NOTE: Since Frank and I have been spending more time at home, we have noticed an increase in telemarketing calls. I thought it time to reregister our numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. Any new numbers registered will not expire due to federal legislation that went into effect in February of this year.
From the website:
"The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free."
Friday, May 30, 2008
Mercy and Grace ~ Another Great Example of Good in this World
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- "It will take thousands of dollars and several surgeries to reconstruct a local man's face. James O'Neal compares himself to the Elephant Man. A genetic disease left his face horribly disfigured, but that could soon change. O'Neal knows his deformity shocks people. He knows others with the same genetic disorder would rather hide than work, but for 7 years James has proudly worked the registers at the Kingsgate Safeway..."
This is a must-read inspirational true story of a brave man, determined woman and the power of Mercy and Grace! Kudos to Safeway and Kinkos for taking part in this grassroots effort to make a difference in a life of one in need.!
A Message From State Representative Russell Pearce
Avoiding Arizona’s Fiscal Train Wreck
By Bob Burns and Russell Pearce
Arizona has the largest budget deficit in the country, and the growing gap between state tax revenues and projected spending will soon force the state government into a gigantic fiscal train wreck.
For Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on July 1, Gov. Janet Napolitano and the liberal majority in the Legislature want to spend $11.4 billion. The amount of tax revenue available to spend is $9.4 billion. That leaves a gap of $2.0 billion.
The Governor has proposed a variety of approaches to the deficit, including a $500 million increase in unconstitutional debt, a $90 million increase in traffic-camera fines, and a $60 million shift in prison burdens to Arizona counties.
Combined with a $300 million K-12 rollover and a $200 million payment from the Rainy Day Fund, her approaches would reduce the deficit by roughly $1.2 billion—still nearly a billion dollars short of closing the gap. In the real world, there are only three possible solutions to the deficit:
1) Raise taxes.
This is the worst option. Arizona families and businesses already labor under heavy tax burdens, and a recession is a bad time to make those burdens worse. Even so, the Governor has already proposed increasing state property taxes by $250 million, and is heading up an effort (the TIME Coalition) to increase state sales taxes by 18 percent.
2) Increase (unconstitutional) debt.
This is another bad option. Increasing debt usually means increasing future taxes. Further, the debt service payments required for the Governor’s proposed debt schemes would soon be over $200 million a year—meaning that the fiscal holes in 2010 and beyond would be that much deeper. To climb out of those holes, Arizona would have to see spectacular economic growth, with revenue growth of over 15 percent per year for three years in a row.
3) Reduce spending.
According to the Governor’s budget office, state government spending now consumes 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—more than it has at any time since 1980. Our proposal is to reducing spending to more reasonable levels.
We have identified more than $1.5 billion in reductions to state agencies. Combined with the K-12 rollover and a payment from the Rainy Day Fund, those reductions would balance the budget without increasing debt or taxes.
Although it sounds like a lot, $1.5 billion in operating budget reductions to the Executive’s request would take us back to the overall spending levels we had in FY 2007—not exactly the end of the world. Government spending as a portion of the state economy would still be larger than it was in FY 2003, before the Governor and Legislature went on a five-year spending binge.
Further, many of the agency reductions we propose could be avoided if a majority in the Legislature would refer to the November ballot a measure (HCR 2044) by which the voters could give the Legislature emergency discretion to temporarily suspend voter-protected spending mandates. As it is, much of the state budget is on autopilot, with automatic spending increases of over $500 million a year.
Sadly, there may not be enough fiscal conservatives in the Legislature to get $1.8 billion in spending reductions to the Governor’s desk, or to refer HCR 2044 to the ballot. That means large increases in unconstitutional debt. And, if the fiscal train really goes off the tracks, it could mean large tax increases and heavy long-term damage to our economy.
As Americans for Prosperity (http://www.aztaxpayers.org/) has explained, the only good card fiscal conservatives hold in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. With strong grassroots pressure on liberal legislators from both parties, the Legislature would be able to bargain harder with the Governor for spending reductions and refer HCR 2044 to the ballot.
To avoid future fiscal train wrecks, voters must enact a firm constitutional spending limit that will keep the government from growing faster than the economy. As the current train wreck shows, the Governor and the liberal majority in the Legislature simply do not have the will to restrain themselves when it comes to spending our tax dollars.
Rep. Russell Pearce (R-Mesa) is the Appropriations Chairman of the Arizona House of Representative, Sen. Bob Burns (R-Peoria) is the Appropriations Chairman of the Arizona Senate.
By Bob Burns and Russell Pearce
Arizona has the largest budget deficit in the country, and the growing gap between state tax revenues and projected spending will soon force the state government into a gigantic fiscal train wreck.
For Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on July 1, Gov. Janet Napolitano and the liberal majority in the Legislature want to spend $11.4 billion. The amount of tax revenue available to spend is $9.4 billion. That leaves a gap of $2.0 billion.
The Governor has proposed a variety of approaches to the deficit, including a $500 million increase in unconstitutional debt, a $90 million increase in traffic-camera fines, and a $60 million shift in prison burdens to Arizona counties.
Combined with a $300 million K-12 rollover and a $200 million payment from the Rainy Day Fund, her approaches would reduce the deficit by roughly $1.2 billion—still nearly a billion dollars short of closing the gap. In the real world, there are only three possible solutions to the deficit:
1) Raise taxes.
This is the worst option. Arizona families and businesses already labor under heavy tax burdens, and a recession is a bad time to make those burdens worse. Even so, the Governor has already proposed increasing state property taxes by $250 million, and is heading up an effort (the TIME Coalition) to increase state sales taxes by 18 percent.
2) Increase (unconstitutional) debt.
This is another bad option. Increasing debt usually means increasing future taxes. Further, the debt service payments required for the Governor’s proposed debt schemes would soon be over $200 million a year—meaning that the fiscal holes in 2010 and beyond would be that much deeper. To climb out of those holes, Arizona would have to see spectacular economic growth, with revenue growth of over 15 percent per year for three years in a row.
3) Reduce spending.
According to the Governor’s budget office, state government spending now consumes 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—more than it has at any time since 1980. Our proposal is to reducing spending to more reasonable levels.
We have identified more than $1.5 billion in reductions to state agencies. Combined with the K-12 rollover and a payment from the Rainy Day Fund, those reductions would balance the budget without increasing debt or taxes.
Although it sounds like a lot, $1.5 billion in operating budget reductions to the Executive’s request would take us back to the overall spending levels we had in FY 2007—not exactly the end of the world. Government spending as a portion of the state economy would still be larger than it was in FY 2003, before the Governor and Legislature went on a five-year spending binge.
Further, many of the agency reductions we propose could be avoided if a majority in the Legislature would refer to the November ballot a measure (HCR 2044) by which the voters could give the Legislature emergency discretion to temporarily suspend voter-protected spending mandates. As it is, much of the state budget is on autopilot, with automatic spending increases of over $500 million a year.
Sadly, there may not be enough fiscal conservatives in the Legislature to get $1.8 billion in spending reductions to the Governor’s desk, or to refer HCR 2044 to the ballot. That means large increases in unconstitutional debt. And, if the fiscal train really goes off the tracks, it could mean large tax increases and heavy long-term damage to our economy.
As Americans for Prosperity (http://www.aztaxpayers.org/) has explained, the only good card fiscal conservatives hold in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. With strong grassroots pressure on liberal legislators from both parties, the Legislature would be able to bargain harder with the Governor for spending reductions and refer HCR 2044 to the ballot.
To avoid future fiscal train wrecks, voters must enact a firm constitutional spending limit that will keep the government from growing faster than the economy. As the current train wreck shows, the Governor and the liberal majority in the Legislature simply do not have the will to restrain themselves when it comes to spending our tax dollars.
Rep. Russell Pearce (R-Mesa) is the Appropriations Chairman of the Arizona House of Representative, Sen. Bob Burns (R-Peoria) is the Appropriations Chairman of the Arizona Senate.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Action Alert: Your Help Needed
Firefighter Events is excited to announce that a portion of the ticket sales for their 2008 Yamaha Waverunner raffle will be allocated to assist Seth Kemp, a 10-year-old Lake Havasu City boy diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.
The raffle will be done in conjunction with the 8th Annual Firefighter Regatta & Poker Run weekend in Lake Havasu City, AZ. With three prizes offered, the winning ticket(s) will be drawn Saturday June 7th at 9 p.m. in the Nautical Inn Convention Center.
For more information you can contact Mike Kemp at 928-208-5759
Tickets are limited with only 500 available and the winner need NOT be present to win so don't miss out. Proceeds benefit various charities supported by Firefighter Events with the majority of proceeds going to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
PICK UP LOCATIONS: Stop by the locations listed below to purchase your ticket:
Walt's Motorsports & Marine 1551 S. Palo Verde- LHC
Car Toyz 512 N. Lake Havasu Ave.- LHC
For a purchase of a ticket you can get three chances of winning:
The raffle will be done in conjunction with the 8th Annual Firefighter Regatta & Poker Run weekend in Lake Havasu City, AZ. With three prizes offered, the winning ticket(s) will be drawn Saturday June 7th at 9 p.m. in the Nautical Inn Convention Center.
For more information you can contact Mike Kemp at 928-208-5759
Tickets are limited with only 500 available and the winner need NOT be present to win so don't miss out. Proceeds benefit various charities supported by Firefighter Events with the majority of proceeds going to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
PICK UP LOCATIONS: Stop by the locations listed below to purchase your ticket:
Walt's Motorsports & Marine 1551 S. Palo Verde- LHC
Car Toyz 512 N. Lake Havasu Ave.- LHC
For a purchase of a ticket you can get three chances of winning:
- the Wave-runner,
- a big screen TV (size 32" or bigger, but to be determined later)
- a trip to Havasu (it will include a hotel stay, dinner and a gas card).
14 Months Sober!
Today makes 14 months sober! I thank my God, my husband, my family and friends for their prayers, frustration, fury, and forgiveness. I thank my supporters for their mercy and their grace.
Luke 24:47
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
Luke 24:47
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
Catching Up ~ Abeit Briefly
Just a short post for now as I am, as they say in the South, "plum tuckered out". It has been a long day of signature gathering capped off by a farewell party for local radio-show host Steve Cleverly given to him by his friends at the radio station. Steve is an intelligent man, a fair interviewer, and a friend. I will miss his questions, his insight, and point of view. I wish him and his beautiful and classy wife well on their next endeavor.
Between signature gathering stops I did visit Lake Havasu City Hall to see Charlie Cassens and catch him up on all that is happening (and not happening) with proceedings in Phoenix. Charlie is great about passing word to our local officials and then onto Kingman and Bullhead City and I appreciate the job that he performs. I do not know if he gets recognition for his services to the citizens of Lake Havasu though he surely deserves some.
Though I am thankful for the extra day off from the legislature and put it to good use by visiting local business owners, saying hello to sorely missed friends, I do regret the decision of House and Senate Leadership to adjourn until Monday. The adjournment does provide them with time to meet with the Governor's staff and hammer out key budget proposals, though but to me, it does not pass the "smell-test".
On Wednesday I did participate in a small budget meeting held by House leadership Boone and McComish and will post about the discussion that took place in my next post but for now I must return some work-related emails before calling it a day. Tomorrow morning is the sunrise Chamber mixer at La Fiesta on McCulloch Blvd. in Lake Havasu and I plan to be there to welcome the morning with some long-lost friends.
Arrivederci ;)
Between signature gathering stops I did visit Lake Havasu City Hall to see Charlie Cassens and catch him up on all that is happening (and not happening) with proceedings in Phoenix. Charlie is great about passing word to our local officials and then onto Kingman and Bullhead City and I appreciate the job that he performs. I do not know if he gets recognition for his services to the citizens of Lake Havasu though he surely deserves some.
Though I am thankful for the extra day off from the legislature and put it to good use by visiting local business owners, saying hello to sorely missed friends, I do regret the decision of House and Senate Leadership to adjourn until Monday. The adjournment does provide them with time to meet with the Governor's staff and hammer out key budget proposals, though but to me, it does not pass the "smell-test".
On Wednesday I did participate in a small budget meeting held by House leadership Boone and McComish and will post about the discussion that took place in my next post but for now I must return some work-related emails before calling it a day. Tomorrow morning is the sunrise Chamber mixer at La Fiesta on McCulloch Blvd. in Lake Havasu and I plan to be there to welcome the morning with some long-lost friends.
Arrivederci ;)
Court: Polygamist Sect Children Should Be Returned to Parents
"The Third Court of Appeals in Austin ruled last week that the state failed to show that any more than five of the teenage girls were being sexually abused, and had offered no evidence of sexual or physical abuse against the other children."
Mohave Republican Forum Meeting
5:30 Dinner Meeting
Kingman Elk's Club
Tuesday, June 10th
SPEAKERS: Mohave County Sheriff Candidates, Sheriff Tom Sheahan & Challenger Ron Weaver, in addition to Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith, who is seeking re-election.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Donna at 692-9872, or Laurie at 753-5581.
Kingman Elk's Club
Tuesday, June 10th
SPEAKERS: Mohave County Sheriff Candidates, Sheriff Tom Sheahan & Challenger Ron Weaver, in addition to Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith, who is seeking re-election.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Donna at 692-9872, or Laurie at 753-5581.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Awakening: Here We Go
Many of you so faithfully prayed for my sister (and her husband) when she was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. Precious little baby boy had some heart problems and was with us only four short months after being born. His beautiful sister just turned two. Praise God! Well, as the title of my brother-in-law's post says it all and I am asking for your faithful prayers again.
UPDATE: My sister and her husband are expecting! Praise God!!!!
Good Friends, Good Times
Senator Gould's oldest son got married a couple weeks ago and these are just some of the beautiful pictures of the wedding held at Calvary Baptist Church here in Lake Havasu. The reception was held at Shugrue's Bridgeview Room which is the same place Frank and I got married. The first photo was taken right outside Shugrue's on their lush lawn, almost under the famous London Bridge. Congratulations to Senator Gould and the entire Gould family!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Subway sandwich contest: Homeschoolers not wanted
"Subway, the sandwich restaurant, wants to hear your child's story – unless he or she is homeschooled."
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the Untied (sic) States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.
Subway's website promotion not only misspells "United" States, but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the Untied (sic) States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.
Subway's website promotion not only misspells "United" States, but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."
Memorial Day
" 'Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.' "
— John 15:13
Today I give thanks to all of the brave men and women who have fought and those who continue to fight for our country.
— John 15:13
Today I give thanks to all of the brave men and women who have fought and those who continue to fight for our country.
Global Warming's New 'Consensus' - Opinion
"The Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine this week announced that 31,072 U.S. scientists signed a petition stating that '… There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane or other greenhouse gases is causing, or will cause in the future, catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of the Earth’s climate...'"
Legislators Need Fix for Budget Crisis
PHOENIX (AP) - Four months after starting their 2008 regular session back in January, Arizona legislators will return from the holiday weekend with plenty of work still on their plate.
Topping the to-do list: a new state budget, one that somehow erases $2 billion in red ink projected for what could be a $10 billion spending plan for the 2008-09 fiscal year that begins July 1.
Other topics awaiting action include meaty proposals on guest workers, child protection, gay marriage, drunken driving and a proposed rock 'n' roll theme park.
Topping the to-do list: a new state budget, one that somehow erases $2 billion in red ink projected for what could be a $10 billion spending plan for the 2008-09 fiscal year that begins July 1.
Other topics awaiting action include meaty proposals on guest workers, child protection, gay marriage, drunken driving and a proposed rock 'n' roll theme park.
From the Detriot Free Press
"Janet Napolitano Another tough, Democratic woman in a Republican state, the Arizona governor, 50, won re-election in 2006 with 70% of the vote. Weathered criticism for vetoing tough anti-illegal immigration bills and proactively launched a state discount program for prescription drugs. But this maverick also has described Washington as a place where good ideas go to die."
Sunday, May 25, 2008
FreeRice
FreeRice has two goals:
1 Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
2 Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
1 Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
2 Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
Say Nice Things About McCain, Earn “Points”
Points for praise...? Wish I'd thought of that, I say to myself with just a touch of snark.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Woman Wakes After Heart Stopped, Rigor Mortis Set In
Read this FOX NEWS article about a recent medical mystery/miracle involving 59 year old Val Thomas and hear why she states, “I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m sure he’ll tell me.”
Timothy Lynch on Child Removal on National Review Online
"Protection Racket ~ They didn’t do it for the children"
By Timothy Lynch
Court proceedings are underway in Texas to sort out the controversial seizure of 465 children from the religious sect near Eldorado. A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that Texas’s Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to justify the seizure of the very young children and teenage boys. The Court said there was simply “no evidence” of immediate danger to them. More legal challenges are expected to follow."
Click the title of this post to view entire article.
By Timothy Lynch
Court proceedings are underway in Texas to sort out the controversial seizure of 465 children from the religious sect near Eldorado. A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that Texas’s Child Protective Services (CPS) failed to justify the seizure of the very young children and teenage boys. The Court said there was simply “no evidence” of immediate danger to them. More legal challenges are expected to follow."
Click the title of this post to view entire article.
Signature Count
Since the weather is dismal this weekend, our Signature Walk is postponed until next week. Though I really needed to be door knocking this weekend, it is difficult to complain about the rain and change of weather.
I have just over 300 signatures and need at least 440 to assure my name is on the ballot. We are getting there...slowly but surely. I do appreciate everyone's assistance...your support and encouragement is a tremendous gift to me!
Since the deadline for turning the signatures into the Secretary of State's office is fast approaching (June 4th) please return any signed petitions to me as soon as you can. Either put them in the mail or call my house (928) 855-5413 to arrange for pick-up.
Again, every signature counts so don't feel bad if you have a petition that only has one or two names!
With much respect,
RepGroe
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Cato-at-liberty » Give the People What They Want
Author Chris Edwards states, "Part of the trick is that members (Congressional members)always claim that they support budget restraint in general, while arguing at the same time that each particular program, when it is up for a vote, desperately needs to be expanded."
I find that this is true at the state level also, even among my Republican colleagues. Everyone wants to cut programs...with the exception of their own pet project.
To address this problem, Edwards suggests putting a cap on the amount of annual growth of the Federal (or State) budget. I have actually sponsored legislation to address this issue at the state level and it has been met with much resistance from the usual special interest groups. As the old saying goes, "Maybe next year."
I find that this is true at the state level also, even among my Republican colleagues. Everyone wants to cut programs...with the exception of their own pet project.
To address this problem, Edwards suggests putting a cap on the amount of annual growth of the Federal (or State) budget. I have actually sponsored legislation to address this issue at the state level and it has been met with much resistance from the usual special interest groups. As the old saying goes, "Maybe next year."
A Discussion with Senator Gould, Foe of Guest-Worker Bill
Senator Gould, never one to mince words, is featured in today's addition of the Repugnant. He points out some of the numerous flaws with the proposal (HCM 2012) and discusses his amendments.
The following Republicans have signed on as sponsors of this measure:
BURNS J
HERSHBERGER
MASON
FLAKE
O'HALLERAN
CRANDALL
MCLAIN
REAGAN
KONOPNICKI
The following Republicans have signed on as sponsors of this measure:
BURNS J
HERSHBERGER
MASON
FLAKE
O'HALLERAN
CRANDALL
MCLAIN
REAGAN
KONOPNICKI
Straight Shoot'n from RepGroe
Good Wednesday Afternoon!
Well, my decision to stay in town versus attending the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon this afternoon was the correct decision, as it turns out. Jodi Jerich, the Speaker's Chief of Staff called me last night, inquiring of my plans for today. It turns out that because of the many absences of House members some important legislation was either being held or had failed to pass initially and my attendance was needed today.
Today was a day where we actually did some good on behalf of the Arizona citizen! The House of Representatives approved three bills that expand the rights of gun owners and I voted in support of all three proposals.
The first measure (HB2629) would allow a person to defensively display a firearm if threatened. The Senate already voted on this proposal so now it is transmitted to the Governor. This is a bill that she will most likely veto. Call the Governor's office if this is a concept that you support.
The second bill (SB1070) allows firearms-safety training courses to be taught by NRA instructors certified in pistol and personal protection and allows said courses to be used to obtain a concealed-weapons permit . This bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and upon its passage proceeds to the Governor.
The last gun-related bill (SB1106) allows the holder of a concealed-weapons permit to apply for a lifetime permit. Currently, the law requires such permits to be renewed every five years. This bill now goes to the Governor. I am unsure of how the Governor will respond to this bill but the majority of the Democrats did not like this bill so I urge a call to the 9th Floor on this bill also.
The Governor's contact information, for your convenience, is listed below.
Governor Janet Napolitano
Telephone: (602) 542-1318
Toll Free 1(800) 253-0883Fax: (602) 542-1381
E-mail address: azgov@az.gov
Well, my decision to stay in town versus attending the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon this afternoon was the correct decision, as it turns out. Jodi Jerich, the Speaker's Chief of Staff called me last night, inquiring of my plans for today. It turns out that because of the many absences of House members some important legislation was either being held or had failed to pass initially and my attendance was needed today.
Today was a day where we actually did some good on behalf of the Arizona citizen! The House of Representatives approved three bills that expand the rights of gun owners and I voted in support of all three proposals.
The first measure (HB2629) would allow a person to defensively display a firearm if threatened. The Senate already voted on this proposal so now it is transmitted to the Governor. This is a bill that she will most likely veto. Call the Governor's office if this is a concept that you support.
The second bill (SB1070) allows firearms-safety training courses to be taught by NRA instructors certified in pistol and personal protection and allows said courses to be used to obtain a concealed-weapons permit . This bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and upon its passage proceeds to the Governor.
The last gun-related bill (SB1106) allows the holder of a concealed-weapons permit to apply for a lifetime permit. Currently, the law requires such permits to be renewed every five years. This bill now goes to the Governor. I am unsure of how the Governor will respond to this bill but the majority of the Democrats did not like this bill so I urge a call to the 9th Floor on this bill also.
The Governor's contact information, for your convenience, is listed below.
Governor Janet Napolitano
Telephone: (602) 542-1318
Toll Free 1(800) 253-0883Fax: (602) 542-1381
E-mail address: azgov@az.gov
A Message From Russell Pearce
Above: One of the signs we encountered after our trip to the Arizona-Mexico Border.
Below: State Rep. Trish Groe talks to Republican Women on the floor of the House.
Can I call on you to help with getting signatures for Arizona State Representative Trish Groe this Saturday, May 24th? We must turn them in by June 4th.
Trish has been a solid Patriot and supported every single issue, assisting the Minutemen and addressing the illegal alien problem. She has been a stalwart on our issues, such as private property rights, 2nd amendment rights, national security issues, and securing the border. She went to the border with me on April 1st, 2005 for the original Minutemen big kick off.
We need Trish back at the Capitol...she needs your support to get there!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Disloyal Opposition: You mean you're not underage?
Interesting post on the Government vs FLDS situation in Texas...
read the post; share your comments...
read the post; share your comments...
Campus-gun bill dies in Senate
"A bill that would allow some students, professors and administrators to carry guns on Arizona's college campuses is dead - at least for this year, said its chief sponsor, state Sen. Karen Johnson."
Though my hard-working colleague has decided not to run for re-election, I have no doubt that we will see this bill again. Whether or not you support this idea, the situation does highlight the fact that political backbone seems to shrivel every other year, in conjunction with the election cycle. What a sad state of affairs!
Though my hard-working colleague has decided not to run for re-election, I have no doubt that we will see this bill again. Whether or not you support this idea, the situation does highlight the fact that political backbone seems to shrivel every other year, in conjunction with the election cycle. What a sad state of affairs!
Calvary Center ~ Recommended Rehabilitation
Calvary Center is the affordable, faith-based residential treatment facility in Phoenix for substance abuse where I sought treatment a little over a year ago. Calvary Center offers a wonderful 30 day multi-faceted program which includes individual and group therapy, educational lectures, Bible study, and AA meetings. Every once in a while, I like to mention this rehabilitation facility both to remind myself of where I have come from and also to offer an option for those who are still struggling with addiction. If you have any questions at all about Calvary Center or my experience there, please feel free to call or email me with your questions.
From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."
From their website: "Since 1964, Calvary Center has been a leader in Christ-centered recovery. Calvary's affordable, proven treatment program addresses the practical, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction and problem gambling, setting the stage for long-term recovery and restored family life. Addiction and problem gambling destroys families and lives…we see it every day. There truly is hope for alcoholics, drug abusers and problem gamblers and we can help you take the first step. Call us and ask about Calvary Center at 602-279-1468 or 866-76-SOBER. It may be the call that will change your family forever."
Monday, May 19, 2008
Legislative Report
Check out the latest legislator rankings from the Pachyderm Coalition. Also noted on the page, the previous week's ranking. An explanation on how the legislators are evaluated is found at the bottom of the page. Yours truly has stayed in the top five since the ranking started!
'Newsweek' magazine ranks Ariz. school #1 in country
"'Newsweek' magazine ranked Basis Tucson High School number one among America's public high schools. Four Valley schools, including Pinnacle and North Canyon, also made it on the list of the top 1,300 schools. "
Kudos to all of the administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents employed or involved in these schools! Bravo for a job well done!!!
Kudos to all of the administration, teachers, staff, students, and parents employed or involved in these schools! Bravo for a job well done!!!
ALIS Today~Caucus & Third Read Calendars
Follow this link to view the House of Representatives caucus and Third Read calendar for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20th.
Please call my office at (602) 926-5408 if you have any questions about the proposed legislation.
Please call my office at (602) 926-5408 if you have any questions about the proposed legislation.
Catching Up ~ The Calm Before The Storm
Today (Monday) was a short work day. I drove the 3 1/2 hours from Lake Havasu City to Phoenix in order to make it to the floor today at 1:00 pm. We voted on several bills, none of them very controversial, (one bill dealing addressing gun rights and self-defense was held) and then adjourned until tomorrow at 10:00 am. There were nine legislators absent today and I expect that to be typical for the rest of the session.
The activity at the Capitol has slowed to a snail's pace and there just isn't a lot for the rank and file members to work on while leadership formulates a plan of action to address the $2 Billion dollar shortfall so some members choose to stay in their district (if they are out-of-county) and address constituent concerns. Other members put in a little extra time at their paying jobs while all is quite at the Capitol.
Tomorrow, after floor at 10:00 we have a caucus of the House Republicans. I should have a bit more information to share about the timeframe and direction of the budget. I also have been invited to attend a budget meeting with House Majority Leader, Representative Tom Boone and House Whip, John McComish. From all that I have been reading via the Internet (blogs and newspaper) the subject of borrowing will be the topic of discussion. That, in addition a new tax increase being proposed by my colleague Andy Tobin. I do not have the details of his proposal...another colleague of mine just mentioned it to me briefly. As usual, as soon as I am clear on the details, I will post them here,
Wednesday, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Governor's Luncheon at Shugrue's. Representative McLain and I were entertaining with the idea of attending (Gould flat out said no) since the Speaker of the House, Representative (Jim) Weiers mentioned that he would like for us to be there. As much as I like to support our local chamber, I am having second thoughts about attending. I really do not have the patience or fortitude to stomach the Governor's spin/perspective/lies on the state of Arizona, it's economy, and future without having an opportunity at the luncheon to rebut her statements. Having to sit silent while she spins reality into what I have come to know as her parallel universe is about as fun to me as a trip to the dentist. That, coupled with the hope that we could have some movement on the budget this week gives me a valid excuse to skip the lunch. (Yay! Thanks for sticking with me while I worked that decision out as I typed.) I echo the feeling of Senator Gould when I told him about the $30.00 per person cost of the luncheon. He said, "Yikes! You'd have to pay me at least double to listen to her!" Amen Senator Gould!
In closing, please send an email to Senate President Tim Bee respectfully encouraging him to bring to a vote of the Senate the measure that would constitutionally define marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman. Senator Bee's email address is tbee@azleg.gov.
REMINDER: I still need signatures on petitions for my re-election. If you would like to have a petition mailed to you, please call 928-855-5413 and speak to my biggest supporter and #1 fan, my husband, Frank Groe. He will be more than happy to mail you a petition with a stamped return envelope, or, if you live in LHC, he will drop one off at your house. As always, thank you for allowing me to be your conservative voice here at the Capitol!
The activity at the Capitol has slowed to a snail's pace and there just isn't a lot for the rank and file members to work on while leadership formulates a plan of action to address the $2 Billion dollar shortfall so some members choose to stay in their district (if they are out-of-county) and address constituent concerns. Other members put in a little extra time at their paying jobs while all is quite at the Capitol.
Tomorrow, after floor at 10:00 we have a caucus of the House Republicans. I should have a bit more information to share about the timeframe and direction of the budget. I also have been invited to attend a budget meeting with House Majority Leader, Representative Tom Boone and House Whip, John McComish. From all that I have been reading via the Internet (blogs and newspaper) the subject of borrowing will be the topic of discussion. That, in addition a new tax increase being proposed by my colleague Andy Tobin. I do not have the details of his proposal...another colleague of mine just mentioned it to me briefly. As usual, as soon as I am clear on the details, I will post them here,
Wednesday, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Governor's Luncheon at Shugrue's. Representative McLain and I were entertaining with the idea of attending (Gould flat out said no) since the Speaker of the House, Representative (Jim) Weiers mentioned that he would like for us to be there. As much as I like to support our local chamber, I am having second thoughts about attending. I really do not have the patience or fortitude to stomach the Governor's spin/perspective/lies on the state of Arizona, it's economy, and future without having an opportunity at the luncheon to rebut her statements. Having to sit silent while she spins reality into what I have come to know as her parallel universe is about as fun to me as a trip to the dentist. That, coupled with the hope that we could have some movement on the budget this week gives me a valid excuse to skip the lunch. (Yay! Thanks for sticking with me while I worked that decision out as I typed.) I echo the feeling of Senator Gould when I told him about the $30.00 per person cost of the luncheon. He said, "Yikes! You'd have to pay me at least double to listen to her!" Amen Senator Gould!
In closing, please send an email to Senate President Tim Bee respectfully encouraging him to bring to a vote of the Senate the measure that would constitutionally define marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman. Senator Bee's email address is tbee@azleg.gov.
REMINDER: I still need signatures on petitions for my re-election. If you would like to have a petition mailed to you, please call 928-855-5413 and speak to my biggest supporter and #1 fan, my husband, Frank Groe. He will be more than happy to mail you a petition with a stamped return envelope, or, if you live in LHC, he will drop one off at your house. As always, thank you for allowing me to be your conservative voice here at the Capitol!
Ethanol: Getting There Is None Of The Fun - Forbes.com
This short article is a must read...providing many interesting points about ethanol such as the following:
1) Ethanol is produced in mainly five states: Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois & Minnesota~all about 1,500 miles from 80% of the population.
2) Ethanol is corrosive so it cannot be transported through pipelines but must be transported by trains, barges, or trucks.
3) Our U.S. waterway is overtaxed and antiquated, besides the fact that the Mississippi freezes so that takes care of the barge issue, backlog for rail cars has risen 400% since 2005, so rail is not an option, which just leaves the transportation of ethanol by trucks.
Therein lies the rub!
to quote William Pentland, the author of this piece:
"The best hope for clean, green ethanol right now is to ship it in diesel-powered trucks. Unfortunately, the U.S. already lacks the drivers available to meet anticipated growth in shipping demand, even without ethanol. Driver shortages will reach nearly a quarter of a million by 2015, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Ethanol producers are likely to have particular problems because of the hazardous material certifications required to haul the loads. Add to this the cost of diesel fuel, the extra carbon emissions and the further strain the trucks would place on the nation's highways and the outlook for clean, supposedly green ethanol looks dimmer and dimmer."
1) Ethanol is produced in mainly five states: Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois & Minnesota~all about 1,500 miles from 80% of the population.
2) Ethanol is corrosive so it cannot be transported through pipelines but must be transported by trains, barges, or trucks.
3) Our U.S. waterway is overtaxed and antiquated, besides the fact that the Mississippi freezes so that takes care of the barge issue, backlog for rail cars has risen 400% since 2005, so rail is not an option, which just leaves the transportation of ethanol by trucks.
Therein lies the rub!
to quote William Pentland, the author of this piece:
"The best hope for clean, green ethanol right now is to ship it in diesel-powered trucks. Unfortunately, the U.S. already lacks the drivers available to meet anticipated growth in shipping demand, even without ethanol. Driver shortages will reach nearly a quarter of a million by 2015, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Ethanol producers are likely to have particular problems because of the hazardous material certifications required to haul the loads. Add to this the cost of diesel fuel, the extra carbon emissions and the further strain the trucks would place on the nation's highways and the outlook for clean, supposedly green ethanol looks dimmer and dimmer."
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Grampa
William "Bill" Manning
He was my Grampa, my Hero
Larger than LIFE
He could say more with a shake of his fist...
to me, Grampa sign language for "I love you"
Two years ago today I was holding his hand, kneeling at his side as he took his last breath from his hospital bed and his soul ascended to a place far better than we can imagine.
Grampa, since that day,the lemonade is not so sweet,
the grass is not so green...
but I have hope and faith like never before
and I know I will see you again.
AZ Court Kills School Vouchers for Disabled, Foster Kids
From the Cato @ Liberty website:
"An Arizona appellate court struck down two school voucher programs yesterday, finding that they violate a state constitutional prohibition against using public money to aid private or religious schools. The programs, serving disabled children and those in foster care, were unanimously ruled unconstitutional by a three-judge panel of Arizona’s Division Two Court of Appeals."
Click the title of this post to read the rest of the article.
"An Arizona appellate court struck down two school voucher programs yesterday, finding that they violate a state constitutional prohibition against using public money to aid private or religious schools. The programs, serving disabled children and those in foster care, were unanimously ruled unconstitutional by a three-judge panel of Arizona’s Division Two Court of Appeals."
Click the title of this post to read the rest of the article.
AZ Capitol TV Press Release
15 May 2008
ACTV Can Be Seen Worldwide
We are pleased to announce that Arizona Capitol Television can now be seen on the worldwide web. Just scroll down on ALIS and click on ACTV and watch us anywhere you have internet access. Enjoy ACTV while on your vacation!
Arizona Capitol Television and the Legislative Broadcast Center provide as much or more services than any other similar provider in the nation; only Florida, Illinois and the state of Washington come close. And those three states have budgets of over $2 Million per year.
In addition to the closed circuit system covering all Senate and House Floor sessions, Senate and House committee meetings and other special meetings, the Broadcast Center provides live internet streaming and archival service of all the above.
And since March 14, 2007 Arizona Capitol Television has provided all of that and other self-produced programming on statewide cable 24/7/365. And now we are on the web as well.
The staff and I thank you for your support.
Ron Bellus
ACTV Can Be Seen Worldwide
We are pleased to announce that Arizona Capitol Television can now be seen on the worldwide web. Just scroll down on ALIS and click on ACTV and watch us anywhere you have internet access. Enjoy ACTV while on your vacation!
Arizona Capitol Television and the Legislative Broadcast Center provide as much or more services than any other similar provider in the nation; only Florida, Illinois and the state of Washington come close. And those three states have budgets of over $2 Million per year.
In addition to the closed circuit system covering all Senate and House Floor sessions, Senate and House committee meetings and other special meetings, the Broadcast Center provides live internet streaming and archival service of all the above.
And since March 14, 2007 Arizona Capitol Television has provided all of that and other self-produced programming on statewide cable 24/7/365. And now we are on the web as well.
The staff and I thank you for your support.
Ron Bellus
Friday, May 16, 2008
County-Related Legislation
HB 2113: municipal annexation; finality - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2155: transfer of development rights - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2193: county minutes; publication - Transmitted to the Governor.
HB 2378: counties; debit card acceptance - Free conference committee adjourned; concurrence expected.
HB 2420: flood control districts; property - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2426: waste tire collection sites - Signed by the Governor.
SB 1238: outdoor fires; counties - Passed House Committee of the Whole; forwarded for a third read.
SB 1288: local stormwater quality programs - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2155: transfer of development rights - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2193: county minutes; publication - Transmitted to the Governor.
HB 2378: counties; debit card acceptance - Free conference committee adjourned; concurrence expected.
HB 2420: flood control districts; property - Signed by the Governor.
HB 2426: waste tire collection sites - Signed by the Governor.
SB 1238: outdoor fires; counties - Passed House Committee of the Whole; forwarded for a third read.
SB 1288: local stormwater quality programs - Signed by the Governor.
AZ Capitol TV
Can't get enough of the Arizona Legislature? Watch AZ Capitol TV via the internet from the comfort of your own home...this channel broadcasts 24 hours a day! Click on the title of this post to visit the ALIS website, actually, to visit the State Capitol via the internet.
Junk Science: McCain’s Embarrassing Climate Speech - Opinion
"Many McCain supporters believe he is the candidate to lead the country at a time of war. But there is a war of sorts at home, too — the struggle against the greens for control over vital domestic energy and economic policy. We can’t afford to lose the latter war, either."
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Kingman Area Republican Headquarters Open House
Folks, be sure to attend the Open House for the new Kingman Area Republican Headquarters on Thursday, May 22, from 4-7 pm!
The address is 1415 Andy Devine (just past Stockton Hill Rd going South).
The address is 1415 Andy Devine (just past Stockton Hill Rd going South).
If we happen to finish our work at the Capitol early on Thursday, I will see you there!
Lake Havasu Republican Assembly
The Lake Havasu Republican Assembly, a grassroots organization dedicated to electing true conservative candidates and educating the public on conservative issues, will meet May 19, at 7 p.m., in the Form-A-Fab building, 2021College Drive, LHC.
Kim Stewart & Carol Meier, Republican candidates for County Recorder, will be the speakers.
Refreshments will be served and the meeting is open to the public.
Kim Stewart & Carol Meier, Republican candidates for County Recorder, will be the speakers.
Refreshments will be served and the meeting is open to the public.
CA's Supreme Court Legalizes Gay Marriage
From the San Jose Mercury News:
"SAN FRANCISCO — A sharply divided California Supreme Court Thursday legalized same-sex marriage, a historic ruling that will allow gay and lesbian couples across the state to wed as soon as next month and inflame the social, political and moral debate over gay unions. "
"Voters in 26 states have approved state constitutional amendments that ban gay marriage:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin. Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment empowering the legislature to outlaw same-sex marriage; lawmakers did so in 1998."
NOTE: Arizona's House of Representatives voted on a measure last week that would send a referendum to the ballot to constitutionally define marriage soley as a union between one man and one woman. The proposal (pun intended) known as SCR 1042 now goes to the Senate for debate.
"SAN FRANCISCO — A sharply divided California Supreme Court Thursday legalized same-sex marriage, a historic ruling that will allow gay and lesbian couples across the state to wed as soon as next month and inflame the social, political and moral debate over gay unions. "
"Voters in 26 states have approved state constitutional amendments that ban gay marriage:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin. Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment empowering the legislature to outlaw same-sex marriage; lawmakers did so in 1998."
NOTE: Arizona's House of Representatives voted on a measure last week that would send a referendum to the ballot to constitutionally define marriage soley as a union between one man and one woman. The proposal (pun intended) known as SCR 1042 now goes to the Senate for debate.
Action Alert: Your Help Needed
Signature Walk * Saturday, May 24th * Lake Havasu City
State Representatives Russell Pearce, Bob Stump, Bob Robson, and Senators Pamela Gorman, Karen Johnson, and Ron Gould will be walking Lake Havasu City neighborhoods, registering voters and gathering signatures for my re-election as well as carrying petitions for several voter initiatives including the Arizona Tax Revolt. If you would like to join us, please call 928-855-5413 for further details. Time is running out and your help is needed! Make a difference in this world today!
FYI...Bob Stump and Bob Robson are currently State Representatives who are running for positions on the Arizona Corporation Commission along with Rep. Marion McClure.
BTW, thank you so much to all of you who are gathering signatures on my behalf! Frank and I are receiving petitions daily through the mail and every signature counts...thank you for taking the time to mail the petitions even if they have only two or three names on them. I appreciate you and your show of support. God bless you!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Budget Talks Break Down
To my surprise and dismay, the budget talks Senator Gould and I have been participating in daily have abruptly ended. I must admit shock and disappointment at House and Senate Leadership's announcement this afternoon that they have other "things" that they need to address therefore we won't be continuing our work together on a solution to the budget crisis we face. After fielding multiple questions on the reasons for their decision to halt these meetings and inquiries on the next/new approach, my colleagues and I sat disheartened and dumbfounded at the staggering turn of events.
Though at the moment I remain under a covenant of silence regarding the specific details of the meetings and cannot provide you with details of the discussions, I look forward to, in the near future, being release from said agreement and plan to share my notes with you, faithful reader. I can tell you that there is good news to be shared and that more progress was made in addressing the $2 Billion dollar shortfall...more progress than was thought possible, more consensus between legislators than expected, perhaps more than ever before. I am attempting to keep this in mind as I frame a healthy perspective.
And..in keeping with that perspective, I am thankful for the extra day off. Although I do not agree that we (the House of Representatives) should be taking a day off at this point and time, I am going to make the most of it by driving home to the district and gathering the 400+ signatures that I still need to get my name on the ballot. Please, if you are at all inclined to assist me in this necessary endeavor,of signature gathering, give me a call or send me an email. I do need your help as I have less than a month to accomplish this task!
Though at the moment I remain under a covenant of silence regarding the specific details of the meetings and cannot provide you with details of the discussions, I look forward to, in the near future, being release from said agreement and plan to share my notes with you, faithful reader. I can tell you that there is good news to be shared and that more progress was made in addressing the $2 Billion dollar shortfall...more progress than was thought possible, more consensus between legislators than expected, perhaps more than ever before. I am attempting to keep this in mind as I frame a healthy perspective.
And..in keeping with that perspective, I am thankful for the extra day off. Although I do not agree that we (the House of Representatives) should be taking a day off at this point and time, I am going to make the most of it by driving home to the district and gathering the 400+ signatures that I still need to get my name on the ballot. Please, if you are at all inclined to assist me in this necessary endeavor,of signature gathering, give me a call or send me an email. I do need your help as I have less than a month to accomplish this task!
Napolitano Extortion Racket Leads to Secret Deal
From the Americans for Prosperity website:
"In addition to covering the state’s budget deficit crisis (to which Napolitano was the #1 contributor), the interview will get the Governor’s comments on the recently-uncovered scandal concerning a secret deal between Napolitano, the TIME Coalition, and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona."
"In addition to covering the state’s budget deficit crisis (to which Napolitano was the #1 contributor), the interview will get the Governor’s comments on the recently-uncovered scandal concerning a secret deal between Napolitano, the TIME Coalition, and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona."
Government Bytes: The Official Blog of National Taxpayers Union
The website of our own Arizona Tax Revolt is acknowledged and praised on this website which is noted to be "The Official Blog of National Taxpayers".
BTW, if you have not signed the Tax Revolt petition and would like to do so, please notify my office and I will mail a petition to your home.
BTW, if you have not signed the Tax Revolt petition and would like to do so, please notify my office and I will mail a petition to your home.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What Is RSS? A step-by-Step Guide to Google Reader
"RSS is a technology that allows you to subscribe to any website that has one of these in the address bar. You can then track every site you're subscribed to without having to go to each individual site. If you're like me there are a couple websites that you love to read. Without RSS, I would be looking at these sites regularly to see if there were new material."
"With RSS, I never again have to go to a site that has no new material. I subscribe to the sites I enjoy and am updated every time they post."
"With RSS, I never again have to go to a site that has no new material. I subscribe to the sites I enjoy and am updated every time they post."
Catching Up
Despite the many rumors, the budget for FY09 is a work in progress...there is no agreement in place that I am aware of at this point. Our small group of Republican legislators are still meeting across the street from the Capitol in the JLBC building each day after Floor activity...though today's meeting was cancelled due to lengthy Senate activity today. I believe that the AIMS Augmentation bill had a bit more debate than expected so House and Senate Leadership sent word that we would again take up the budget talks tomorrow at 1:00.
In spite of the economic downturn and our current budget crisis, there seems to be no urgency in crafting a solution and as much as I am thankful for the opportunity to serve at the Legislature, I miss my home.
In other news, the bill to define marriage in the Arizona Constitution to be a union between one man and one woman passed out of the House (finally) yesterday and now will go to the Senate. If/When the bill passes in the Senate, the HCR will appear on the fall ballot so that the voters may have the opportunity to decide whether they feel the Arizona Constitution should be amended to include this clarification.
Now, I must conclude this post so that I can review all of the bills we are vetting this week and catch up on any amendments that could cause potential problems.
Ciao!
In spite of the economic downturn and our current budget crisis, there seems to be no urgency in crafting a solution and as much as I am thankful for the opportunity to serve at the Legislature, I miss my home.
In other news, the bill to define marriage in the Arizona Constitution to be a union between one man and one woman passed out of the House (finally) yesterday and now will go to the Senate. If/When the bill passes in the Senate, the HCR will appear on the fall ballot so that the voters may have the opportunity to decide whether they feel the Arizona Constitution should be amended to include this clarification.
Now, I must conclude this post so that I can review all of the bills we are vetting this week and catch up on any amendments that could cause potential problems.
Ciao!
Coyote Blog: Taking A Peak Inside the Sausage Factory
~another blogger's take on the Governor's suggested sales tax increase for Transportation and the deal she struck with the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona
AZ Left: New initiative from Rep. Kyrsten Sinema would protect sexual orientation and gender identity in employment
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is sponsoring a ballot initiative, Free to Work Arizona, that not only protects race and gender from discrimination by employers, but also sexual orientation and gender identity.
Breakdown of TIME's Transportation Proposal for Sales Tax Increase
NOTE: I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS TAX INCREASE. I only desire to provide additional information so that all can see the numerous flaws in this proposal.
Breakdown of Additional Sales Tax Monies:
- 55% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to roads/highways as follows:
• 49% to projects in Maricopa County
• 12% to projects in Pima County
• 39% to projects in all other counties
- 18% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to rail/transit projects as follows:
• 8% to projects in Maricopa County
• 5% to projects in Pima County
• 87% to any project in the state
- 26% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to local transportation projects as follows (based on population):
• 60% to cities, towns and Indian Reservations in Maricopa County (the county itself is conspicuously absent from the list)
• 38% to all other counties, and the cities and towns within them
• 2% to Indian Tribes in any county other than Maricopa
• 4% for ‘transportation related enhancements’ (easements, environmental issues, landscaping)to cities, towns, counties and Indian tribes
• 3% to open space conservation and wildlife habitat fund, to be distributed through a grant
program with Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Game and Fish
Department
Copies of the initiative are available from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office
Breakdown of Additional Sales Tax Monies:
- 55% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to roads/highways as follows:
• 49% to projects in Maricopa County
• 12% to projects in Pima County
• 39% to projects in all other counties
- 18% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to rail/transit projects as follows:
• 8% to projects in Maricopa County
• 5% to projects in Pima County
• 87% to any project in the state
- 26% of the sales tax monies are to be dedicated to local transportation projects as follows (based on population):
• 60% to cities, towns and Indian Reservations in Maricopa County (the county itself is conspicuously absent from the list)
• 38% to all other counties, and the cities and towns within them
• 2% to Indian Tribes in any county other than Maricopa
• 4% for ‘transportation related enhancements’ (easements, environmental issues, landscaping)to cities, towns, counties and Indian tribes
• 3% to open space conservation and wildlife habitat fund, to be distributed through a grant
program with Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona Game and Fish
Department
Copies of the initiative are available from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office
Monday, May 12, 2008
Kudlow's Money Politic$ on National Review Online
"As good as John McCain’s pro-growth, supply-side tax plan is, his cap-and-trade strategy unveiled this morning is very hard for conservatives to swallow.
The whole cap-and-trade experience in Europe and elsewhere reveals that this is a huge government command-and-control operation that taxes, spends, and regulates on a grand scale.
The “cap” part rolls back production to an extent that undermines economic growth. The European cap-and-trade plans are prohibitively expensive, and are themselves hostile to economic growth."
The whole cap-and-trade experience in Europe and elsewhere reveals that this is a huge government command-and-control operation that taxes, spends, and regulates on a grand scale.
The “cap” part rolls back production to an extent that undermines economic growth. The European cap-and-trade plans are prohibitively expensive, and are themselves hostile to economic growth."
Disloyal Opposition: All hail the guy who isn't your guy
"Given the harsh realities of politics, I think a lot fewer Americans will be disappointed come November, if they go to the polls with the idea that they'll be voting against rather than for."
Wind ($23.37) v. Gas (25 Cents) - WSJ.com
"Some clarity comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), an independent federal agency that tried to quantify government spending on energy production in 2007. The agency reports that the total taxpayer bill was $16.6 billion in direct subsidies, tax breaks, loan guarantees and the like. That's double in real dollars from eight years earlier, as you'd expect given all the money Congress is throwing at 'renewables.' Even more subsidies are set to pass this year."
Super Bowl wasn't a windfall
"Glendale did not recoup what it spent to host Super Bowl XLII, according to a new study that showed out-of-towners here for the game added an estimated $1.2 million to the city's tax coffers.
The city laid out $3.4 million preparing for and hosting the Feb. 3 game.
Bottom line: The city spent $2.2 million more than its estimated take in connection with the game."
The city laid out $3.4 million preparing for and hosting the Feb. 3 game.
Bottom line: The city spent $2.2 million more than its estimated take in connection with the game."
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Townhall.com - Differences Between Conservatives and Liberals
I found this great article on Townhall.com...it's worth reading and passing along. Here is a sample:
"5) Conservatives, but not necessarily Republicans (which is unfortunate), believe it's vitally important to the future of the country to reduce the size of government, keep taxes low, balance the budget, and get this country out of debt. Liberals, and Democrats for that matter, believe in big government, high taxes, and they have never met a new spending program they didn't like, whether we will have to go into debt to pay for it or not.
4) Conservatives believe that government, by its very nature, tends to be inefficient, incompetent, wasteful, and power hungry. That's why we believe that the government that governs least, governs best. Liberals think that the solution to every problem is another government program. Even when those new programs create new problems, often worse than the ones that were being fixed in the first place, the solution is always....you guessed it, another government program."
"5) Conservatives, but not necessarily Republicans (which is unfortunate), believe it's vitally important to the future of the country to reduce the size of government, keep taxes low, balance the budget, and get this country out of debt. Liberals, and Democrats for that matter, believe in big government, high taxes, and they have never met a new spending program they didn't like, whether we will have to go into debt to pay for it or not.
4) Conservatives believe that government, by its very nature, tends to be inefficient, incompetent, wasteful, and power hungry. That's why we believe that the government that governs least, governs best. Liberals think that the solution to every problem is another government program. Even when those new programs create new problems, often worse than the ones that were being fixed in the first place, the solution is always....you guessed it, another government program."
Joint Committee on Capitol Review Meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
8:00 A.M.
House Hearing Room 4
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2007.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT (if necessary).
1. COCHISE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT - Review of Revenue Bond Projects.
2. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A. Review of Grand Canyon Airport Modular Housing Project.
B. Review of Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems Project.
3. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Review of Memorial Union Fire Renovations Bond Project.
4. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
A. Review of Infrastructure Upgrades Bond Project.
B. Review of New Residence Life Warehouse Bond Project.
C. Review of Revised Applied Research Facility Bond Project at NAU-Yuma
The Chairman reserves the right to set the order of the agenda.
5/8/08
sls
People with disabilities may request accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or assistance with physical accessibility. Requests for accommodations must be made with 72 hours prior notice. If you require accommodations, please contact the JLBC Office at (602) 926-5491
8:00 A.M.
House Hearing Room 4
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2007.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT (if necessary).
1. COCHISE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT - Review of Revenue Bond Projects.
2. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
A. Review of Grand Canyon Airport Modular Housing Project.
B. Review of Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems Project.
3. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Review of Memorial Union Fire Renovations Bond Project.
4. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
A. Review of Infrastructure Upgrades Bond Project.
B. Review of New Residence Life Warehouse Bond Project.
C. Review of Revised Applied Research Facility Bond Project at NAU-Yuma
The Chairman reserves the right to set the order of the agenda.
5/8/08
sls
People with disabilities may request accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or assistance with physical accessibility. Requests for accommodations must be made with 72 hours prior notice. If you require accommodations, please contact the JLBC Office at (602) 926-5491
Minutes from the December JCCR Meeting
NOTE: There is a JCCR Meeting coming up so I thought that I would post a portion of the minutes from the last JCCR meeting which was held in December of last year.
Review of State Lake Improvement Fund Grants & Consider Approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund Projects.
Mr. Art Smith, JLBC Staff, presented the review of the Arizona State Parks Board State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) projects and approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund (SPEF) projects.
SLIF provides funding for counties and local governments for land acquisition and capital projects on water where motorized boats are permitted.
Funding for SLIF comes from the gasoline taxes for boating and watercraft license taxes.
The 25 grants and projects total $7.1 million of the SLIF request. They include boat purchases and refurbishments, boating area renovations and improvements, leasehold acquisition and state parks projects. SLIF items are for review by the Committee.
SPEF provides funding for operating state parks and other capital projects as approved by the Committee. Funding from SPEF comes from admissions and concessions fees. The 2 SPEF projects total $1 million for a new visitor center at Picacho Peak and a wastewater treatment facility at Slide Rock State Park. SPEF items are for consideration of approval by the Committee.
The JLBC Staff provided several options for the Committee to consider.
Discussion ensued on this item.
Mr. Jay Ziemann, Assistant Director, Arizona State Parks Board, responded to member questions.
Representative Pearce moved that the Committee give a favorable review to the Parks Board request for 25 SLIF grants and projects totaling $7,104,400 with the condition that the favorable review does not constitute an endorsement of General Fund support of these projects in the future.
Also, approve the Parks Board request for$1,000,000 in SPEF monies for 2 State Parks capital projects. The motion carried.
Mr. Clifford Edey, La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Mark Nexsen, Lake Havasu City Mayor, addressed their support of the SLIF projects to the Committee.
Review of State Lake Improvement Fund Grants & Consider Approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund Projects.
Mr. Art Smith, JLBC Staff, presented the review of the Arizona State Parks Board State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) projects and approval of State Parks Enhancement Fund (SPEF) projects.
SLIF provides funding for counties and local governments for land acquisition and capital projects on water where motorized boats are permitted.
Funding for SLIF comes from the gasoline taxes for boating and watercraft license taxes.
The 25 grants and projects total $7.1 million of the SLIF request. They include boat purchases and refurbishments, boating area renovations and improvements, leasehold acquisition and state parks projects. SLIF items are for review by the Committee.
SPEF provides funding for operating state parks and other capital projects as approved by the Committee. Funding from SPEF comes from admissions and concessions fees. The 2 SPEF projects total $1 million for a new visitor center at Picacho Peak and a wastewater treatment facility at Slide Rock State Park. SPEF items are for consideration of approval by the Committee.
The JLBC Staff provided several options for the Committee to consider.
Discussion ensued on this item.
Mr. Jay Ziemann, Assistant Director, Arizona State Parks Board, responded to member questions.
Representative Pearce moved that the Committee give a favorable review to the Parks Board request for 25 SLIF grants and projects totaling $7,104,400 with the condition that the favorable review does not constitute an endorsement of General Fund support of these projects in the future.
Also, approve the Parks Board request for$1,000,000 in SPEF monies for 2 State Parks capital projects. The motion carried.
Mr. Clifford Edey, La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Mark Nexsen, Lake Havasu City Mayor, addressed their support of the SLIF projects to the Committee.
Feds to Review Polygamy Problems
A federal prosecutor has been assigned to look for ways to help tackle the problems associated with polygamy in Southwestern states.
AHCCCS Growth in April
In April, AHCCCS caseload’s totaled 1,101,367 members, an increase of 1.0%, or 11,124
members, above the March totals. Year-overyear, the AHCCCS caseload has increased by
6.1%, or 63,712 members.
members, above the March totals. Year-overyear, the AHCCCS caseload has increased by
6.1%, or 63,712 members.
Joint Legislative Budget Committee - What's New
Budget and Revenue Updates
Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Non-General Fund Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Monthly Fiscal Highlights April 2008 (04/30/08)
FY 2008 Budget Plan - HB 2620 - April 17, 2008 (4/18/08)
For you budget wonks, these links provide some very interesting information.
Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Non-General Fund Voter Protected Spending (05/05/08)
Monthly Fiscal Highlights April 2008 (04/30/08)
FY 2008 Budget Plan - HB 2620 - April 17, 2008 (4/18/08)
For you budget wonks, these links provide some very interesting information.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Arizona Rates an "A"
From the desk of Harriette Johnson, Media Relations Manager hjohnson@heartland.org
Choice and Education: Arizona Rates an AA new state-by-state analysis reveals how willing states are to give
(Chicago, Illinois - April 28, 2008) Parents hoping to wrest control of their children's futures away from education bureaucrats and politicians should consider moving to Arizona, a new "report card" from The Heartland Institute suggests. They should avoid Montana or Washington State.
Choice & Education Across the States ranks state efforts to increase accountability and improve student achievement with four kinds of school choice: vouchers, charters, tax credits, and public school choice.
"School choice programs give parents the power to decide where their children are schooled," notes author Michael Van Winkle. "School choice is accountability. When parents have the power to remove their children from a school that is failing them, without financial penalty, they and their children are better served."
With 23 being the highest possible score on Van Winkle's evaluation, the median score totaled just five points. Arizona and Florida achieved scores of 15 and 14, respectively--grades of A in Van Winkle's curved grading system--while Washington and Montana scored just one point each.
Arizona offers parents strong voucher, charter school, and scholarship tax-credit programs. Florida offers similar benefits, but short of Arizona's commitment. All of the other top-ranking states--Wisconsin, Ohio, Utah, Minnesota, and Georgia--offer vouchers and charters, but none offers scholarship tax credits as well.
The lowest-ranking states offer only public school choice, generally in the form of magnet schools or open enrollment across school districts. Of the eight lowest-ranking states--Montana, Washington, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia--only Oklahoma offers any form of choice other than public school choice. Oklahoma has a charter school program.
Trevor Martin, vice president of government affairs for The Heartland Institute, explained the report card "aims to provide a roadmap for state legislators seeking to improve student achievement through school choice."
"Many states are experimenting with choice as a way to provide a quality public education," Van Winkle added. "A few states, like Arizona and Florida, are innovating at an impressive pace, willing to try new and better ways to educate children. Other states are not keeping pace and seem committed to preserving the largely choice-free status quo."
Editors: Michael Van Winkle was The Heartland Institute's legislative specialist for education policy at the time this report was written. He has since been named vice president for the Chicago-based Sam Adams Alliance. Robert Holland, Heartland's senior fellow for education policy, is available for comment on this study. To communicate with him, contact Harriette Johnson, Heartland's media relations manager, at 312/377-4000 or by email at hjohnson@heartland.org.
The Heartland Institute is a 24-year-old national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. It is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nothing in this news release or the report it describes is intended to influence the passage of pending legislation.
Choice and Education: Arizona Rates an A
parents control of their children's educations
(Chicago, Illinois - April 28, 2008) Parents hoping to wrest control of their children's futures away from education bureaucrats and politicians should consider moving to Arizona, a new "report card" from The Heartland Institute suggests. They should avoid Montana or Washington State.
Choice & Education Across the States ranks state efforts to increase accountability and improve student achievement with four kinds of school choice: vouchers, charters, tax credits, and public school choice.
"School choice programs give parents the power to decide where their children are schooled," notes author Michael Van Winkle. "School choice is accountability. When parents have the power to remove their children from a school that is failing them, without financial penalty, they and their children are better served."
With 23 being the highest possible score on Van Winkle's evaluation, the median score totaled just five points. Arizona and Florida achieved scores of 15 and 14, respectively--grades of A in Van Winkle's curved grading system--while Washington and Montana scored just one point each.
Arizona offers parents strong voucher, charter school, and scholarship tax-credit programs. Florida offers similar benefits, but short of Arizona's commitment. All of the other top-ranking states--Wisconsin, Ohio, Utah, Minnesota, and Georgia--offer vouchers and charters, but none offers scholarship tax credits as well.
The lowest-ranking states offer only public school choice, generally in the form of magnet schools or open enrollment across school districts. Of the eight lowest-ranking states--Montana, Washington, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and West Virginia--only Oklahoma offers any form of choice other than public school choice. Oklahoma has a charter school program.
Trevor Martin, vice president of government affairs for The Heartland Institute, explained the report card "aims to provide a roadmap for state legislators seeking to improve student achievement through school choice."
"Many states are experimenting with choice as a way to provide a quality public education," Van Winkle added. "A few states, like Arizona and Florida, are innovating at an impressive pace, willing to try new and better ways to educate children. Other states are not keeping pace and seem committed to preserving the largely choice-free status quo."
Editors: Michael Van Winkle was The Heartland Institute's legislative specialist for education policy at the time this report was written. He has since been named vice president for the Chicago-based Sam Adams Alliance. Robert Holland, Heartland's senior fellow for education policy, is available for comment on this study. To communicate with him, contact Harriette Johnson, Heartland's media relations manager, at 312/377-4000 or by email at hjohnson@heartland.org.
The Heartland Institute is a 24-year-old national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. It is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nothing in this news release or the report it describes is intended to influence the passage of pending legislation.
FOXNews.com - Groups Struggle to Clean Up Mess Illegal Immigrants Leave Behind
"The latest battle in the war on illegal immigration isn't over the smuggling of undocumented workers, it's over the trash they leave behind."
Upcoming Event~ Polygamy Town Hall
The Utah/Arizona Safety Net Committee Presents:
MEDIA & POLYGAMY~TELLING THE STORY
May 8, 2008 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Dixie Center
1835 Convention Center Dr • St. George, Utah
Polygamists, social workers, law enforcement agencies and reporters will gather for a panel discussion and training session to identify obstacles and best practices for reporting about polygamous families.
Here are the goals for the session:
• Help journalists seek truth and report it; minimize harm; act independently; and be held accountable.
• Help polygamists and people working with polygamists provide information in a way that is accurate, fair and minimizes harm, especially to children.
The training session will be followed by a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the work of the Safety Net Committee and to solicit ideas and feedback from the public.
MEDIA & POLYGAMY: TELLING THE STORY
1:00-2:00 p.m. Polygamous Community Panel
Christine Brown - Apostolic United Brethren (AUB)
Heidi Foster - Davis County Co-Op
Vicki Kelsch - Independents
Joyce Steed - Centennial Park
Anne Wilde - Principle Voices (Moderator)
2:00-3:00 p.m. Social Service Provider & Law Enforcement Panel
Gary Arnold - Arizona Department of Economic Security
Michelle Benward - New Frontiers for Families
Shannon Price - Diversity Foundation
Donnalee Sarda - Defenders of Children Executive Director
Greg Smith - Mohave County Sheriff’s Department Captain
Elaine Tyler - Hope Organization
Joni Holm - Child Advocate (Moderator)
3:00-4:00 p.m. Media Panel
Brooke Adams Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City
Brent Hunsaker KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City
Mike Watkiss KTVK-TV, Phoenix
Ben Winslow Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Paul Murphy Utah Attorney General’s Office (Moderator)
4:00-5:00 p.m. Best Practices & Action Plan
All Panelists and Participants
Gary Arnold Arizona Department of Economic Security (Moderator)
Jane Irvine Arizona Attorney General’s Office (Moderator)
May 8, 2008 - 7:00-9:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Dixie Center
Page Nine: What if government harming were covered as extensively as global warming?
A sample of Columnist Craig J. Cantoni's article:
"A recent issue of Time magazine has a cover story about global warming. How original. It’s just one of hundreds of messages that drip on our heads and our children’s heads each day about global warming.
Drip-drip-drip.
Hundreds of other messages drip on us about Big Oil, evil corporations, rampant racism, rising income inequality, and the glories of diversity. The drops come from the media, K-12 schools, universities, and, amazingly, even from corporate advertising.
Drip-drip-drip.
The torrent contains some facts, but most of it is hyperbole and hysteria. I’d rather be water-boarded than endure this form of water torture.
Curiously, messages about government harming are as rare as rain in Death Valley. By “harming,” I mean the insidious and pervasive harm that government is inflicting on the economy and society.
For example, you won’t see this on the cover of Time: THE $800,000 INJUSTICE
The staggering sum of $800,000 is what the unfunded liabilities for entitlements and public pensions will come to -- per child -- if they are bequeathed to the 75 million children under the voting age of 18."
A read that is well worth a minute or two of your time, IMO.
"A recent issue of Time magazine has a cover story about global warming. How original. It’s just one of hundreds of messages that drip on our heads and our children’s heads each day about global warming.
Drip-drip-drip.
Hundreds of other messages drip on us about Big Oil, evil corporations, rampant racism, rising income inequality, and the glories of diversity. The drops come from the media, K-12 schools, universities, and, amazingly, even from corporate advertising.
Drip-drip-drip.
The torrent contains some facts, but most of it is hyperbole and hysteria. I’d rather be water-boarded than endure this form of water torture.
Curiously, messages about government harming are as rare as rain in Death Valley. By “harming,” I mean the insidious and pervasive harm that government is inflicting on the economy and society.
For example, you won’t see this on the cover of Time: THE $800,000 INJUSTICE
The staggering sum of $800,000 is what the unfunded liabilities for entitlements and public pensions will come to -- per child -- if they are bequeathed to the 75 million children under the voting age of 18."
A read that is well worth a minute or two of your time, IMO.
Fire Restrictions for Colorado River Area
Contact: Diane Williams 928- 505-1250 Office
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2008 from becoming adevastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announcedfire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.
Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictionswill be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions, and will remain in effect until rescinded. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time inother areas of the State.The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting publiclands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.
The public is reminded that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires.
Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking.
Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
While BLM hopes the weather and dry conditions in the area will not necessitate issuing fire restrictions beyond Stage 1, if conditions for increased fire potential progress during this fire season, Stage 2, 3, and4 restrictions could become necessary. Stage 2 restrictions would prohibitany open fires, and limit off road vehicle travel, as well as use ofinternal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, etc.). Stage 3 restrictions would authorize partial closure of affected areas, and Stage 4 restrictions would call for total closure of affected areas.
National Wildlife Refuges in the area (Imperial, Cibola, Bill WilliamsRiver, and Havasu) continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.
For fire restriction information in Arizona, call Toll Free: 1-877-864 6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2008 from becoming adevastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announcedfire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.
Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictionswill be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions, and will remain in effect until rescinded. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time inother areas of the State.The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting publiclands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.
The public is reminded that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires.
Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking.
Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
While BLM hopes the weather and dry conditions in the area will not necessitate issuing fire restrictions beyond Stage 1, if conditions for increased fire potential progress during this fire season, Stage 2, 3, and4 restrictions could become necessary. Stage 2 restrictions would prohibitany open fires, and limit off road vehicle travel, as well as use ofinternal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, etc.). Stage 3 restrictions would authorize partial closure of affected areas, and Stage 4 restrictions would call for total closure of affected areas.
National Wildlife Refuges in the area (Imperial, Cibola, Bill WilliamsRiver, and Havasu) continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.
For fire restriction information in Arizona, call Toll Free: 1-877-864 6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
State Transportation Board Study Session
NOTICE OF STUDY SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2008
East Flagstaff Community Library
3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the State Transportation Board and to the general public that the State Transportation Board will hold a meeting open to the public on Thursday, May 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.
East Flagstaff Community Library
3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the State Transportation Board and to the general public that the State Transportation Board will hold a meeting open to the public on Thursday, May 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.
The Board may vote to go into Executive Session, which will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters relating to any items on the agenda. Members of the Transportation Board will attend either in person or by telephone conference call.
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.03 (A)(3), notice is hereby given to the members of the Arizona State Transportation Board and to the general public that the Board may meet in Executive Session for discussion or consultation for legal advice with legal counsel at its meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008. The Board may, at its discretion, recess and reconvene the Executive Session as needed, relating to any items on the agenda.
The agenda consists of the following for information and discussion only:
*ITEM 1: Arizona Rural Transit Needs Study Briefing
(For information and discussion only – Rakesh Tripathi and Stephen Decker of
Cambridge Systematic)
*ITEM 2: ADOT’s Prospects to Develop Public /Private Partnerships for Commercial Safety Roadside Rest Areas
(For information and discussion only - staff)
*ITEM 3: Statewide Access Management Program
(For information and discussion only – Sam Elters)
*ITEM 4: Review of Board Retreat
(For information and discussion only – Gail Lewis)
*ITEM 5: Bonding briefing
(For information and discussion only – John McGee)
*ITEM 6: Discussion of 5-year Plan
(For information and discussion only – staff)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department must make a reasonable accommodation to allow a person with a disability to take part in a program, service or activity. For example, this means that if necessary, the Department must provide sign language interpreters for people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that the Department will take any other reasonable action that allows you to take part in and understand a program or activity, including making reasonable changes to an activity. If you believe that you will not be able to understand or take part in a program or activity because of your disability, please let us know of your disability needs in advance if at all possible. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (602) 712-7761.
Dated this 7th day of May 2008.
STATE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
By: Mary Currie
Center For Arizona Policy Weekly Update
To: CAP Board Members and Friends of CAP
From: Cathi Herrod, President
1) Slow Go at the State Capitol. Legislative activity has slowed to a crawl as lawmakers discuss ways to address the budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday until next Monday.
Here’s a brief recap of CAP-supported bills still pending:
2) Marriage Amendment. The Arizona House vote on the marriage amendment did not happen this week for one simple reason: two representatives who support the amendment are out of town. For the last three weeks or so, we’ve been in a holding pattern: waiting on the “yes” votes to all be present at the same time so the House can pass the amendment and send it to the Senate. It’s been one thing after another –legitimate reasons like sickness, family funerals, work obligations – that have caused some members to be absent. Hopefully, this phase of the campaign to let you, the people of Arizona, decide the definition and meaning of marriage in our state will be over next week. Then, our efforts to unite Arizonans in a strong coalition to vote “yes” on the marriage amendment will begin. (Groe Note: We are going to attempt to vote on this Monday, May 12, 2008)
3) Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. The revised partial-birth abortion ban that addresses the concerns the Governor identified in her veto letter passed out of conference committee on Tuesday. The bill will need a final vote in both the House and the Senate before going back to the Governor.
4) Prohibition on Nurses Performing Abortions. On Tuesday, the Advanced Practice Advisory Committee of the state Board of Nursing voted unanimously to recommend that the Board rule that first trimester surgical abortions are within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. The full Board will vote on this recommendation next week. Meanwhile, HB 2269, which unambiguously prohibits nurses from performing surgical abortions, is awaiting floor action in the Senate.
5) Students’ Religious Liberties Act. HB 2713, the bill that identifies the free speech rights of religious students in public schools, is waiting for a hearing before the Senate Rules Committee.
6) School Choice. As the legislative focus turns toward the state’s 2009 budget, making the corporate tax credit permanent is of utmost importance to school choice advocates. The program is currently set to end in 2011, and all children currently benefiting from the program would suddenly lose their scholarships. Making the tax credit permanent is a simple budget item that would have no effect on this year’s general fund. Including this item in the budget would ensure that kids continue to receive the quality education of their parents’ choosing.
7) Jesse’s Law. HB 2823, which would make minor changes to the laws on medical decision-making for patients who cannot communicate their wishes, is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.
Stay up-to-date on of all the CAP-supported bills at www.azpolicy.org/legislation.
From: Cathi Herrod, President
1) Slow Go at the State Capitol. Legislative activity has slowed to a crawl as lawmakers discuss ways to address the budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday until next Monday.
Here’s a brief recap of CAP-supported bills still pending:
2) Marriage Amendment. The Arizona House vote on the marriage amendment did not happen this week for one simple reason: two representatives who support the amendment are out of town. For the last three weeks or so, we’ve been in a holding pattern: waiting on the “yes” votes to all be present at the same time so the House can pass the amendment and send it to the Senate. It’s been one thing after another –legitimate reasons like sickness, family funerals, work obligations – that have caused some members to be absent. Hopefully, this phase of the campaign to let you, the people of Arizona, decide the definition and meaning of marriage in our state will be over next week. Then, our efforts to unite Arizonans in a strong coalition to vote “yes” on the marriage amendment will begin. (Groe Note: We are going to attempt to vote on this Monday, May 12, 2008)
3) Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion. The revised partial-birth abortion ban that addresses the concerns the Governor identified in her veto letter passed out of conference committee on Tuesday. The bill will need a final vote in both the House and the Senate before going back to the Governor.
4) Prohibition on Nurses Performing Abortions. On Tuesday, the Advanced Practice Advisory Committee of the state Board of Nursing voted unanimously to recommend that the Board rule that first trimester surgical abortions are within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. The full Board will vote on this recommendation next week. Meanwhile, HB 2269, which unambiguously prohibits nurses from performing surgical abortions, is awaiting floor action in the Senate.
5) Students’ Religious Liberties Act. HB 2713, the bill that identifies the free speech rights of religious students in public schools, is waiting for a hearing before the Senate Rules Committee.
6) School Choice. As the legislative focus turns toward the state’s 2009 budget, making the corporate tax credit permanent is of utmost importance to school choice advocates. The program is currently set to end in 2011, and all children currently benefiting from the program would suddenly lose their scholarships. Making the tax credit permanent is a simple budget item that would have no effect on this year’s general fund. Including this item in the budget would ensure that kids continue to receive the quality education of their parents’ choosing.
7) Jesse’s Law. HB 2823, which would make minor changes to the laws on medical decision-making for patients who cannot communicate their wishes, is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.
Stay up-to-date on of all the CAP-supported bills at www.azpolicy.org/legislation.
Mohave Republican Forum
YOU ARE INVITED--PLEASE COME!
MOHAVE REPUBLICAN FORUM—
May 13, 2008 Meeting
Division V Judicial Candidates Taylor, Hlavac and Williams to Speak at Republican Forum
The public is invited to the Mohave Republican Forum 5:30 PM meeting, Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008, at the Elks Club in Kingman.
Hear Cerbat Justice of the Peace John Taylor, Public Defender Dana Hlavac, and Attorney Rick Williams, announced candidates seeking the Mohave County Superior Court Division V Judgeship, a position currently held by Robert Moon, who is retiring at the end of his term.
Following the candidates speaking, there will be a time for questions and answers.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Richard at 692-4771, or Laurie at 753-5581.
MOHAVE REPUBLICAN FORUM—
May 13, 2008 Meeting
Division V Judicial Candidates Taylor, Hlavac and Williams to Speak at Republican Forum
The public is invited to the Mohave Republican Forum 5:30 PM meeting, Tuesday evening, May 13, 2008, at the Elks Club in Kingman.
Hear Cerbat Justice of the Peace John Taylor, Public Defender Dana Hlavac, and Attorney Rick Williams, announced candidates seeking the Mohave County Superior Court Division V Judgeship, a position currently held by Robert Moon, who is retiring at the end of his term.
Following the candidates speaking, there will be a time for questions and answers.
This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Richard at 692-4771, or Laurie at 753-5581.
F.Y.I. ~ $20.00 Per Diem Begins Monday
Monday, May 12, 2008 is the 120th day of the 48th Legislature, Second Regular Session.
Per ARS 41-1104.C, " . . . After the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session, each member of the legislature shall be paid the sum of ten dollars for subsistence for each day of the regular session beyond the first one hundred twenty days. Each member whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa county shall receive an additional ten dollars for each day beyond the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session as subsistence."
Beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2008 per diem for In-County Members will be reduced from $35/day to $10/day. Per diem for Out-of-County Members will be reduced from $60/day to $20/day.
Per ARS 41-1104.C, " . . . After the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session, each member of the legislature shall be paid the sum of ten dollars for subsistence for each day of the regular session beyond the first one hundred twenty days. Each member whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa county shall receive an additional ten dollars for each day beyond the first one hundred twenty days of a regular session as subsistence."
Beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2008 per diem for In-County Members will be reduced from $35/day to $10/day. Per diem for Out-of-County Members will be reduced from $60/day to $20/day.
Voters Can Trump Spending
By Tom Jenney
You play the hand you’ve been dealt, and in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game, fiscal conservatives in Arizona have a lot of bad cards.
Instead of an ace in the executive branch of state government, fiscal conservatives have a two.
Back in the fall, when Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 revenues began falling below the revenues for FY 2007, a fiscally conservative Governor would have made modest reductions in agency spending to bring expenditures in line with revenue. Instead, Gov. Janet Napolitano continued to spend FY 2008 money as if there were no shortage of revenue. She also failed to call the Legislature into a mid-year special session to correct the over-optimistic FY 2008 budget passed in June.
For the FY 2009 budget, Napolitano will likely continue doing what she has done for the last five years, which is to bargain shrewdly so as to maximize government spending. According to her budget office, state government spending now takes up 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—the biggest slice for government since 1980.
Napolitano’s deficit plan involves financing current spending levels with huge amounts of (unconstitutional) debt. And with her recent veto of House Bill 2220, she has promoted the fiction that a property tax increase is necessary to close the budget deficit.
Instead of an ace in the judicial branch, fiscal conservatives have a three. The Arizona Supreme Court in past years has refused to enforce the constitutional prohibition on state debt, and it is unlikely to start doing so now.
A third ace would be a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, but instead, fiscal conservatives have a seven (in other words, less than half). Most of the time, they do not have the votes to get fiscally conservative bills onto the Governor’s desk, or to send those bills to the ballot via referenda (a move that bypasses the Governor’s veto pen). (GROE NOTE: Remember this when election time comes around in the fall!)
With a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, Arizona would not have overspent during the last five years, and we would not have the largest budget deficit in the nation. In any case, a fiscally conservative majority (with some cooperation from the Governor) would make short work of current deficits, holding FY 2008 and FY 2009 spending constant at FY 2007 levels ($9.8 billion). Modest transfers of cash from the Rainy Day Fund could easily balance those budgets—without accounting gimmicks, and without taking on debt.
Although most of Arizona’s fiscally profligate legislators are Democrats, this is not a strictly partisan problem. In the recent Senate battle over HB 2220, Republicans Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale and Tom O’Halleran of Prescott voted to increase property taxes, while Democrat Ken Cheuvront of Phoenix provided the 16th vote to get tax relief out of the Senate. In the House, Democrat Mark DeSimone crossed party lines to vote for property tax relief, while Republicans Pete Hershberger and Jennifer Burns chose to snub homeowners and businesses.
A fourth ace would be legislative leadership strong enough to bargain hard with the Governor and put petty bills on hold until the budget crisis is resolved. Individually, some of our legislative leaders are face cards, but collectively, they’re more like a six—easily beaten by the Queen of Spending.
The only good card fiscal conservatives hold this year is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. Taxpayer activists must work hard to push to balance the FY 2009 budget without tax increases, accounting gimmicks or debt, put strong property tax and budget reforms on the November ballot, and support fiscally conservative candidates in September and November. If they do those things, the grassroots wild card could turn out to be the missing ace fiscal conservatives need to play a winning hand this year.
The stakes of the fiscal-policy poker match are high. Arizona can choose the path of strong economic growth and prosperity, or it can slide into high-tax, high-spending sluggishness. Grassroots taxpayer activists will decide.
--Tom Jenney is the Arizona director of Americans for Prosperity (https://owa.azleg.state.az.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.aztaxpayers.org)
You play the hand you’ve been dealt, and in this year’s fiscal-policy poker game, fiscal conservatives in Arizona have a lot of bad cards.
Instead of an ace in the executive branch of state government, fiscal conservatives have a two.
Back in the fall, when Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 revenues began falling below the revenues for FY 2007, a fiscally conservative Governor would have made modest reductions in agency spending to bring expenditures in line with revenue. Instead, Gov. Janet Napolitano continued to spend FY 2008 money as if there were no shortage of revenue. She also failed to call the Legislature into a mid-year special session to correct the over-optimistic FY 2008 budget passed in June.
For the FY 2009 budget, Napolitano will likely continue doing what she has done for the last five years, which is to bargain shrewdly so as to maximize government spending. According to her budget office, state government spending now takes up 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—the biggest slice for government since 1980.
Napolitano’s deficit plan involves financing current spending levels with huge amounts of (unconstitutional) debt. And with her recent veto of House Bill 2220, she has promoted the fiction that a property tax increase is necessary to close the budget deficit.
Instead of an ace in the judicial branch, fiscal conservatives have a three. The Arizona Supreme Court in past years has refused to enforce the constitutional prohibition on state debt, and it is unlikely to start doing so now.
A third ace would be a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, but instead, fiscal conservatives have a seven (in other words, less than half). Most of the time, they do not have the votes to get fiscally conservative bills onto the Governor’s desk, or to send those bills to the ballot via referenda (a move that bypasses the Governor’s veto pen). (GROE NOTE: Remember this when election time comes around in the fall!)
With a solid majority of fiscal conservatives in the Legislature, Arizona would not have overspent during the last five years, and we would not have the largest budget deficit in the nation. In any case, a fiscally conservative majority (with some cooperation from the Governor) would make short work of current deficits, holding FY 2008 and FY 2009 spending constant at FY 2007 levels ($9.8 billion). Modest transfers of cash from the Rainy Day Fund could easily balance those budgets—without accounting gimmicks, and without taking on debt.
Although most of Arizona’s fiscally profligate legislators are Democrats, this is not a strictly partisan problem. In the recent Senate battle over HB 2220, Republicans Carolyn Allen of Scottsdale and Tom O’Halleran of Prescott voted to increase property taxes, while Democrat Ken Cheuvront of Phoenix provided the 16th vote to get tax relief out of the Senate. In the House, Democrat Mark DeSimone crossed party lines to vote for property tax relief, while Republicans Pete Hershberger and Jennifer Burns chose to snub homeowners and businesses.
A fourth ace would be legislative leadership strong enough to bargain hard with the Governor and put petty bills on hold until the budget crisis is resolved. Individually, some of our legislative leaders are face cards, but collectively, they’re more like a six—easily beaten by the Queen of Spending.
The only good card fiscal conservatives hold this year is the wild card of grassroots taxpayer activism. Taxpayer activists must work hard to push to balance the FY 2009 budget without tax increases, accounting gimmicks or debt, put strong property tax and budget reforms on the November ballot, and support fiscally conservative candidates in September and November. If they do those things, the grassroots wild card could turn out to be the missing ace fiscal conservatives need to play a winning hand this year.
The stakes of the fiscal-policy poker match are high. Arizona can choose the path of strong economic growth and prosperity, or it can slide into high-tax, high-spending sluggishness. Grassroots taxpayer activists will decide.
--Tom Jenney is the Arizona director of Americans for Prosperity (https://owa.azleg.state.az.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.aztaxpayers.org)
Measure would let officers enforce immigration laws
Here is an AZCentral article about the press conference that Senator Gould and I participated in along with Sheriff Joe, Representative Russell Pearce, Don Goldwater, Chris Simcox, and many others in order to urge Speaker Jim Weiers into scheduling this Illegal Immigration Legislation for Third Read in the House of Representatives.
HB 2017~Greenhouse Emissions,Regulation, Fuel Economy
This bill prohibits a state agency from adopting or enforcing rules or regulations to implement a regional program addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or motor vehicle fuel economy that is not expressly authorized by federal law, or that is more stringent than federal laws or regulations and requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to provide a written statement on any such program.
This bill will come before the House of Representatives early next week since we will not be meeting tomorrow. I fully support this bill, believing that the Governor, by her recent actions, is muddying the waters, overstepping her authority and side-stepping the proper legislative process.
UPDATE: The Governor vetoed this legislation but we may have her stopped yet...more on this to come as we await the outcome of a federal ruling
This bill will come before the House of Representatives early next week since we will not be meeting tomorrow. I fully support this bill, believing that the Governor, by her recent actions, is muddying the waters, overstepping her authority and side-stepping the proper legislative process.
UPDATE: The Governor vetoed this legislation but we may have her stopped yet...more on this to come as we await the outcome of a federal ruling
Catching Up
Dear Republican Friends,
Session is winding down & for the most part the majority of bills have been voted on & sent to the Governor. The House & Senate bodies continue to meet each day to Third & Final read a handful of bills that could probably be voted on in one or two days but the bills are being spaced out over the remainder of the session in order to have business to address when we convene each day. The House and Senate are not meeting tomorrow so the majority of members have the day off...most of them will get an extra day to work at their "regular" job or spend time gathering signatures for re-election. I will not have this luxury, though I cannot complain as I am doing what I love...assisting in the creation of a potentially conservative budget. Is that laughter I hear? No, don't laugh...it helps to have hope (and a strong dose of faith) with this job.
As I have mentioned before, Senator Gould & I are participating in lengthy daily budget meetings to create an acceptable, responsible solution to address the $2 Billion Dollar shortfall. The other participants (all Republicans) include House & Senate Leadership, the appropriations chairmen, & a variety of rank & file members who represent various ideological views. We have made some progress in the meetings, making slight cuts in a variety of government programs, attempting to stem the bleeding but unfortunately the bloodletting is still to come. Trimming $1 Million here or $13 Million there hardly makes a dent in this fiscal crisis. At this point though, personalities have taken a backseat to policy & for that I am thankful.
In other news, the Governor & her Regulatory Review Council have overstepped their authority by requiring automobiles in Arizona to meet new standards for greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2011. Besides the fact the Governor & her council have side-stepped the legislature (& therefore, the people) once again, she has followed California in this endeavor & The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has so far refused to give California the power to enact its own greenhouse gas emission standards. Many of the Phoenix area papers have written articles detailing this decision so check out my "reading room" feature for more information.
Session is winding down & for the most part the majority of bills have been voted on & sent to the Governor. The House & Senate bodies continue to meet each day to Third & Final read a handful of bills that could probably be voted on in one or two days but the bills are being spaced out over the remainder of the session in order to have business to address when we convene each day. The House and Senate are not meeting tomorrow so the majority of members have the day off...most of them will get an extra day to work at their "regular" job or spend time gathering signatures for re-election. I will not have this luxury, though I cannot complain as I am doing what I love...assisting in the creation of a potentially conservative budget. Is that laughter I hear? No, don't laugh...it helps to have hope (and a strong dose of faith) with this job.
As I have mentioned before, Senator Gould & I are participating in lengthy daily budget meetings to create an acceptable, responsible solution to address the $2 Billion Dollar shortfall. The other participants (all Republicans) include House & Senate Leadership, the appropriations chairmen, & a variety of rank & file members who represent various ideological views. We have made some progress in the meetings, making slight cuts in a variety of government programs, attempting to stem the bleeding but unfortunately the bloodletting is still to come. Trimming $1 Million here or $13 Million there hardly makes a dent in this fiscal crisis. At this point though, personalities have taken a backseat to policy & for that I am thankful.
In other news, the Governor & her Regulatory Review Council have overstepped their authority by requiring automobiles in Arizona to meet new standards for greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2011. Besides the fact the Governor & her council have side-stepped the legislature (& therefore, the people) once again, she has followed California in this endeavor & The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has so far refused to give California the power to enact its own greenhouse gas emission standards. Many of the Phoenix area papers have written articles detailing this decision so check out my "reading room" feature for more information.
ACTION ALERT: Signatures Needed
The deadline to turn in petitions to the Arizona Secretary of State's office in order to get my name on the ballot for re-election is fast approaching so I am asking all of my friends and Republican supporters for assistance in making one last push for the collection of signatures as I am in Phoenix primarily and unable to devote the time needed for this important task.
Please, any help in this endeavor is urgently needed and much appreciated. If you would like a petition mailed to you or dropped off at your home or place of business, call or email my husband, Frank and he will be glad to hear from you. Frank can be reached at 928-855-5413 or by email at fgroe@groe.org.
Thanks for your encouragement and continued support!
Please, any help in this endeavor is urgently needed and much appreciated. If you would like a petition mailed to you or dropped off at your home or place of business, call or email my husband, Frank and he will be glad to hear from you. Frank can be reached at 928-855-5413 or by email at fgroe@groe.org.
Thanks for your encouragement and continued support!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
GOLDEN VALLEY 230kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
NOTE: The following information is taken from Project Fact Sheet # 3, provided to me by Unisource Energy.
In order to meet increased electrical demands and growth, UNS Electric, Inc. (UNSE) plans to construct a new electrical transmission line in the Golden Valley area near Kingman. The project involves the construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and two substations to serve the existing and planned electrical loads within Golden Valley and the Mineral Park Mine. The primary and initial electrical need is at the Mineral Park Mine, which is located approximately
20 miles northwest of Kingman along the east side of US Route 93 (US 93) on the western slope of the Cerbat Mountains. Additionally, the new transmission line will enhance the electrical infrastructure to the developing Golden Valley area.
GETTING INVOLVED OR MAKING COMMENTS:
A series of public open houses have been scheduled on May 6, 7, and 8, 2008.
Open houses will be held at Black Mountain Elementary and Golden Valley Middle School, 3404 N. Santa Maria Road, Golden Valley, Arizona 86413, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The open houses are designed to provide an informal forum in which the public may ask questions, receive answers, and provide comment. Specifically, UNSE would like to provide an opportunity at the open houses to:
• Discuss the process
• Suggest or offer alternatives
• Comment on alternatives
• Visit directly with siting and design team
• Discuss health and safety concerns
• Discuss right-of-way needs
Your comments regarding this project are welcome. Comments will assist UNSE and the involved agencies in making sound choices for the project. You may address written comments to Transcon Environmental, 3740 E. Southern Ave., Suite 218, Mesa, Arizona 85206, or you may make written or verbal comments during any of the public open houses. If you have questions regarding the proposed project, please call the Project Information Phone Line at (928) 415-0213 or toll-free at (866) 453-2401.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In order to meet increased electrical demands and growth, UNS Electric, Inc. (UNSE) plans to construct a new electrical transmission line in the Golden Valley area near Kingman. The project involves the construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and two substations to serve the existing and planned electrical loads within Golden Valley and the Mineral Park Mine. The primary and initial electrical need is at the Mineral Park Mine, which is located approximately
20 miles northwest of Kingman along the east side of US Route 93 (US 93) on the western slope of the Cerbat Mountains. Additionally, the new transmission line will enhance the electrical infrastructure to the developing Golden Valley area.
GETTING INVOLVED OR MAKING COMMENTS:
A series of public open houses have been scheduled on May 6, 7, and 8, 2008.
Open houses will be held at Black Mountain Elementary and Golden Valley Middle School, 3404 N. Santa Maria Road, Golden Valley, Arizona 86413, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The open houses are designed to provide an informal forum in which the public may ask questions, receive answers, and provide comment. Specifically, UNSE would like to provide an opportunity at the open houses to:
• Discuss the process
• Suggest or offer alternatives
• Comment on alternatives
• Visit directly with siting and design team
• Discuss health and safety concerns
• Discuss right-of-way needs
Your comments regarding this project are welcome. Comments will assist UNSE and the involved agencies in making sound choices for the project. You may address written comments to Transcon Environmental, 3740 E. Southern Ave., Suite 218, Mesa, Arizona 85206, or you may make written or verbal comments during any of the public open houses. If you have questions regarding the proposed project, please call the Project Information Phone Line at (928) 415-0213 or toll-free at (866) 453-2401.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Photo Radar Monies & A Rant
UPDATE: The $165.00 fine from a photo radar ticket is now directed to the state's general fund~this is part of the governor's attempt to generate money in order to continue to grow government despite facing a $2.3 Billion Dollar deficit.
In response to a couple of snide comments in the Today's News Herald discussion forum let me make the following clarification:
Monies generated by photo radar goes to the General Fund of the Cities from the City Courts and to the County general fund from the JP Courts. The surcharges go to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (that goes to about 14 different entities in the criminal justice system) and then to the Clean Elections Commission. None of it goes to the state except through the surcharges.
I am always amazed that folks like to snap back and forth with accusing remarks over issues that they know nothing about. I must state again that the online discussion forum of the Today's News Herald is a disgrace to the paper and a poor reflection on the citizens of Lake Havasu City. I truly wish TNH would shut the feature down.
In response to a couple of snide comments in the Today's News Herald discussion forum let me make the following clarification:
Monies generated by photo radar goes to the General Fund of the Cities from the City Courts and to the County general fund from the JP Courts. The surcharges go to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (that goes to about 14 different entities in the criminal justice system) and then to the Clean Elections Commission. None of it goes to the state except through the surcharges.
I am always amazed that folks like to snap back and forth with accusing remarks over issues that they know nothing about. I must state again that the online discussion forum of the Today's News Herald is a disgrace to the paper and a poor reflection on the citizens of Lake Havasu City. I truly wish TNH would shut the feature down.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Seeing Green~Professional Grass Painting Company
What a concept! Apparently grass painting has been around for some time, according to this company's website. With conservation concerns on the rise, businesses like this are expanding. What a novel idea...I have to admit I love the look of a lush, deep green lawn! Perhaps we will see companies like this pop up in Arizona. In Lake Havasu City there are folks who have green painted rocks in their yards, though I appreciate their efforts, the results are not quite as appealing.
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