately marked to show that it is an official law enforcement watercraft.
Miscellaneous
32. Makes technical and conforming changes.
33. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
SB 1470 ~ Photo Radar; Prohibition on Highways
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1470
photo radar; prohibition on highways
Purpose
Prohibits the use of photo enforcement systems on state highways to detect speed
violators.
Background
Photo enforcement systems, commonly referred to as photo radar, utilize digital cameras,
computers and radar sensors to detect violations of speed limit and red light laws.
There are two types of photo radar systems, fixed and mobile. A fixed photo radar system
is the most common form of photo radar and can be installed on the side of a road or mounted
overhead in gantries, while a mobile photo radar system is mounted on a mobile device that
usually takes one of two basic forms: 1) a photo radar camera or sensor that can be moved from
one fixed location to the next; or 2) a photo radar camera or sensor that is mounted in a van or
tethered to a vehicle.
Photo radar typically utilizes two cameras to identify the vehicle and driver involved in
speeding or red light violations. One camera is utilized to produce an image of the oncoming
driver’s face while the other camera is used to identify the vehicle’s rear license plate.
Under most contracts in Arizona, when traffic violations are detected using photo radar,
the photo radar vendor reviews and validates the citation. Upon validation, a traffic citation is
filed against the registered owner of the vehicle in the appropriate municipal court having
jurisdiction over the violation. After the citation is filed, notice is sent by mail to the vehicle’s
registered owner. If the owner does not respond, a process server is sent to serve the complaint to the owner in person or may leave copies at the owner’s home with another resident of suitable
age and discretion. If the person in the photograph is not the registered owner of the vehicle,
municipalities may allow the owner to identify the driver and transfer responsibility for the
traffic citation.
Currently, there is only one statute, A.R.S. § 28-654, governing the use of photo radar to
identify traffic violations in Arizona. The statute requires local municipalities using photo radar
systems to display signs indicating to drivers on the road that a photo radar system is present and operational.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
proposed legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a photo enforcement system from being used on state highways to detect violators
of speed restrictions.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
photo radar; prohibition on highways
Purpose
Prohibits the use of photo enforcement systems on state highways to detect speed
violators.
Background
Photo enforcement systems, commonly referred to as photo radar, utilize digital cameras,
computers and radar sensors to detect violations of speed limit and red light laws.
There are two types of photo radar systems, fixed and mobile. A fixed photo radar system
is the most common form of photo radar and can be installed on the side of a road or mounted
overhead in gantries, while a mobile photo radar system is mounted on a mobile device that
usually takes one of two basic forms: 1) a photo radar camera or sensor that can be moved from
one fixed location to the next; or 2) a photo radar camera or sensor that is mounted in a van or
tethered to a vehicle.
Photo radar typically utilizes two cameras to identify the vehicle and driver involved in
speeding or red light violations. One camera is utilized to produce an image of the oncoming
driver’s face while the other camera is used to identify the vehicle’s rear license plate.
Under most contracts in Arizona, when traffic violations are detected using photo radar,
the photo radar vendor reviews and validates the citation. Upon validation, a traffic citation is
filed against the registered owner of the vehicle in the appropriate municipal court having
jurisdiction over the violation. After the citation is filed, notice is sent by mail to the vehicle’s
registered owner. If the owner does not respond, a process server is sent to serve the complaint to the owner in person or may leave copies at the owner’s home with another resident of suitable
age and discretion. If the person in the photograph is not the registered owner of the vehicle,
municipalities may allow the owner to identify the driver and transfer responsibility for the
traffic citation.
Currently, there is only one statute, A.R.S. § 28-654, governing the use of photo radar to
identify traffic violations in Arizona. The statute requires local municipalities using photo radar
systems to display signs indicating to drivers on the road that a photo radar system is present and operational.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
proposed legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a photo enforcement system from being used on state highways to detect violators
of speed restrictions.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Last Call for E-Verify Demo
Dear Friends,
Over 1,000 people have participated in the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry E-Verify webinars since August. With the new employer sanctions law in effect, every Arizona employer is required to use E-Verify to confirm the work authorization of new hires.
The Arizona Chamber will continue to hold these sessions each Thursday at 11 a.m. through the end of February. Beginning in March we will offer the webinars on a monthly basis. The sessions will be at 11 a.m. on the following dates:
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28
Mar 20
Apr 17
May 15
Jun 17
It is vital that every employer learn about E-Verify and sign up for the program in order to be in compliance with Arizona law. To register for a webinar, send your name, company information, and participation date to info@azchamber.com.If you have any questions about the webinars, the Arizona law, or E-Verify, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
You can also view the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Employer Handbook on our website at: http://zewola.com/fs/d:l/wwau4vjfif4z8m/wwj10e11e68jqc/1
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
602.248.9172
Over 1,000 people have participated in the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry E-Verify webinars since August. With the new employer sanctions law in effect, every Arizona employer is required to use E-Verify to confirm the work authorization of new hires.
The Arizona Chamber will continue to hold these sessions each Thursday at 11 a.m. through the end of February. Beginning in March we will offer the webinars on a monthly basis. The sessions will be at 11 a.m. on the following dates:
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28
Mar 20
Apr 17
May 15
Jun 17
It is vital that every employer learn about E-Verify and sign up for the program in order to be in compliance with Arizona law. To register for a webinar, send your name, company information, and participation date to info@azchamber.com.If you have any questions about the webinars, the Arizona law, or E-Verify, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
You can also view the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Employer Handbook on our website at: http://zewola.com/fs/d:l/wwau4vjfif4z8m/wwj10e11e68jqc/1
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
602.248.9172
Havasu Household Hazardous Waste Day
Havasu's Household Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday, March 1, 2008.
London Bridge Shopping Center, better known as the Swap Meet, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Household hazardous products will be disposed of safely and in most cases, recycled.
Items accepted include:
motor oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, batteries, tires, pesticides, pool chlorine, paints, gasoline, acids, cleaners, bleaches, aerosol cans, propane tanks and other products labeled caution, warning, danger, toxic or flammable.
Please remember that items must be labeled and secured to prevent leaks.
Standard solid waste such as trash, furniture, appliances, rubbish and tree/brush trimmings will not be accepted.
Call the Lake Havasu City Fire Department at (928) 453-3313 for more information.”
London Bridge Shopping Center, better known as the Swap Meet, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Household hazardous products will be disposed of safely and in most cases, recycled.
Items accepted include:
motor oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, batteries, tires, pesticides, pool chlorine, paints, gasoline, acids, cleaners, bleaches, aerosol cans, propane tanks and other products labeled caution, warning, danger, toxic or flammable.
Please remember that items must be labeled and secured to prevent leaks.
Standard solid waste such as trash, furniture, appliances, rubbish and tree/brush trimmings will not be accepted.
Call the Lake Havasu City Fire Department at (928) 453-3313 for more information.”
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No Driver's License for Illegal Immigrants
Utah House votes to repeal driver cards for immigrants in country illegally...not a bad idea!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Arizona~Great Place for Business
According to Chief Executive Magazine, as a place to do business Arizona ranks 5th in the nation with Texas snagging the top spot. California finished dead last.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Things That Make Your Blood Boil...
Read this article about the Peach Springs School District and tell me that your blood doesn't boil first over the mismanagement, then over the fact that this gentleman still has a job.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
SB1482~Temporary Guest Worker Program
Howard Fischer's article in the Arizona Daily Star provides a few more details on the proposterous piece of proposed legislation that is Senate Bill 1482.
SCR 1009~No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists
Tough road ahead for ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying. Tell Sponor Senator Linda Gray to keep up the good fight!
In an effort to end the use of taxpayer funds for lobbying, Arizona Senator Linda Gray (R-Northwest Phoenix) introduced SCR 1009, a referendum bill also known as No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists (NTML).
If passed during the current legislative session, NTML would allow Arizona voters in November to prohibit the use of public funds for lobbying, while safeguarding the ability of elected officials, public agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions to provide expert testimony and information to members of the Legislature.
Although it started off the session with more than a dozen sponsors, and earned the endorsement of the state GOP at its mandatory meeting on January 26th, NTML was held in the Senate’s Government Committee this week. The difficulties faced by the bill in that committee show just how tough it will be to get the reform through the Legislature.
One of the committee members, Sen. Meg Burton Cahill (D-Tempe), expressed the view that the democratic election of local government officials confers legitimacy on all of their decisions, including the decision to give public funds to lobbyists. That is a common view down at the Legislature, although it was not the view of the framers of the US and Arizona Constitutions, who believed that government should have limited powers.
Sen. Robert Blendu (R-Litchfield Park, Goodyear) expressed worries that a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying would disrupt the information-providing function of the lobbying system. While he is correct that lobbying does facilitate the flow of information about policies, it does not follow that lobbyists should have access to public funds. Instead, elected officials and government employees should raise lobbying money the way other interest groups do—by means of private, voluntary contributions.
Sen. Jake Flake (R-Gila and Apache Counties) argued that there is no inherent big-government bias to taxpayer-funded lobbying. He is correct that we should not make blanket statements about the aims of all taxpayer-funded lobbying, but examples of big-government bias come readily to mind. In recent years, lobbyists in Arizona have used public funds to oppose popular efforts to end eminent domain abuse, reduce income and property taxes, and extend educational opportunities to children through school choice.
Sen. Flake also expressed some understandable concerns about geographical equity: the mayor of Snowflake will have more difficulty getting to legislative hearings than the mayor of Glendale. However, there is nothing in NTML that would prevent the Legislature from reimbursing city and county officials for travel expenses when they are invited to Phoenix to testify before legislative committees.
Facing opposition from the Committee’s majority—Senators Blendu, Burton Cahill, Flake, and the nearly silent Jorge Luis Garcia (D-Tucson)—Senator Gray held the bill.
From here, NTML faces a tough road. Perhaps an amended version of the bill can get out of committee and go to a vote before the full Senate. Or perhaps a House version of the bill can move forward. If the Legislature fails us, taxpayer activists will have to wait until next year to collect signatures and put a citizen initiative on the 2010 ballot.
Meanwhile, please send Senator Linda Gray an email (lgray@azleg.gov) or a phone message (602-926-3376) to thank her for her efforts to end taxpayer-funded lobbying. And please tell her to keep up the good fight!
URL for text of the January 26th state GOP resolution in favor of NTML:
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?id=4794&state=az
Contact: Tom Jenney, Arizona state director, Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org (602) 478-0146
In an effort to end the use of taxpayer funds for lobbying, Arizona Senator Linda Gray (R-Northwest Phoenix) introduced SCR 1009, a referendum bill also known as No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists (NTML).
If passed during the current legislative session, NTML would allow Arizona voters in November to prohibit the use of public funds for lobbying, while safeguarding the ability of elected officials, public agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions to provide expert testimony and information to members of the Legislature.
Although it started off the session with more than a dozen sponsors, and earned the endorsement of the state GOP at its mandatory meeting on January 26th, NTML was held in the Senate’s Government Committee this week. The difficulties faced by the bill in that committee show just how tough it will be to get the reform through the Legislature.
One of the committee members, Sen. Meg Burton Cahill (D-Tempe), expressed the view that the democratic election of local government officials confers legitimacy on all of their decisions, including the decision to give public funds to lobbyists. That is a common view down at the Legislature, although it was not the view of the framers of the US and Arizona Constitutions, who believed that government should have limited powers.
Sen. Robert Blendu (R-Litchfield Park, Goodyear) expressed worries that a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying would disrupt the information-providing function of the lobbying system. While he is correct that lobbying does facilitate the flow of information about policies, it does not follow that lobbyists should have access to public funds. Instead, elected officials and government employees should raise lobbying money the way other interest groups do—by means of private, voluntary contributions.
Sen. Jake Flake (R-Gila and Apache Counties) argued that there is no inherent big-government bias to taxpayer-funded lobbying. He is correct that we should not make blanket statements about the aims of all taxpayer-funded lobbying, but examples of big-government bias come readily to mind. In recent years, lobbyists in Arizona have used public funds to oppose popular efforts to end eminent domain abuse, reduce income and property taxes, and extend educational opportunities to children through school choice.
Sen. Flake also expressed some understandable concerns about geographical equity: the mayor of Snowflake will have more difficulty getting to legislative hearings than the mayor of Glendale. However, there is nothing in NTML that would prevent the Legislature from reimbursing city and county officials for travel expenses when they are invited to Phoenix to testify before legislative committees.
Facing opposition from the Committee’s majority—Senators Blendu, Burton Cahill, Flake, and the nearly silent Jorge Luis Garcia (D-Tucson)—Senator Gray held the bill.
From here, NTML faces a tough road. Perhaps an amended version of the bill can get out of committee and go to a vote before the full Senate. Or perhaps a House version of the bill can move forward. If the Legislature fails us, taxpayer activists will have to wait until next year to collect signatures and put a citizen initiative on the 2010 ballot.
Meanwhile, please send Senator Linda Gray an email (lgray@azleg.gov) or a phone message (602-926-3376) to thank her for her efforts to end taxpayer-funded lobbying. And please tell her to keep up the good fight!
URL for text of the January 26th state GOP resolution in favor of NTML:
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/index.php?id=4794&state=az
Contact: Tom Jenney, Arizona state director, Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org (602) 478-0146
The Governor's Cash Cow: More on the Photo Radar Fiasco
Driver beware! Coming to a street near you...photo radar vans & stand alone cameras...the latest ploy by our Governor and her appointed state agency directors (cronies) in attempt to fill the state's coffers to sustain her reckless spending!
This information comes on top of the of over the recent dismissal of 500 photo radar tickets that were issued mistakenly due to faulty radar equipment. (See 1/30 Post)
This information comes on top of the of over the recent dismissal of 500 photo radar tickets that were issued mistakenly due to faulty radar equipment. (See 1/30 Post)
Biofuel Crops Increase Carbon Emissions
Interesting article in the Las Angeles Times regarding biofuels is worth a read.
"The rush to grow biofuel crops -- widely embraced as part of the solution to global warming -- is actually increasing greenhouse gas emissions rather than reducing them, according to two studies published Thursday in the journal Science."
"The rush to grow biofuel crops -- widely embraced as part of the solution to global warming -- is actually increasing greenhouse gas emissions rather than reducing them, according to two studies published Thursday in the journal Science."
AZ State Rep. Kavanagh's Anti-Illegal Immigration Website
My colleague State Representative John Kavanagh, from LD 8 sent me this email update:
The new issue of http://www.protectazborder.com/, the anti-illegal immigration website of Arizona State Representative John Kavanagh, is now online. Read the latest news articles about national and Arizona-based illegal immigration topics. Also read about the negative effects illegal immigration has on Arizona and the United States.
In this issue:
1. Arizona's Employer Sanctions Law Survives Legal Challenge
2. Arizona Legislators Propose State Immigration Agency for Farm Workers
3. Could State Employer Sanctions Laws Be Heading for a Showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court?
... and much more
The new issue of http://www.protectazborder.com/, the anti-illegal immigration website of Arizona State Representative John Kavanagh, is now online. Read the latest news articles about national and Arizona-based illegal immigration topics. Also read about the negative effects illegal immigration has on Arizona and the United States.
In this issue:
1. Arizona's Employer Sanctions Law Survives Legal Challenge
2. Arizona Legislators Propose State Immigration Agency for Farm Workers
3. Could State Employer Sanctions Laws Be Heading for a Showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court?
... and much more
Friday, February 8, 2008
House Third Reading of Bills for 2/11/08
Third reading of bills is the voting of the entire body of the House or Senate on bills that have passed though their assigned committees and COW (Committee of the Whole). This is the final action on these bills before they go to the other body (the body from which the bills do not originate) to be assigned committees where the process starts all over again.
Any questions?
Third Reading calendars for the House and Senate can be found at http://www.azleg.gov/ where information such as name/bill number, sponsor, and a brief description of the legislation is available.
Now that you know how to follow the bills that are up for a vote in front of the entire body, I look forward to hearing from you all more often!
Any questions?
Third Reading calendars for the House and Senate can be found at http://www.azleg.gov/ where information such as name/bill number, sponsor, and a brief description of the legislation is available.
Now that you know how to follow the bills that are up for a vote in front of the entire body, I look forward to hearing from you all more often!
Arizona Municipal Water User's Association Weekly Update
The third edition of AMWUA's 2008 Legislative Summary is now available on the AMWUA website. The summary is usually posted the close of business every Friday evening during the Legislative Session.
The link to view, download, and print the document is:
http://www.amwua.org/legislative/legislativesummary-2008.pdf
The link to view, download, and print the document is:
http://www.amwua.org/legislative/legislativesummary-2008.pdf
House Schedule for Upcoming Week
Arizona House of Representatives
Schedule for the week of February 11, 2008
**Events and times are subject to change.
Monday
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Financial Institutions and Insurance
Homeland Security and Property Rights
Public Institutions and Retirement
Ways and Means
Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Rules
10:00 a.m. Caucus
(or upon adjournment of Rules)
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Counties, Muncipalities and Military Affairs
Government
Higher Education
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. K-12 Education
Health
Commerce
Natural Resources and Public Safety
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Environment
Appropriations
4:00 p.m. COW amendment deadline
Thursday
9:00 a.m. Human Services
Judiciary
Transportation
9:30 a.m. Water and Agriculture
1:00 p.m. Floor
Schedule for the week of February 11, 2008
**Events and times are subject to change.
Monday
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Financial Institutions and Insurance
Homeland Security and Property Rights
Public Institutions and Retirement
Ways and Means
Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Rules
10:00 a.m. Caucus
(or upon adjournment of Rules)
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Counties, Muncipalities and Military Affairs
Government
Higher Education
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. K-12 Education
Health
Commerce
Natural Resources and Public Safety
1:00 p.m. Floor
1:30 p.m. Environment
Appropriations
4:00 p.m. COW amendment deadline
Thursday
9:00 a.m. Human Services
Judiciary
Transportation
9:30 a.m. Water and Agriculture
1:00 p.m. Floor
Pro-Family Legislation
Track the progress of pro-family legislation through the Center for Arizona Policy's helpful and informative website then email your legislators and share your opinion.
Constituent Mail: SB1214~Concealed Weapons, School Grounds
Letter to the Editor, Tucson Citizen: My Opinion Regarding LEGAL Guns on Campus.
In reply to your 06-Feb-08 OpEd condemning Sen. Karen Johnson and her co-sponsorship of SB1214, I see that you are reciting the same old disingenuous anti personal rights and responsibilities chorus of the Brady-Bloomberg-Feinstein-Schumer-Soros clan.
To borrow your words, “Let’s be straight and upfront about it” – legally owned firearms in the hands of trained, screened, licensed adults (21 years old minimum) duly motivated to provide security and protection for themselves and their charges (if any) always have been, are today, and will remain, a serious deterrent to most violent criminal activity.
While many violent criminals and murderers are mentally deficient – few are so stupid as to plan an attack on an armed target. Your claim that such persons don’t “think clearly or logically, so he would not reason through the possibility of confrontation with an armed teacher” (a.k.a. victim) lacks credibility and logic. Why do these same attackers target schools (‘gun free zones’) instead of police stations, National Guard Armories, Military Installations, or even sportsmen at the local gun club/range? Is your logic so skewed by your anti-gun owner fervor that you refuse to see truth in front of your nose?
Your assertion that despite passing law enforcement investigation, finger print searches, classroom training, legal deadly force briefings, range safety, and live-firing exercises – CCW holders lack “the judgment, training and emotional stability to bring guns onto school campuses” is a sham at best.
Have you taken the CCW course? Could you pass the intensive background investigation? Could you pass the exams and practical exercises? I’d guess the answer to most, if not all of these questions is “no”; not that this stops you from slamming those who have.
You paint with the broadest possible brush to obscure your real fear of citizens standing up for themselves and/or others – versus being helpless dependants of the ever (not so) present government. Where were the “law enforcement officers who have the training, judgment and experience” while victims were being slaughtered at Columbine, West Nickel Mines School, Virginia Tech, SuccessTech Academy, etc.? Law enforcement wasn’t inside these schools until the carnage was already over – but qualified adult CCW holders (actual or potential) were present throughout. However, they were as helpless as the rest of the victims – thanks to your idea that the 2nd Amendment is geographically applicable.
I wonder how loud you would scream if the government decided your beloved 1st Amendment was null and void on a geographical basis?
Do not distort my words or miss my point; I am not blaming or casting aspersions at any LEO, office, or agency for any of these murders. I am pointing out the blatantly obvious truth that police/law enforcement cannot be everywhere all the time. What a pity, if they could – as in your panacea – we would have no robbery, no car-jacking, no mugging, no rape, no crime… Ah what a dream world – but not a reality!
Does SB1214 require anyone to carry a weapon – anywhere? Does SB1214 demand, under penalty of law, that anyone use a weapon – in any circumstance? Again, the answer to these questions is “no”. Sen. Johnson’s bill proposes that individuals, meeting rigid state-sanctioned requirements, be permitted (not required or obligated) to carry a weapon in the heretofore ‘gun free school zones’ should they wish. Whereas, you propose to deny self defense rights to all persons regardless of ability or legality – based simply on your unsubstantiated fear. Also, please note the obvious fact that school zones are only ‘gun free’ to law abiding citizens – criminals and gang-bangers carry weapons wherever they want.
In closing, your fear-based attack against Sen. Johnson and SB1214 lacks reason, logic, and recognition of fact. Arizona did not turn into a Wild West shooting gallery when the CCW law passed some years ago, despite the Chicken Little-like cries of the anti-gun press. Nor did Texas, Florida, Georgia, or any other state that dutifully recognizes the rights of law abiding qualified citizens to bear arms, fall into chaos with scenarios you are trying to paint.
If you have any moral honestly and/or civic integrity, you will consider these points of fact and reassess your slam against Sen. Johnson, her co-sponsors, SB1214, and perhaps even (though I sincerely doubt it) – your anti-gun owner fervor.
SB1214 is a good idea – one which gets the full support of citizens like myself that are willing, able, and fully qualified to protect myself, my charges, and even you.
Respectfully,
Joe Walker
Nationally Certified Firearms Instructor
AZ State Certified Firearms Instructor
Former US Army Ranger
In reply to your 06-Feb-08 OpEd condemning Sen. Karen Johnson and her co-sponsorship of SB1214, I see that you are reciting the same old disingenuous anti personal rights and responsibilities chorus of the Brady-Bloomberg-Feinstein-Schumer-Soros clan.
To borrow your words, “Let’s be straight and upfront about it” – legally owned firearms in the hands of trained, screened, licensed adults (21 years old minimum) duly motivated to provide security and protection for themselves and their charges (if any) always have been, are today, and will remain, a serious deterrent to most violent criminal activity.
While many violent criminals and murderers are mentally deficient – few are so stupid as to plan an attack on an armed target. Your claim that such persons don’t “think clearly or logically, so he would not reason through the possibility of confrontation with an armed teacher” (a.k.a. victim) lacks credibility and logic. Why do these same attackers target schools (‘gun free zones’) instead of police stations, National Guard Armories, Military Installations, or even sportsmen at the local gun club/range? Is your logic so skewed by your anti-gun owner fervor that you refuse to see truth in front of your nose?
Your assertion that despite passing law enforcement investigation, finger print searches, classroom training, legal deadly force briefings, range safety, and live-firing exercises – CCW holders lack “the judgment, training and emotional stability to bring guns onto school campuses” is a sham at best.
Have you taken the CCW course? Could you pass the intensive background investigation? Could you pass the exams and practical exercises? I’d guess the answer to most, if not all of these questions is “no”; not that this stops you from slamming those who have.
You paint with the broadest possible brush to obscure your real fear of citizens standing up for themselves and/or others – versus being helpless dependants of the ever (not so) present government. Where were the “law enforcement officers who have the training, judgment and experience” while victims were being slaughtered at Columbine, West Nickel Mines School, Virginia Tech, SuccessTech Academy, etc.? Law enforcement wasn’t inside these schools until the carnage was already over – but qualified adult CCW holders (actual or potential) were present throughout. However, they were as helpless as the rest of the victims – thanks to your idea that the 2nd Amendment is geographically applicable.
I wonder how loud you would scream if the government decided your beloved 1st Amendment was null and void on a geographical basis?
Do not distort my words or miss my point; I am not blaming or casting aspersions at any LEO, office, or agency for any of these murders. I am pointing out the blatantly obvious truth that police/law enforcement cannot be everywhere all the time. What a pity, if they could – as in your panacea – we would have no robbery, no car-jacking, no mugging, no rape, no crime… Ah what a dream world – but not a reality!
Does SB1214 require anyone to carry a weapon – anywhere? Does SB1214 demand, under penalty of law, that anyone use a weapon – in any circumstance? Again, the answer to these questions is “no”. Sen. Johnson’s bill proposes that individuals, meeting rigid state-sanctioned requirements, be permitted (not required or obligated) to carry a weapon in the heretofore ‘gun free school zones’ should they wish. Whereas, you propose to deny self defense rights to all persons regardless of ability or legality – based simply on your unsubstantiated fear. Also, please note the obvious fact that school zones are only ‘gun free’ to law abiding citizens – criminals and gang-bangers carry weapons wherever they want.
In closing, your fear-based attack against Sen. Johnson and SB1214 lacks reason, logic, and recognition of fact. Arizona did not turn into a Wild West shooting gallery when the CCW law passed some years ago, despite the Chicken Little-like cries of the anti-gun press. Nor did Texas, Florida, Georgia, or any other state that dutifully recognizes the rights of law abiding qualified citizens to bear arms, fall into chaos with scenarios you are trying to paint.
If you have any moral honestly and/or civic integrity, you will consider these points of fact and reassess your slam against Sen. Johnson, her co-sponsors, SB1214, and perhaps even (though I sincerely doubt it) – your anti-gun owner fervor.
SB1214 is a good idea – one which gets the full support of citizens like myself that are willing, able, and fully qualified to protect myself, my charges, and even you.
Respectfully,
Joe Walker
Nationally Certified Firearms Instructor
AZ State Certified Firearms Instructor
Former US Army Ranger
Arizona Temporary Worker Program
Friends, this is proposed legislation that you soon will be hearing about...I believe there is a press conference scheduled for Monday around 11:00 on the Senate lawn. Read the details of this bill & make your voices heard. Whether you support or oppose this legislation, please let me know.
Elements of the Arizona Temporary Worker Program:
1. The program is contingent upon authorization by Congress for an Arizona-only, state-administered temporary worker program.
2. Employers who state that they have a labor shortage and are unable to find local workers with the skills needed will submit an application of request to the Arizona Industrial Commission, which will administer the program. The employers will pay an application fee. The fees will fund the administration of the program.
3. Only citizens of Mexico will be eligible for the program.
4. Employers will recruit workers in Mexico with the skills they need. Workers will submit applications, and photographs and fingerprints will be taken, at Arizona State Offices within Mexico. The employer will submit the names and background information to the Arizona Industrial Commission. The names will be criminal background checked by the Department of Public Safety in cooperation with federal agencies, and a criminal background check will be done in Mexico through agreements with the Department of Public Safety and the appropriate law enforcement agency in Mexico .
5. Tamper-proof Legal worker cards will be printed by the Arizona Department of Transportation and delivered to the requesting employers. A second fee may be charged for the cards. Employers will send their recruiting agents to Arizona State Offices within Mexico to deliver the cards to the selected workers. Employers are charged with verifying that the worker who is issued the card is the same person that submitted the application.
6. Legal workers possessing an Arizona Temporary worker card will be legally able to enter the United States through ports of entry on the Mexico border (upon authorization by Congress) and return through these ports.
7. The Arizona Temporary Worker legal identification card will allow a non-citizen from Mexico to work in ARIZONA ONLY. Employers are required to explain to the workers they recruit that the card does not allow them to work in any other state, and if they are absent from work their card will be revoked and reported to law enforcement authorities.
8. If a worker does not show up for work for fourteen days and the employer is unable to locate him or her, the employer is required to notify the Arizona Industrial Commission, and the Department will cancel the legal worker card and notify the Department of Public Safety that that person no longer has legal authorization to be in the United States. The Department of Public Safety will notify appropriate federal agencies. If the employer offers vacation time, the worker is required to provide an address where he or she will be located.
9. The Arizona Temporary Worker program cards will be issued for a two-year period and will be renewable if the employer files another verification of need and application for foreign labor.
10. The intent of the program is to recruit needed foreign labor from our neighboring country of Mexico. Many agriculture workers currently live in Mexico and work legally during the day in Arizona, returning to Mexico every night. The program is limited to Mexico because that country will be able to conduct a criminal background check within their boundaries and coordinate with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and appropriate federal officials.
11. Industries included in this program may include but are not limited to: agriculture and meat producing industries; hotel and hospitality industries; contractors, homebuilders and subcontractors such as roofing and landscaping; hospitals and nursing homes; and other businesses that are in need of foreign labor.
12. Temporary workers with a criminal record in the United States or in Mexico are ineligible from the program.
UPDATE: More details should be forthcoming after the bill sponsors hold their press conference Monday morning at 11:00 am on the Senate Lawn. Hopefully, they will make time for legislators, including myself, to ask questions. Please feel free to forward me your questions and concerns and I will attempt to garner additional information on both the intended and unintended consequences of the passage of this bill.
Elements of the Arizona Temporary Worker Program:
1. The program is contingent upon authorization by Congress for an Arizona-only, state-administered temporary worker program.
2. Employers who state that they have a labor shortage and are unable to find local workers with the skills needed will submit an application of request to the Arizona Industrial Commission, which will administer the program. The employers will pay an application fee. The fees will fund the administration of the program.
3. Only citizens of Mexico will be eligible for the program.
4. Employers will recruit workers in Mexico with the skills they need. Workers will submit applications, and photographs and fingerprints will be taken, at Arizona State Offices within Mexico. The employer will submit the names and background information to the Arizona Industrial Commission. The names will be criminal background checked by the Department of Public Safety in cooperation with federal agencies, and a criminal background check will be done in Mexico through agreements with the Department of Public Safety and the appropriate law enforcement agency in Mexico .
5. Tamper-proof Legal worker cards will be printed by the Arizona Department of Transportation and delivered to the requesting employers. A second fee may be charged for the cards. Employers will send their recruiting agents to Arizona State Offices within Mexico to deliver the cards to the selected workers. Employers are charged with verifying that the worker who is issued the card is the same person that submitted the application.
6. Legal workers possessing an Arizona Temporary worker card will be legally able to enter the United States through ports of entry on the Mexico border (upon authorization by Congress) and return through these ports.
7. The Arizona Temporary Worker legal identification card will allow a non-citizen from Mexico to work in ARIZONA ONLY. Employers are required to explain to the workers they recruit that the card does not allow them to work in any other state, and if they are absent from work their card will be revoked and reported to law enforcement authorities.
8. If a worker does not show up for work for fourteen days and the employer is unable to locate him or her, the employer is required to notify the Arizona Industrial Commission, and the Department will cancel the legal worker card and notify the Department of Public Safety that that person no longer has legal authorization to be in the United States. The Department of Public Safety will notify appropriate federal agencies. If the employer offers vacation time, the worker is required to provide an address where he or she will be located.
9. The Arizona Temporary Worker program cards will be issued for a two-year period and will be renewable if the employer files another verification of need and application for foreign labor.
10. The intent of the program is to recruit needed foreign labor from our neighboring country of Mexico. Many agriculture workers currently live in Mexico and work legally during the day in Arizona, returning to Mexico every night. The program is limited to Mexico because that country will be able to conduct a criminal background check within their boundaries and coordinate with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and appropriate federal officials.
11. Industries included in this program may include but are not limited to: agriculture and meat producing industries; hotel and hospitality industries; contractors, homebuilders and subcontractors such as roofing and landscaping; hospitals and nursing homes; and other businesses that are in need of foreign labor.
12. Temporary workers with a criminal record in the United States or in Mexico are ineligible from the program.
UPDATE: More details should be forthcoming after the bill sponsors hold their press conference Monday morning at 11:00 am on the Senate Lawn. Hopefully, they will make time for legislators, including myself, to ask questions. Please feel free to forward me your questions and concerns and I will attempt to garner additional information on both the intended and unintended consequences of the passage of this bill.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Growing Government
Over the past seven years, the state budget has increased 94%, while the population has only increased 24%. According to the Goldwater Institute and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, total state spending for fiscal year 2008, which began July 1, 2007 will be an estimated $27 billion – or $855 every second. This is one of the reasons, besides the steep economic decline, that the state is facing the current budget crisis today and, hopefully, explains my consistant opposition to the budgets presented the past three sessions.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Constituent Mail
Represenatives Biggs, Burges, and Groe,
Thank you so much for leading the way on HCM 2003 opposing a NORTH AMERICAN UNION.
You have reached the true meaning of a PATRIOT ...and know exactly what your job is...defending the sovereignty of the UNITED STATES.
You three are heroes.
In my own community of Douglas we are having issues with the port of entry. This port of entry that is really a NAFTA FREEWAY...is being built in the wrong place and will cause great traffic issues for our community. They have no evacuation plan in place and plan to put commercial traffic with the regular traffic..which is illegal but the report that the GOA OFFICE did...says differently.
Thank you!!
Thank you so much for leading the way on HCM 2003 opposing a NORTH AMERICAN UNION.
You have reached the true meaning of a PATRIOT ...and know exactly what your job is...defending the sovereignty of the UNITED STATES.
You three are heroes.
In my own community of Douglas we are having issues with the port of entry. This port of entry that is really a NAFTA FREEWAY...is being built in the wrong place and will cause great traffic issues for our community. They have no evacuation plan in place and plan to put commercial traffic with the regular traffic..which is illegal but the report that the GOA OFFICE did...says differently.
Thank you!!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
T.G.I.S.A.
Thank God it is Saturday afternoon!
I cannot describe how great it is to be vegging with my (World's Greatest) husband in front of the television, Tivo'd Friday Night Lights playing in the background, while I catch up on all of my blog reading & internet surfing.
This morning Frank & I attended the Lake Havasu Republican Forum. State Senator Ron Gould was there, petition in hand, talking about his proposed tax initiative (which I co-sponsored). Mohave County Public Defender Dana Hlavac spoke to a crowded room, explaining daily challenges he faces with case overloads and tight budget times, expounding on the dismal situation hinted at in the local media. Thank goodness the Mohave Board of Supervisors found additional funds to supplement the budget of the Public Defender's office. At the end of the forum, we took a poll on who we supported for the Presidential Primary; McCain won, then Romney followed by Huckabee.
Friday afternoon, on the way home to Lake Havasu from Phoenix I stopped in Parker to meet with Lori Wedemeyer, Parker Town Manager and several council members who graciously took time out of their day. It was a long-overdo face to face to discuss upcoming and alarming state budget cuts that have the potential to cripple cities and counties as the Legislature mulls raiding designated funds such as SLIF (State Lake Improvement Funds), HURF (Highway User Revenue Funds), and State Shared Revenue. I pledged to do all that I can to maintain the integrity of these funds though the battle will be bloody. The meeting ended with an invitation from the Parker officials to join in all of the activities slated to celebrate Parker's 100 Year Anniversary. There is a parade so you know we will be there...Frank loves driving and all of the free candy!
Before arriving at the homestead we stopped off at the Aquatic Center to cast our vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. As much as I am thankful for the opportunity to vote early, I will miss going to the polls on Tuesday, the day of the election. The privilege of voting, the tradition of of voting on election day, the freedom to vote...all make me rejoice...my heart sing. What an awesome place in which we live!
Tonight is a spaghetti fundraising dinner for one of the local schools so we are off to help the school by expanding our waistline. We are always ready to do our part when it comes to food! I am looking forward to seeing some familar faces, friends we dearly miss most January through June when session keeps us in Phoenix.
P.S.
Hello to my wonderful Gram in snowy Illinois, who reads this blog despite all of the dry political posts...hello, hello, I love and miss you!
I cannot describe how great it is to be vegging with my (World's Greatest) husband in front of the television, Tivo'd Friday Night Lights playing in the background, while I catch up on all of my blog reading & internet surfing.
This morning Frank & I attended the Lake Havasu Republican Forum. State Senator Ron Gould was there, petition in hand, talking about his proposed tax initiative (which I co-sponsored). Mohave County Public Defender Dana Hlavac spoke to a crowded room, explaining daily challenges he faces with case overloads and tight budget times, expounding on the dismal situation hinted at in the local media. Thank goodness the Mohave Board of Supervisors found additional funds to supplement the budget of the Public Defender's office. At the end of the forum, we took a poll on who we supported for the Presidential Primary; McCain won, then Romney followed by Huckabee.
Friday afternoon, on the way home to Lake Havasu from Phoenix I stopped in Parker to meet with Lori Wedemeyer, Parker Town Manager and several council members who graciously took time out of their day. It was a long-overdo face to face to discuss upcoming and alarming state budget cuts that have the potential to cripple cities and counties as the Legislature mulls raiding designated funds such as SLIF (State Lake Improvement Funds), HURF (Highway User Revenue Funds), and State Shared Revenue. I pledged to do all that I can to maintain the integrity of these funds though the battle will be bloody. The meeting ended with an invitation from the Parker officials to join in all of the activities slated to celebrate Parker's 100 Year Anniversary. There is a parade so you know we will be there...Frank loves driving and all of the free candy!
Before arriving at the homestead we stopped off at the Aquatic Center to cast our vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. As much as I am thankful for the opportunity to vote early, I will miss going to the polls on Tuesday, the day of the election. The privilege of voting, the tradition of of voting on election day, the freedom to vote...all make me rejoice...my heart sing. What an awesome place in which we live!
Tonight is a spaghetti fundraising dinner for one of the local schools so we are off to help the school by expanding our waistline. We are always ready to do our part when it comes to food! I am looking forward to seeing some familar faces, friends we dearly miss most January through June when session keeps us in Phoenix.
P.S.
Hello to my wonderful Gram in snowy Illinois, who reads this blog despite all of the dry political posts...hello, hello, I love and miss you!
Walker takes ELL program concerns to McLain, Groe
Last week I met with Page Unified School District superintendent Jim Walker, in addition to Superintendent Maurice Flores and Assistant Superintendent Betsy Parker from the Kingman Unified School District to listen to their concerns regarding the English Language Learner program and the costs to implement the program in their schools.
Last year the Legislature passed a bill (the Governor did not sign the bill but did allow it to go into law) that created an ELL task force, giving them instruction to create 4 ELL teaching models allowing school districts to choose the model to best fit each district in order to preserve local control. The bill also allowed the districts to design their own model and submit it for approval if preferred. Apparently the task force has designed only one model to date and this is not working. Wonder of all wonders. I appreciate the superintendents making the trip to Phoenix, coming forward and bringing this problem to my attention.
This next week I will be meeting with the House Majority Education Analyst, in addition to members of the Education Committee and representatives from the Department of Education in order to gather additional information on this issue and attempt to find out why the ELL task force did not comply with the instruction from the state legislature.
Last year the Legislature passed a bill (the Governor did not sign the bill but did allow it to go into law) that created an ELL task force, giving them instruction to create 4 ELL teaching models allowing school districts to choose the model to best fit each district in order to preserve local control. The bill also allowed the districts to design their own model and submit it for approval if preferred. Apparently the task force has designed only one model to date and this is not working. Wonder of all wonders. I appreciate the superintendents making the trip to Phoenix, coming forward and bringing this problem to my attention.
This next week I will be meeting with the House Majority Education Analyst, in addition to members of the Education Committee and representatives from the Department of Education in order to gather additional information on this issue and attempt to find out why the ELL task force did not comply with the instruction from the state legislature.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
HB2132 ~ Water Legislation ~ Committee Voting Next Week
Mohave County Water Authority proposed water legislation is schedule to be heard in the Water and Agriculture Committee next Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 9:30 am. Please go to http://www.blogger.com/www.azleg.gov to log on in support of this important piece of Colorado River water legislation sponsored by Representative Nancy McLain and myself.
THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH
Robert Robb hits the nail on the head with his article in the Repugnant about the ugly truth of the budget process at the state capitol. Members of the House Appropriations Committee are being told that the FY08 budget cut negotiations are pretty much a done deal and we should now turn our focus to FY09. Representative Russell Pearce, Chairman of House Appropriations is fighting to bring the budget process back into the Appropriations, as he has every year but, in my opinion, faces an uphill battle. Pearce is not known to back down and with Approps members behind him perhaps leadership in both the House and Sentate will get the message.
HOOVER DAM BYPASS WEBSITE
I receieve many inquiries regarding the scheduled completion of the long-awaited Hoover Dam bypass and have found the Hoover Dam Bypass Website a useful source of a information from the construction schedule to answers to frequently asked questions. The site is updated often and I encourage you to visit, if only to view the photos documenting the construction progress.
CHILD WELFARE SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, February 28, 2008
11:30am to 2pm
Phoenix Airport Marriott,
1101 N 44th St in Phoenix (just north of 'the 202').
Tickets are just $25 and includes materials and a plated lunch.
Click here to register on-line <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/NdeNJ-K1_zaA/> OR download a registration form <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/M7eNJ-K1_zaS/> .
Approximately 32,000 children are enrolled in the state's behavorial health system and a majority of youth involved with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are diagnosed with severe emotional and mental health problems. The issue of behavorial health is a significant issue impacting Arizona's vulnerable children.
Please join us to learn more about Effective Strategies for Improving Children's Behavioral Health with Knute Rotto, CEO of Choices, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in the area of behavioral health.
11:30am to 2pm
Phoenix Airport Marriott,
1101 N 44th St in Phoenix (just north of 'the 202').
Tickets are just $25 and includes materials and a plated lunch.
Click here to register on-line <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/NdeNJ-K1_zaA/> OR download a registration form <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/M7eNJ-K1_zaS/> .
Approximately 32,000 children are enrolled in the state's behavorial health system and a majority of youth involved with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are diagnosed with severe emotional and mental health problems. The issue of behavorial health is a significant issue impacting Arizona's vulnerable children.
Please join us to learn more about Effective Strategies for Improving Children's Behavioral Health with Knute Rotto, CEO of Choices, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in the area of behavioral health.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Photo Radar Fiasco
589 photo radar tickets dismissed due to a malfunctioning sensor! This announcement comes as the Governor reveals that she plans to use additional photo radar cameras as a yearly 90 million dollar revenue generator.
What say you?
What say you?
Bill to Add "Teeth" to the Employer Sanctions Law
DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE BILL – EMPLOYMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS:
1. Criminal penalties added for document fraud in employment verification. Penalizes the giving, accepting or trafficking in fraudulent documents for employment verification (“I-9”) purposes to obtain or continue employment.
2. Treatment of “independent contractors” made consistent with federal law. Clarifies the treatment of independent contractors so it is the independent contractor (and not the person using the contract labor) who is liable unless the person using the contract labor knows the independent contractor employees are unauthorized aliens.
3. Definition of “employee” clarified. Clarifies the definition of “employee” to conform more closely to federal law by deleting the ambiguous phrase “employment relationship” and replacing it with “a person who provides services or labor for an employer in this state for wages or other remuneration.”
4. Mandatory investigation limited to written complaints only, but annoymous complaints are acceptable. Limits the requirement for mandatory investigations to those filed on a written complaint form prescribed by the Attorney General. The uniform complaint form cannot require notarization or the complainant’s social security number. Verbal complaints (including anonymous complaints) may, be investigated. The county sheriff or local law enforcement has authority to investigate complaints and assist the County Attorney's in each county. Also they have the 250 officers and resources of GIITEM to assist them if they request.
5. Anti-discrimination clause added. Prohibits the Attorney General or county attorney from investigating complaints based solely on race, color or national origin. (actually already clear in law)
6. Licensing sanctions more location-specific. Clarifies that the licensing sanction provisions apply to licenses held by the employer “specific to the business location where the unauthorized alien performed work.” In addition, the first and second violation provisions are clarified to ensure they are even more location-specific.
7. Drafting error corrected. Corrects the mistaken federal statutory reference in the I-9 affirmative defense section from 8 U.S.C. § 1324b to 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(b).
8. Affirmative defense for innocent mistakes in the I-9 process added for employers. Clarifies that an employer does not lose his affirmative defense if the employer has an “isolated, sporadic or accidental technical or procedural failure” to comply with the federal I-9 employment verification procedures, if made in a good faith attempt to comply with those requirements, that is to take care of honest mistakes as if forgetting to check a box.
9. Treble civil penalties added for employers who pay employees cash “under the table” illegally. Adds treble civil penalties for employers of two or more employees who pay hourly wages or salary by cash without complying with applicable income tax, employer recordkeeping, workers’ compensation and unemployment tax laws.
10. Government agencies prohibited from issuing or renewing licenses to applicants who are unauthorized aliens. Requires State, county and local agencies to verify that an applicant is lawfully present in the United States prior to issuing or renewing a license.
11. Other technical and minor changes made, including changing the title of the “Basic Pilot Program” to “E-Verify” to reflect the recent federal name change.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS:
1. Criminal penalties added for document fraud in employment verification. Penalizes the giving, accepting or trafficking in fraudulent documents for employment verification (“I-9”) purposes to obtain or continue employment.
2. Treatment of “independent contractors” made consistent with federal law. Clarifies the treatment of independent contractors so it is the independent contractor (and not the person using the contract labor) who is liable unless the person using the contract labor knows the independent contractor employees are unauthorized aliens.
3. Definition of “employee” clarified. Clarifies the definition of “employee” to conform more closely to federal law by deleting the ambiguous phrase “employment relationship” and replacing it with “a person who provides services or labor for an employer in this state for wages or other remuneration.”
4. Mandatory investigation limited to written complaints only, but annoymous complaints are acceptable. Limits the requirement for mandatory investigations to those filed on a written complaint form prescribed by the Attorney General. The uniform complaint form cannot require notarization or the complainant’s social security number. Verbal complaints (including anonymous complaints) may, be investigated. The county sheriff or local law enforcement has authority to investigate complaints and assist the County Attorney's in each county. Also they have the 250 officers and resources of GIITEM to assist them if they request.
5. Anti-discrimination clause added. Prohibits the Attorney General or county attorney from investigating complaints based solely on race, color or national origin. (actually already clear in law)
6. Licensing sanctions more location-specific. Clarifies that the licensing sanction provisions apply to licenses held by the employer “specific to the business location where the unauthorized alien performed work.” In addition, the first and second violation provisions are clarified to ensure they are even more location-specific.
7. Drafting error corrected. Corrects the mistaken federal statutory reference in the I-9 affirmative defense section from 8 U.S.C. § 1324b to 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(b).
8. Affirmative defense for innocent mistakes in the I-9 process added for employers. Clarifies that an employer does not lose his affirmative defense if the employer has an “isolated, sporadic or accidental technical or procedural failure” to comply with the federal I-9 employment verification procedures, if made in a good faith attempt to comply with those requirements, that is to take care of honest mistakes as if forgetting to check a box.
9. Treble civil penalties added for employers who pay employees cash “under the table” illegally. Adds treble civil penalties for employers of two or more employees who pay hourly wages or salary by cash without complying with applicable income tax, employer recordkeeping, workers’ compensation and unemployment tax laws.
10. Government agencies prohibited from issuing or renewing licenses to applicants who are unauthorized aliens. Requires State, county and local agencies to verify that an applicant is lawfully present in the United States prior to issuing or renewing a license.
11. Other technical and minor changes made, including changing the title of the “Basic Pilot Program” to “E-Verify” to reflect the recent federal name change.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
District II Lincoln Day Dinner Update
Mohave County Republican Committee
District II Lincoln Day Dinner
Saturday, February 9th
Laughlin Ranch
Bullhead City, Arzona
6:00 ~ Cocktails
6:30 ~ Dinner
Tickets $35.00 per person
Keynote Speaker:
Arizona State Representative Kirk Adams
For information on Rep. Kirk Adams click on the link below.
Monday, January 28, 2008
How to Track a Bill
Howard Fischer has a decent article in the East Valley Tribune on how to track a bill through the legislative process using the legislative website at http://www.azleg.gov/
Constituent Mail
I love hearing from my constituents and make it a practice to read and answer emails that are sent to my legislative email address from the folks in District III. (Form emails, up to 400 at a time clogging my inbox, go unanswered.) Most emails contain requests for assistance and I am glad to help if I can and if I cannot, I try to provide the name and number of someone who can. Many emails contain comments and perspective on a particular bill that assist me in shaping an opinion on that proposed legislation. And then there are some like this....
The United States is a socialist country and uses national socialism through a 2 way lobotomy (low band width programmer) bug in planted secretly after birth in the forehead sinus cavity to provide for profiled pacification and the direct control needed to run all of the activity used to drive the agendas of the political parties plus the control is used to psychologically condition the citizens so it’s effects cannot be undone while their educations are crippled to deny them the ability to defend themselves or retaliate outside of the pre-set stages of the government used to control damage so that a new approach can be used.
The United States is a socialist country and uses national socialism through a 2 way lobotomy (low band width programmer) bug in planted secretly after birth in the forehead sinus cavity to provide for profiled pacification and the direct control needed to run all of the activity used to drive the agendas of the political parties plus the control is used to psychologically condition the citizens so it’s effects cannot be undone while their educations are crippled to deny them the ability to defend themselves or retaliate outside of the pre-set stages of the government used to control damage so that a new approach can be used.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
