New Law: Employer Sanctions Clarification

HB 2745 Now found in ASRS Chapter 152

Effective after September 30, 2008

Governmental entities are required to check legal status of license applicants, ensure contractors verify their employees' status and only grant economic incentives to employers registered with and participation in the e-verify program. The applicants and employers have the onus of proof in these situations.

Another Groe Endorsement!!!

National Federation of Independent Business, a small business association that promotes and protects the right of small business owners to own and operate their businesses has announced their endorsement of my re-election!

Constituent Mail: Stolen SLIF Monies

This afternoon I recieved a passionate email from a property owner in Lake Havasu City who had read an article about the recent robbing of State Lake Improvement Funds from the Arizona State Parks Department for the purpose of attempting to balance the state budget.

Along with my response, I have included a link to the article about this that appeared in the Today's News Herald.

http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2008/07/23/news/doc4886b360e247b023412416.txt


Dear Mr. John Q Public,

Thank you for taking the time to write me, voicing your outrage at the announcement of the cancellation of SLIF grants previously awarded to Lake Havasu City by the AZ State Parks Department. I fought tooth and nail to prevent State Lake Improvement Funds from being stolen. Unfortunately uncontrolled spending and unrestrained greed by our current governor and legislators on both sides of the aisle have contributed to the $2.3 Billion Dollar Shortfall we now face. To address this issue, supporters of the recently enacted budget stole money from every designated fund in addition to borrowing $2 Million MORE dollars to dig us further into debt. Mr. JQ Public, as a fiscal conservative I continuously fight for prudent spending of taxpayer money with priorities on transportation infrastructure (including SLIF dollars), public safety, and education.

I understand your frustration as it echos my own. If I am re-elected I hope to continue this battle, restoring and then preserving stolen designated funds.

Most respectfully,

Recent Press

For those of you who do not subscribe to our local news print, here are some recent articles in which I have been featured:

http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=16677

http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2008/07/24/news/local/local1.txt

http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=16664

http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2008/07/23/news/top_story/top1.txt

http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2008/06/27/news/doc48647913ef9d1165969932.txt

The articles are a bit informative, some of them full of (hopefully) typos. One of the articles attributes a quote to me that there are 15 new bills proposed every year...try 1500! Out of about 1500 bills proposed, only just over 300 become law. Still, in my opinion, more new laws than we need each year. As I mention in a previous post, the focus needs to be on enforcement, not new mandates and restrictions. If you have any questions after reading these articles, please leave a comment on this blog or shoot me an email.

Ciao!

Groe Campaign Endorsement

I just got a phone call letting me know that I have received the endorsement of the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association.

SAHBA's purpose is to stimulate business within the home building industry; influence political decisions by virtue of member strength; and provide a format for networking, information, training, and support for members. SAHBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.

Cap & Trade Boondoggle

Arizona backs climate plan:

"Arizona is joining six Western states and four Canadian provinces with a proposal to limit greenhouse-gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system that would be the largest of its kind in North America.
The plan, a draft of which was released this week, would apply market fundamentals to the fight against global warming, which many climatologists warn will result in higher temperatures and worsening drought across the West.
A final version of the plan is due in September, with the recommendations left to each state and province to adopt. It's unknown how much of the plan could be implemented administratively in Arizona and how much would require legislative approval."

LHC Locals Rally for Private Property Rights

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

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

2008 "TIME" COALITION TRANSPORTATION TAX INITIATIVE: LET’S PUT THE BRAKES ON THIS ONE

by Dennis Kavanaugh, Councilmember, District 3, City of Mesa

"Recently, the Arizona Republic ran a column on the challenges facing the Time Coalition’s initiative to raise taxes for transportation. The column outlined some obstacles facing this proposal. Problems like bad timing given the economy and limited support for a tax increase."

Please take the time to read the rest of this article by clicking on the title of this post, then help me rally opposition to this voter initiative.

Catching Up: The Tri-City Council Brief

Both the Kingman and Bullhead City press covered the Tri-City Council meeting that was held at the lovely Hampton Inn in Kingman this past Wednesday and I have to say that the article in today's Kingman Daily Miner comes closest to describing the exchange between myself and BHC Mayor Jack Hakim.

Mayor Hakim wrongly attempted to lay blame for the current budget fiasco on Rep.McLain and myself. He was way off base and truthfully knew not about what he was talking. Mayor Hakim is a FOJ (Friend of Janet), has appeared on a list of Republicans endorsing her,and I believe, even served on her inaugural committee. Hakim refuses to accept that the budget recently enacted is essentially the Governor's budget. (Thanks Senator Bee!)

Read about the meeting here:
Leaders from county's Big 3 meet in Kingman

Read about Hakim's endorsement of Napolitano here:
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t62694.html

I applaud the leaders and representatives from the three cities for gathering together on a regular basis and working towards common goals. That said, I am disappointed that the mayors of all three cities appear (from their comments at the meeting) to support the Governor-backed TIME Initiative that will be on the ballot in November. This is a tax increase to fund transportation needs primarily for Maricopa County. The passage of this tax increase will free up money currently spent on transportation needs so that the Governor and her lackeys can grow other government programs.

Western Governors Offer Greenhouse Emissions Plan

Read this article and then alert every one of your neighbors, friends, and family members who live in Arizona...the horrible farce of a cap and trade system is coming to Arizona. Make no mistake about it, the Governor has joined with other western states in pushing this policy that will cause utility costs to skyrocket!!!! Other policy wonks have named this proposal "cap and spend". Please check past blog posts for further information on this policy and then write and call the Governor's office urging her to put a stop to this nonsense.

Here are some additional links on Cap & Trade articles found on well-respected conservative think-tanks:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/wm1723.cfm

http://www.junkscience.com/Cap_and_Trade_Economic_Analysis_September_2007.pdf

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=26621

http://www.newsweek.com/id/139454

Americans for Prosperity Press Release

Dear LD3 (Mohave County) Taxpayer:

The Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP Arizona) has called the Legislative Session that ended June 27th the “worst in memory” for fiscal conservatives.

Fortunately, your LD3 delegation did a good job, from the point of view of fiscal conservatism, which aims to 1) restrain government spending, 2) prevent tax increases, 3) balance budgets without resorting to debt or accounting gimmicks, and 4) avoid using tax dollars for wasteful corporate-welfare boondoggles.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, aided by slim majorities in the Senate and House, failed Arizona taxpayers on all four counts.

The final General Fund budget was officially $9.9 billion, but roughly one billion in spending commitments were pushed off the books, meaning that the real budget is closer to $11 billion. In any case, the actual available cash is projected to be $9.2 billion at most, meaning that even the official budget is $700 million in the hole.

(And although the budget had very little in the way of real program cuts, the Governor and her allies did cut $5 million in funding for school choice vouchers for disabled and foster children. With an average amount of $4,000, the foster vouchers actually save the state money when children transfer out of traditional government school districts.)

Coming after four years of irresponsibly large budgets, the budget passed in June will continue to push the state toward a constitutional crisis in which the Arizona Supreme Court may choose between Prop 108, the rule that mandates a two-thirds legislative majority for tax increases, and Props 301 and 204, which mandate large automatic spending increases for government schools and government-subsidized health care. With Prop 108 safely out of the way, the Big Spenders can raise taxes and increase per-capita government spending to the economy-strangling levels of California, Michigan, or New Jersey.

Happily, your LD3 delegation voted against the budget (HB2209, et al):

Sen. Ron Gould (R) rgould@azleg.gov
Rep. Trish Groe (R) tgroe@azleg.gov
Rep. Nancy McLain (R) nmclain@azleg.gov

Further, the Governor and her allies in the Legislature prevented the passage of measures that would permanently repeal the state equalization property tax rate. That failure leaves open the strong possibility that Arizona politicians will attempt to increase property taxes on homeowners and businesses by $250 million next year.

Your LD3 Legislators voted against allowing a $250 million property tax hike (HB2220):

Sen. Ron Gould (R) rgould@azleg.gov
Rep. Trish Groe (R) tgroe@azleg.gov
Rep. Nancy McLain (R) nmclain@azleg.gov

(Reps. Groe and McLain also voted in favor of an important property tax levy limitation bill, HB2586. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass the House…)

On the corporate-welfare boondoggle front, the Governor and Legislature approved a scheme to grant the special privileges of issuing tax-free bonds and levying taxes to the developer of a rock and roll theme park in Eloy.

LD3 Legislators who voted in favor of the Eloy theme park scheme (SB1450) were:

Rep. Nancy McLain (R) nmclain@azleg.gov

LD3 Legislators who voted against the Eloy theme park scheme (SB1450) were:

Sen. Ron Gould (R) rgould@azleg.gov (see note)
Rep. Trish Groe (R) tgroe@azleg.gov

Special thanks to Sen. Gould, for his efforts to engage in a “silent filibuster” against the Eloy theme park bill during the Senate vote. The Senate voted to “excuse” him in order to finish the roll-call vote, which is why his vote appears as an “E” instead of an “N” in the tally on the Senate vote.

On the bright side, one of the small victories for fiscal conservatives this year was blocking the creation of a new taxing district for baseball stadiums in Pima County.

LD3 Legislators who voted to allow Pima County to institute a baseball stadium tax (SB1084) were:

Rep. Nancy McLain (R) nmclain@azleg.gov

LD3 Legislators who voted against allowing Pima County to institute a baseball stadium tax (SB1084) were:

Rep. Trish Groe (R) tgroe@azleg.gov

(Thankfully, the Senate did not get a chance to vote for the bill…)

For Liberty,

--Tom

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

DINNER AND A SHOW

THE GREAT DEBATE

at the

Kingman Historic Elk's Lodge

MOHAVE COUNTY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

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

6:00 P.M. Debate

ADMISSION $10.00*

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

member of one of the event's sponsors

Event Sponsors:

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

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

or email her at tgroe@groe.org

Signs of the Times

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


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

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

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

Until then,
Trish Groe

Kingman Bound

Friends,

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

A List of Arizona Ballot Measures

Check out this list from the Secretary of State's office that provides information regarding what measures may be on the ballot this November. BTW, you will note the fine print on the web page reminds us that July 11, 2008 is the last day to submit an argument for or against a proposal.

A True & Honorable Solider

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

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

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

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

A Must Read Piece by Tom Jenney:

More than ever, AZ government needs a spending limit!
By Tom Jenney

The Legislature and Governor have passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2009, but Arizona’s budget crisis is far from over. Thanks to heavy borrowing, fund transfers, and accounting gimmicks, the state government in January will have a total deficit of over $1.5 billion.

The obvious question is, What Next?

The answer depends on your political orientation. Big Spenders, Muddled Middlers, and Fiscal Conservatives* see the FY 2009 budget in very different ways, and will come to very different conclusions about what to do next.

For the Big Spenders in both parties, who wish to expand the size and influence of government, the FY 2009 budget is a major victory. It actually increases spending commitments by over $700 million–during a recession, and in a supposedly conservative state. State government spending now takes up 7.01 percent of the state’s economy—the biggest portion since 1980—and is set to get even bigger.

For Big Spenders, the recipe for the future calls for more of the same: use every expedient to keep spending high, while blaming the deficit on the 2006 tax cuts and suggesting that Arizona’s tax system is “broken.” The Big Spenders are pushing the state toward a constitutional crisis in which the Arizona Supreme Court must choose between Prop 108, the rule that mandates a two-thirds legislative majority for tax increases, and Props 301 and 204, which mandate large automatic spending increases for government schools and government-subsidized health care. With Prop 108 safely out of the way, the Big Spenders will raise taxes and increase per-capita government spending to the economy-strangling levels of California, Michigan, or New Jersey.

For members of the Muddled Middle, the FY 2009 budget process was very difficult. Middlers wanted to shield families and businesses from tax increases, but they also wanted to increase government “services,” in an attempt to satisfy constituents and spending interests. In response to the budget crisis, the Middlers will listen earnestly to those who say our tax system is broken, and to lobbyists peddling “stimulus” and “job creation” plans, searching for a nonexistent free lunch that combines low taxes with high spending.

More productively, the Middlers may focus on the problem of voter-mandated spending increases. Middlers probably do not have the stomach to send 301 and 204 back to the voters for revision, but they may support a reform such as the Majority Rules ballot initiative, which would make it more difficult for spending interests to enact new voter-approved spending mandates.

For Fiscal Conservatives, the FY 2009 budget is the worst state budget in memory, and comes on the heels of four very bad budgets (FY 2005-2008), in which spending increases greatly outpaced the growth rate of the state’s private economy. Fiscal Conservatives understand that the FY 2009 budget will continue to push government spending to unsustainably high levels, paving the way for future budget crises, the end of Prop 108, and massive tax increases.

Looking forward, Fiscal Conservatives recognize that the Big Spenders and Muddled Middlers who currently dominate state government are not likely to limit their spending voluntarily. Since 2003, Fiscal Conservatives have issued repeated warnings that state spending was growing at unsustainable rates. Their warnings were deliberately ignored by the Big Spenders, and unheeded by the Middlers.

Fiscal Conservatives also put forth several proposals to implement spending limits, including one called the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which would have limited state spending to the rate of growth of Arizona’s population, plus inflation. [See Graph] If TABOR had been adopted in 2004, after the state’s last major budget crisis, Arizona would have had a small surplus for FY 2009, instead of a $2.2 billion deficit. The government also would have refunded over $4.5 billion to taxpayers—a boon to the state economy. TABOR and other spending limit proposals went nowhere during the last five years. But spending limit ideas are not dead. For Fiscal Conservatives, who wish to restrain spending, avoid budget crises, stop massive tax increases, and preserve economic prosperity, a strong spending limit is the only way forward.

Tom Jenney is Arizona Director for Americans for Prosperity (www.aztaxpayers.org).

*Brought to your attention by your humble fiscal conservative, RepGroe

More Mischief in the Desert

Move afoot to revive spring training bill

Make sure you read the comments...most folks are against this tax increase that would build a new stadium and agree that private entities like the ball club itself, should finance this endeavor.

Downtime...with a Side of Links

I made it into town last Saturday evening and promised myself (and my family) that I would take a week to relax before jumping full speed into campaign mode. I am thankful for this down time and relishing having the grandkids in town!

Please excuse the lighthearted posts but my heart just sings having the two boys around. Besides boating on Lake Havasu, we have been swimming in the pool, making cupcakes, playing Wii bowling, watching Veggie Tales, and countless other fun activities. I have roasted two herb and garlic-rubbed pork loins, slow-cooked two tri-tips for BBQ sandwiches, grilled chicken for my famous chicken pasta salad, and tried a new recipe for Brown-Sugar Bacon that I saw Billy Joel's wife make this on the Food Network last week. Yummmmm...

For those of you who need some meat and potatoes to accompany this family fluff I gladly provide the following Arizona-related links:

Sports authority for Pima County fails in Phoenix

Gas station owners upset over pump fines

Don't mess with the autism community in Pennsylvania

New law may delay Arizona railroad project

Arizona budget calls for higher fees on businesses, consumers

State's budget is irresponsible in its spending : Opinion - Editorials

Our Opinion: Making sausage at the Legislature

Budget Pain Hits States, With Relief Not in Sight

That's it for now...there is a messy kitchen and a couple of hungry kids calling my name!

Radio Interview on Wednesday

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

2008 Session Worst In Memory

Americans For Prosperity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2008

AFP AZ calls '08 Session “worst in memory”

PHOENIX—The Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP Arizona) said today that the Legislative Session that ended Friday was the “worst in memory” for fiscal conservatives.

"This is a $10.9 billion budget masquerading as a $9.9 billion budget," said AFP Arizona director Tom Jenney. "And it comes at a time when general fund revenues are about $9.1 billion." Because the budget uses debt and accounting gimmicks to push spending commitments off the books, the Legislature and Governor in January will face a cash deficit carry-forward of over a billion dollars, something Jenney said is unconstitutional. Combined with the impact of automatic voter-mandated spending increases, the deficit in January could be more than $1.5 billion.

"This Legislative Session was a near-total disaster for fiscal conservatives," said AFP Arizona chairman Chad Kirkpatrick, citing the failure to pass measures that would permanently repeal the state equalization property tax rate. That failure leaves open the possibility that Arizona politicians will attempt to impose a $250 million property tax increase on homeowners and businesses next year.

AFP Arizona also condemned other measures adopted last week by the Governor and majorities of legislators, including a scheme to finance a billion dollars in new debt for university capital projects by expanding the Arizona lottery, and a scheme to grant the special privileges of issuing tax-free bonds and levying taxes to the developer of a rock and roll theme park in Eloy.
The group did cite several small victories, such as blocking the passage of special tax breaks for solar companies and for an entertainment district in downtown Phoenix, and preventing the creation of a new taxing district for baseball stadiums in Pima County. Also, fiscal conservatives in the Legislature prevented the referral of a transportation sales tax to the November ballot, forcing the TIME Coalition to raise private funds for its ballot initiative.

Here is the Senate vote on the main FY2009 Budget bill (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of massive debt spending and accounting gimmicks):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hb2209.sthird.1.asp
Here is the House vote on the main FY2009 Budget bill (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of massive debt spending and accounting gimmicks):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hb2209.hfinal.1.asp
Here is the House vote on HCR2072 (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hcr2072.hthird.1.asp
Here is the Senate vote on HB2220 (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hb2220.sthird.1.asp
Here is the Senate vote on SB1450 (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of granting special taxing and bonding privileges to the Eloy theme park):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/sb1450.sfinal.1.asp
Here is the House vote on SB1450 (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of granting special taxing and bonding privileges to the Eloy theme park):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/sb1450.hthird.1.asp
Here is the House vote on SB1084 (a “Y” indicates a vote in favor of giving taxing authority to baseball stadiums in Pima County):
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.aspinDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/sb1084.hthird.1.asp
Contact: Tom Jenney, Arizona state director, Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org (602) 478-0146

Groe Photo Shoot

More painful than a trip to the dentist was this photo shoot last Friday. I needed new pictures for my campaign material so Friday morning I scheduled this "dance with the devil". Since it was around 9:00 am, the temperature was only 99 degrees as opposed to the usual 114-117 degrees felt in Phoenix last week! Feel free to leave a comment below each photo, weighing in on which photos should make the cut...and which definitely should not.

Blessings,

Trish

Groe Campaign Events for July

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

Moschcau Meet & Greet

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

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

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


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

A New Day

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

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

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

Legislature's session ends with testy finale

Contention rules floor on last day of session

Finally! Legislature ends session on 166th day

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

Legislature Breaks Law

Robert Robb claims, in this recent column, that the Arizona Legislature is breaking the law by using a budget gimmick commonly called the "K-12 Rollover". Personally, I abhor the rollover. During my first or second session, we paid back the $191 Million Dollars owed to the school districts from a session prior to my election. I was proud that we accomplished this and never expected that this deceptive practice to be used again while the Republicans held the majority. Unfortunately I was wrong...dead wrong. Hats off to Mr. Robb for shedding some light on this practice.

Sighting Sine Die

Today, both the House and Senate have a slew of Conference Committees with several bills still proceeding through the legislative process. We are expected to go to the floor, simultaneously at 10:00 am to consider bills and, perhaps, Sine Die. Though I am a bit unsure as the calendar for today just shows a COW calendar, with no third readings or final passages scheduled. For a time yesterday there was talk of working over the weekend or even straight through to Monday. I doubt this is the case but lately reason has not prevailed.

With the passage of this abominable budget, I am feeling deflated. In addition to this, I am greatly disturbed about several things that took place yesterday including a brief yet incredibly rude interaction I had with several of my senior colleagues. The chauvinism they displayed was shocking and extremely distasteful. Perhaps I will have to chalk it up to the stress of the past few days...I will try to frame their bad behavior in this light, though at some point in time it might be interesting to examine the chauvinism alive and well in our Arizona Legislature.

My day needs to move forward so I will complete my post. Rest assured that thought the battle over the budget may be lost, I will not give up my fight to protect your hard-earned money, your private property rights, your precious personal freedoms and important individual liberties!

Edwards’s 2-to-1 Budget Law

From Chris Edwards, the Director of Tax Policy Studies at the Cato Institute:

How should government officials decide on whether to fund big projects such as fighter aircraft, highways, bridges, and other types of infrastructure? First, they should check the Constitution to see whether they are legally allowed to spend on the object in consideration. Second, they should assume that the item will cost at least twice as much as initial estimates indicate.

There should be a 2-to-1 hurdle when the price tag of a project is being considered.
Government purchases of military hardware, highways, energy projects, space equipment, and other items often cost 50% or 100%, or more (see here and here), above what politicians originally promise.

Let’s be conservative and say that a 50% cost overrun is typical, such that we can expect a new $1 billion project to actually cost taxpayers $1.5 billion. But as economists often point out, paying for $1.5 billion in government spending will cost taxpayers much more than $1.5 billion because of the “deadweight losses” or inefficiency costs created by extracting taxes from the private sector with a complex and high-rate system.

How much more? Harvard’s Martin Feldstein thinks deadweight losses might be $1 for each added dollar of taxes. But let’s be conservative and say it’s only 50 cents on the dollar. So government projects impose deadweight losses of 50% on costs that are likely to balloon at least 50%.

The bottom line is that when America’s taxpayers hear that politicians want to spend, say, $10 billion on a new scheme, they should assume that they will face an ultimate financial hit of $22.5 billion. And that’s conservative!"

Catching Up ~ Abeit Briefly

UPDATE: Arizona Federation of Taxpayers also came out against the Mason Solar Tax Credit bill. Mason has decided to hold the bill at this point.

Forgive my lack of posts over the last two days. We are more than knee-deep in garbage here at the Capitol and instead of pressing forward to negotiate a responsible budget we are passing out bills that without question will result in increased taxes.

Two of these bills I am referring to are provisions that were in the now defunct job stimulus package: Lucy Mason's Solar Tax Credit and Pima County's Cactus League~Spring Training Bill. Unfortunately for the taxpayer, both of these bills passed out of committee despite objections from such groups as the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, the D.C. based Taxpayer Foundation, and the Arizona Restaurant Association. The Mason Solar-Energy Tax Credit received a thorough beating during our recent republican caucus so perhaps there is a ray of hope (get it?) that it will go down in flames.

As you have probably read by now, the Senate passed out their horrific budget proposal last night ( or rather, at 5:33 this morning) that includes $2 BILLION DOLLARS IN NEW BORROWING besides the fact that we are currently facing a $2.3 BILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL! Ugh! Props to my good friend and seatmate, Senator Ron Gould for seriously doing all he could to protect the citizens of Arizona and prevent the Senate from successfully passing the budget. Senator Gould got almost no assistance from his fellow republicans...it is a shame that he has to take heat from his colleagues for taking seriously his oath of office.

Oh, surprise, surprise...house leadership just put the APPALLING Senate Budget Feed Bill (HB 2209) on the "Board of Truth" and the bill passed with the assistance of the following republicans:

Lucy Mason
Jennifer Burns
Michelle Reagan
Pete Hershberger

Without these REPUBLICANS ( though now perhaps, RINOS), the outrageous Senate Budget Feed Bill would not have passed and we would have then had the opportunity to negotiate a more fiscally responsible budget on behalf of the taxpayers.

FYI, I will list the travesties of the Senate Budget in a later post...must pay attention to the bills as they are voted. Can you believe that I am receiving emails from district 3 AEA members pleading me to vote in favor of this Senate budget? Increased gambling, increased photo radar, increased borrowing...and AEA members believe this is prudent?

Jerry Weier's OHV Bill & the Perils of it's Passage

UPDATE: The Governor signed this bill into law on 6/27/08.

The Senate's passage of this Off-Highway Vehicle (ATV) bill is horrible news; now the bill goes straight to the Governor. I have voiced my opposition to this bill in the past and am inspired to do so again at this time after recievng an email praising the legislation from an otherwise well-informed constituent.

Though this bill has multiple provisions; the one mentioned most by the print media is a provision that creates a special designated fund to mark appropriate riding trails and allows a new licensing fee to be collected to fill the fund. I seriously doubt that the monies collected from the new licensing fee will ever be used for this purpose but intead will be stolen by members of the legislature and used to balance the budget. As you well know, in the past two budget cycles the legislature has robbed from almost every designated fund in existence and with the state of this economy, I do not see this practice coming to an end.

Another problem with this bill is the lack of definable terms. This bill will not only fine but also criminalize people who unknowingly damage desert landscape or impede riparian ways, without defining what “damage” means. (Impeding a riparian way is defined in other AZ statute as blocking it even 99 %.) Game and Fish officials admitted during committee testimony that they could not provide a definition of damage, but would know it when they see it. This is poorly drafted legislation…terms of abuse or damage should be defined. Without these definitions I fear that employees of government agencies will be instructed to pursue ticketing with giddy abandon in order to fulfill their empty coffers. Excuse my cynicism; it is a result of acknowledging the truth of the state of the government.

The intent of this bill is admirable; the execution of the bill is deplorable. I attempted to offer solutions to improve this bill including stripping all provisions with the exception of the new licensing fee. My thought was that at least Game and Fish could collect the monies for a time being until they had enough money to mark the trails. After this first step, then perhaps a fine for violations could be imposed. I strongly stand behind my judgment that this bill is bad for the citizens of Arizona and horrible for those in Mohave County…the intent of the measure I applaud but action on an issue is not enough. Something needs to be done to address the pillaging of our desert but this is not the answer.

New Law: The Teenage Driver Safey Act

The Teenage Driver Safety Act, passed in May of 2007, will go into effect on July 1, 2008. With the enactment of the legislation, Arizona is joining 45 other states that have established intermediate programs for new teen drivers. Under the new law, new teen drivers for the first six months of receiving their drivers’ license will have restrictions on nighttime driving, limiting the amount of teen passengers in a car, and adding more hours of instructional driving before an unrestricted driver’s license can be obtained.

Here are its key points:
• Establishes graduated driver license, where licensed drivers, ages 16-17, do not have full driving privileges until six months after licensing.
• Increases supervised training requirement from 25 to 30 hours, of which 10 must be at night.
• Prohibits driving from midnight to 5 a.m. for the first six months, with exemptions for job, religious or school activities or family emergencies.
• Limits number of non-family teenage passengers to one during first six months.
• Establishes fines and extensions of restrictions for non-compliance.

For more details on this legislation and for a list of frequently asked questions, please visit the Arizona AAA website by following this link:

http://www.aaaaz.com/news/documents/TDSAFAQs.pdf

Theme Park Measure Could Take State for a Ride

UPDATE: This measure passed out of the Senate, despite being poor policy, and is now headed to the Governor.

By Byron Schlomach, Commentary

In the Mel Brooks play, “The Producers,” a planned swindle would only succeed if a joke of a Broadway play was a monumental flop. The play, “Springtime for Hitler,” ended up being a success against all reason. Right now the Arizona Legislature is planning a similar heist: the Decades Music Theme Park.

The Legislature has proposed a law to create a “special attraction district” in Eloy that would only include the Decades park and give it quasi-governmental status. Why is this proposed law a scam? In essence, the law is designed to subsidize private companies that cannot raise the money or otherwise get financing without special government treatment. In this case, the special privilege is the ability to issue government bonds. The bill now being considered would allow the owners of Decades to issue $750 million in government bonds.

People who buy government bonds accept less interest than they would otherwise for two reasons. First, they don’t have to pay federal income tax on the interest earned. Second, government bonds are backed by the ability of a government entity to tax its citizens, so they are generally safe investments.

In the case of the proposed theme park, the bonds will be financed by sales taxes paid only by park visitors. That means these bonds are really every bit as speculative as corporate bonds, because they are entirely dependent on the ability of a company to attract customers.
There are very likely to be good-faith buyers of these special attraction district bonds who will have every reason to think the bonds are as safe as school district bonds.

Then, if the park doesn’t work out and goes out of business, widows, retirees and institutional investors could find their government-grade bonds worth pennies on the dollar at best. If this unfortunate scenario were to happen, disappointed investors would likely sue those responsible, including the state of Arizona. Even if there’s no lawsuit, Arizona’s bond ratings will suffer if the park goes belly-up. Future bond buyers, with no idea if they’re really buying speculative corporate bonds or genuine government bonds, might avoid buying Arizona bonds all together.
Not only could Arizonans lose financially if policymakers ultimately approve this highly speculative project, we could lose in other ways. The private sector sets a pretty high bar for potential enterprises to pass in order to get funding. That doesn’t mean there is always success when enterprises are privately funded, but it does mean the winners often win big. Who knows what kind of big winner this government-backed project might prevent from opening.

If a theme park comes to Arizona, it needs to stand on its own financial feet. The test any such proposal passes should come from the private sector school of hard work, not the political school of smooth talk.

Byron Schlomach is director of the Goldwater Institute Center for Economic Prosperity

JCCR Meeting Agenda for 6/25/08

JOINT COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL REVIEW
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
8:30 A.M.
House Hearing Room 4

MEETING NOTICE
Call to Order

Approval of Minutes of May 13, 2008.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT (if necessary).

1. ARIZONA DEPT. OF ADMINISTRATION - Review of Tucson Office Complex Renovation.

2. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - Review of Energy Services and Performance Contract.

3. NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

A. Review of Distance Learning and Arizona Universities Network Facility Bond Project.

B. Review of Recreation Field Expansion and Multipurpose Building.

The Chairman reserves the right to set the order of the agenda.
6/19/08
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.

House Schedule & The Plan of Action

Tomorrow the House goes to the floor at 10:00 to third read one bill and to vote on one final passage. Click the title of the post for additional information.

Wednesday I have a JCCR committee meeting at 8:30 in the morning (I will post a link to the agenda ~ state university projects to be discussed) and then 9:30 we have an Appropriations Committee meeting. The agenda of the committee will be compiled of all budget-related bills. The bills will be discussed and voted on in committee. With their passage, the House Democrats and Republicans will separately caucus the bills. After the bills are caucused, the bills will be COW'd and third read. All of this is expected to happen on this Wednesday. Tune in to the action via Capitol TV or watch via the Internet.

As usual, I will answer any of your questions on the process or the budget proposal, just email me at tgroe@azleg.gov. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hold on to Your Wallet!

UPDATE: Alright, I've had a bit of ice cream to soothe my nerves and refocus my perspective. I thought I would take a moment to mention that I am thankful we have not only one budget proposal (the House) but two, as the Senate just announced their bipartisan budget plan. As much as I might detest both of these measures I just wanted to acknowledge that at least there is a plan. And that ladies and gentlemen, is what you call an attitude adjustment!

A budget solution that robs from cities, counties, almost every designated fund, and still consists of more debt (borrowing) without real reform, without trimming any of the government waste and without addressing the $2.2 BILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL and then the news that Jerry Weiers stink'n OHV bill passed out of the Senate today...can the day get any worse? Oy vay! What next...the passage of the GOP Economic Stimulus package? Tell me it isn't so!

AZ Free Enterprise Club Press Release

UPDATE: As of today, June 24th, it looks like this proposal is dead in its tracks! The commerce committee hearing scheduled to hear the bill has been cancelled! Glory be...there is still a bit of reason left among my colleagues.

Arizona Legislature Should Reject Stimulus Package
Christmas Tree of goodies will hurt, not help, Arizona economy

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a pro-economic growth advocacy group, today announced its opposition to an “economic stimulus” package that reportedly consists of subsidies for a downtown entertainment district, solar production, and research and development. The package also intends to grant Pima County the authority to hold an election seeking a sales tax increase on restaurants, hotels and rental cars to enhance Tucson-area spring training facilities. The package, the details of which have not been released, is being formulated by a handful of special interest groups and lobbyists.

“There is no way a package larded down with this much pork should ever get off the ground,” said Steve Voeller, president of the Club. “not only is this not economic stimulus, it’s not even decent public policy. Tax credits and exemptions are exactly like spending items. Proponents of this package want to pay people for these activities. Do they need to be reminded that the state faces a $2.2 billion budget deficit?”

The plan does not address the looming statewide property tax increase set to occur next year.

“The state faces a $250 million tax hike next year since the governor vetoed a bill to prevent it from occurring. The notion that you can bestow tax subsidies on a few developers and companies and think you’re going to turn around the economy, all while ignoring a massive tax hike on millions of Arizona taxpayers, is sadly absurd. You want to create jobs? Let’s start by not raising taxes.”

In addition to the veto of the property tax repeal, the governor and some business leaders are pushing for a 17.8 percent statewide sales tax rate increase for roads, trains, light rail, open space, non-profit groups, and other endeavors.

“The policies coming out of the state legislature should scare everybody concerned about the status of the state’s economy.”

Legislature Approves Major CPS Reforms

(State Capitol, Phoenix) – Spurred by the tragic and unnecessary deaths of three Tucson children, Reps. Jonathan Paton and Kirk Adams set out to reform Child Protective Services.

Their efforts culminated in the passage of four bills Thursday. HB2453, HB2454, HB2455 and HB2159 are all on their way to the governor for her signature.

Most significant of the package, HB2454 opens the CPS records of those children who are killed or seriously injured. Currently, the public must sue CPS to obtain the records, a costly and sometimes prohibitive process.

Another important reform affects all state employees. HB2159 opens all disciplinary records of state employees. This reform came about because some CPS workers who had been disciplined escaped public scrutiny because the records were not available.

HB2453 opens some court proceedings to add another layer of accountability.

“These reforms are meant to do one thing: Protect children,” Paton, R-Tucson, said. “Only by shining the light on CPS can we hope to prevent further deaths.”

“The action, and sometimes the inaction, of CPS raised a lot of concerns and the agency only made changes after their failures came to light,” Adams said. “It clearly shows the more people know about CPS the safer our children will be.”

The reforms came about after the deaths of three children in the Tucson area even after contact with CPS. The bills are supported by open government advocates, the media and child advocacy groups.

Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008

The latest attempt to garner good press at the expense of good public policy, otherwise known as the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008 is now posted on the AZLEG website in the form of an 81-page amendment to Senate Bill 1433. If you do not have the fortitude to read the entire amendment, I will touch on the 4 main ideas:

Solar Tax Credits - This would offer incentives for qualifying new businesses that manufacture solar energy components in Arizona.
Research and Development Tax Credits - This would enhance current corporate and income tax credits for new research and development projects.
Cactus League Baseball - This would allow Pima County voters to approve targeted taxes, proposed by a private Tucson-area group, to pay for improvements to new and existing Cactus League ballpark facilities, and is targeted at keeping teams in their southern Arizona location.
Urban Redevelopment Project - This would establish new entertainment districts, targeted at urban downtown areas.

Though these proposals may sound innocuous, the devil is in the details. The list of organizations opposed to this measure is growing and now includes:

Arizona Federation of Taxpayers

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club

Arizona Restaurant Association

New Law ~ SB 1238: Outdoor fires;Counties

The Governor recently signed the late Senator Jake Flake's bill to assist in the prevention of damaging and dangerous wildfires.

SB 1238 is an measure that expands the authority of counties to adopt and enforce ordinances prohibiting open fires and campfires in designated unincorporated areas when a determination of emergency is issued by the county emergency management officer and the Board of Supervisors deem it necessary to protect public health and safety on those lands.

Motor Home Meltdown

Okay, so I usually love living in the motorhome but right now it is 112 degrees outside and for some reason, I have lost all power to the RV. With Frank in California taking care of his mother, I am having my first MOTORHOME MELTDOWN!

More Opposition to the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008

NOTE: The Cactus League Baseball Proposal is part of the bill that the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers is calling the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008. Please call Speaker Jim Weier's office at 602-926-4173 and urge him to rethink his support of this measure. If you would prefer to email, his email address is jweiers@azleg.gov.
Re: Cactus League Baseball Proposal

Dear Representative,

On behalf of the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) I am writing to respectfully request that you oppose the Cactus League Baseball proposal which would create a 0.75% tax on restaurants, bars, hotels and rental car companies. As you know, this proposal is part of the Jobs Creation Package which is expected to be voted on very soon. As recently as today, there has been discussion on modifying this proposal but keeping the above mentioned entities as the tax revenue source, we oppose this recommendation as well. The ARA understands the importance of preserving and promoting the sport’s industry in Southern Arizona, however, imposing a tax on restaurants, bars, hotels and rental cars is not the answer.

Issues such as these are not taken lightly and as a member-based organization we contacted each of our Southern Arizona members to get their understanding and position on the proposed measure. We found that members are overwhelmingly opposed to any additional tax increase on our industry including a tax for Cactus League Baseball. Our members are in part against this measure because the revenue generated from sports in Southern Arizona is beneficial to all businesses and forcing a select few to shoulder the burden is not a fair or palatable solution to this problem.

Furthermore, restaurants generate 24% of their revenue from tourism while hotels and rental cars generate 2.5 to 3 times that amount from tourism…clearly the paradigm is different for restaurants in this case. We want to see baseball training thrive in Southern Arizona. However, we cannot support a measure that unfairly taxes an industry and thus forces a select few to pay for a measure that would benefit all Southern Arizona businesses.

On behalf of the Arizona Restaurant Association, I thank you for your consideration and urge you to oppose the Cactus League Baseball component of the Jobs Creation Package. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Steve Chucri
President and CEO
Arizona Restaurant Association

SpeakOut Radio Interview

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

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

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

ROSE GROE

My precious Mother-in-Law Rose fell last night and broke her hip so Frank left for California to be by her side. I am still in Phoenix since the Legislature was suppose to work today though that did not come to fruition. Please pray for Rose, that she heals quickly and without complications.

SpeakOut Radio Interview Today

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

Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008

Dear Arizona Taxpayer:

As I wrote yesterday, the Arizona Senate is considering SB1450, a bill that would award a private company the privilege of issuing $750 million in tax-free bonds, so that it can build a rock music theme park in Eloy.

Proponents of SB1450 have contacted me, arguing that the bill's language removes any legal obligation for taxpayers to bail out the theme park district in the event that it cannot attract enough visitors to pay back the bond creditors.

That appears to be true about the legal obligation, but the legislation does not remove the political obligation to bail out the theme park district. If the Eloy theme park turns out to be a flop, future legislatures will be under intense pressure to bail out the theme park. If they do not, the failure of the district to pay back creditors will hurt Arizona's bond ratings, effectively raising the interest rates for revenue bonds for traditional public-private partnerships, such as road construction projects.

Again, the economic downsides of the Decades Theme Park deal are not nearly as important as the question of principle at stake: Should the government give special taxing privileges to chosen companies? Again, the answer to that question is, "NO." The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers in the economy.

Further, if we let the Eloy deal pass, it will only encourage the rest of the sharks, who are already pestering the Legislature to pass the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008, which includes special tax breaks for entertainment districts, ballparks, and other politically-favored industries, all in the name of "economic stimulus." Remember that every dollar given to a favored industry in a tax credit is a dollar that cannot be cut from the taxes of ordinary individuals, families, and businesses. Somehow, that does not seem very stimulating...

For emerging details on the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008, see this story in the Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/06/18/20080618stimulus0618.html

The tax credit handouts in the Big Boondoggle Bill of 2008 make the Eloy deal look almost innocent. It seems that our politicians just can't break the habit of picking winners and losers in the Arizona economy-no matter how many losers they pick. We will keep you posted on developments related to the Big Boondoggle Bill.

For Liberty,

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

No Budget In Sight...

No budget in sight...no rumor of a budget at all...no whispers, NO NOTHING!

On a more positive note, the House did vote on and pass the Partial Birth Abortion Ban and the bill is now headed to the Governor.

We are working tomorrow...the first time in about two months that we will be meeting on a Thursday. I expect to hear details of the monstrous "job stimulus" package that bears the name of the Speaker, Andy Tobin and Michelle Reagan. I am relieved to say that this proposal is not being received enthusiastically by my colleagues so perhaps there is another reason for hope.

I am exhausted, a bit emotionally drained and completely embarassed about all of the garbage that makes up these late days of session. I will post more tomorrow but for now, I am turning off the computer and turning in to bed.

G'night.

A Message from Arizona Federation of Taxpayers

Dear Arizona Taxpayer:

Right now, members of the Arizona Senate are considering whether or not to award a private company the privilege of issuing $750 million in tax-free bonds, so that it can build a rock music theme park in Eloy.

If the project turns out to be a flop, and if tourists fail to come to Eloy in sufficient numbers, the state could have to pay back creditors, or it could jeopardize its bond rating, making it more expensive in the future to borrow money for traditional projects, such as road construction.

But the economic downsides of the Decades Theme Park deal are not nearly as important as the question of principle at stake: whether or not the government should not be handing out special privileges to chosen companies. The answer to that question is clearly, “NO.” The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers in business.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR, AND ENCOURAGE HIM OR HER TO OPPOSE THIS BILL. WE ARE ESPECIALLY CONCERNED ABOUT ANY SENATOR WHO VOTED YES (“Y”) ON THE EARLIER VERSION OF THE BILL:
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/sb1450.sthird.1.asp

In response to a query from the Senate, AFP Arizona hereby announces that the bill, SB1450, will be included in our 2008 Legislative Scorecard. Given the potential yearly fiscal impact, and the importance of the principle at stake, the bill will be a 50-point bill. In last year’s scorecard, that would have been just under 5 percent of the total, but there are fewer bills this year, so SB1450 could weigh as much as 10 percent of the overall score.

For more information about why SB1450 is a bad bill, see the pieces from the Goldwater Institute and the AZ Free Enterprise Club (pasted below).

For Liberty,

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


Springtime for Decades: Eloy theme park bill bad for Arizona
By Byron Schlomach, Ph.D., director of the Goldwater Institute Center for Economic Prosperity.

In the Mel Brooks play, The Producers, a planned swindle would only succeed if a joke of a Broadway play was a monumental flop. The play, Springtime for Hitler, ended up being a success against all reason. Right now the Arizona legislature is planning a similar heist: the Decades Music Theme Park.

The Arizona legislature has proposed a law to create a “special attraction district” in Eloy that would only include the Decades park and give it quasi-governmental status. Why is this proposed law a scam? In essence, the law is designed to subsidize private companies that cannot raise the money or otherwise get financing without special government treatment. In this case, the special privilege is the ability to issue government bonds. The bill now being considered would allow the owners of Decades to issue $750 million in government bonds.

People who buy government bonds accept less interest than they would otherwise for two reasons. First, they don’t have to pay federal income tax on the interest earned. Second, government bonds are backed by the ability of a government entity to tax its citizens, so they are generally safe investments.

In the case of the proposed theme park, the bonds will be financed by sales taxes paid only by park visitors. That means these bonds are really every bit as speculative as corporate bonds, because they are entirely dependent on the ability of a company to attract customers.

There are very likely to be good-faith buyers of these special attraction district bonds who will have every reason to think the bonds are as safe as school district bonds. Then, if the park doesn’t work out and goes out of business, widows, retirees, and institutional investors could find their government-grade bonds worth pennies on the dollar at best. If this unfortunate scenario were to happen, disappointed investors would likely sue those responsible, including the State of Arizona.

Even if there’s no lawsuit, Arizona’s bond ratings will suffer if the park goes belly-up. Future bond buyers, with no idea if they’re really buying speculative corporate bonds or genuine government bonds, might avoid buying Arizona bonds all together.

Not only could Arizonans lose financially if policymakers ultimately approve this highly speculative project, we could lose in other ways. The private sector sets a pretty high bar for potential enterprises to pass in order to get funding. That doesn’t mean there is always success when enterprises are privately funded, but it does mean the winners often win big. Who knows what kind of big winner this government-backed project might prevent from opening.

If a theme park comes to Arizona, it needs to stand on its own financial feet. The test any such proposal passes should come from the private sector school of hard work, not the political school of smooth talking.

Decades Music Theme Park Bill Strikes the Wrong Chord~
exempting income and property taxes is corporate and investor welfare
Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a pro-economic growth advocacy group, today announced its opposition to SB1450, the Regional Attraction District, otherwise known as the Decades Music Theme Park. The legislation exempts for-profit companies within the district from paying income and property taxes.

During testimony on the bill in Senate Commerce, proponents claimed that without this legislation, the area in Eloy where the park is proposed would not be an internationally recognized music theme park. Proponents of the bill also stated that some of the private investment was contingent on the bill.

“What gets built in Eloy should not be determined by legislating corporate subsidies being pushed by those who stand to benefit financially,” said Steve Voeller, president of the Club. “When corporate welfare is needed so that the private investment pays off, you could say the role of government has been exceeded.”

The legislation exempts businesses who locate with the district from paying property or income taxes. The park’s supporters claim that because they are required to raise $100 million in private investment before the bonds can be issued, the state’s investment is a sound one.
“If building a music theme park in Eloy makes economic sense, so much so that the first $100 million can be raised privately, then the project should be financed like other large projects and the owners should pay taxes like everybody else.”

House to Vote on Partial Birth Abortion Ban

UPDATE: No vote on the partial birth abortion ban today as we do not have the votes to pass the bill. Konopnicki and Brown are not on the floor and are needed for the bill's passage.

Today we head to the floor at 10:00 to vote on three bills including the Partial Birth Abortion ban that passed out of the Senate yesterday. I expect the bill to pass (it passed once in the House already and was changed only slightly in the Senate) and get transmitted to the Governor. Click on the title of this post to the details of the bill.

Sheriff Sheahan Endorses...

NO ONE.

I heard last week that Mohave County Sheriff Tom Sheahan endorsed a candidate for State Representative, District III. I thought this a bit strange as the Sheriff has a campaign of his own to pursue and it just doesn't make sense for him to offer endorsements in this race while he is running for re-election.

What did I do when I heard this "news"? Well, I called and bluntly asked him if this bit of information was true. NOPE. UNTRUE.

I hope that when you hear "news" that doesn't sit well with you, that you will call me first thing to find out if indeed it is fact or fiction.

Thanks for your time!

Catching Up...and Sounding Off!

Today at the House we voted on the two bills mentioned below; both passed without pause. We also caucused two bills that will be COW'd tomorrow. I will link to those in a later post.

Russell Pearce had one of his bills die in the Senate...I am unsure what the subject but I think it had something to do with driver's licenses. You can find the information on the Senate website, if interested. The bill went down pretty hard though, with only 5 or 6 yes votes. Russell swears that it is a good bill...I think there might have been a problem with a way the bill was written, from what I am hearing.

Also in the Senate, Conservative Republican GOP activist Sylvia Allen was sworn in as the District 5 replacement for the late Jake Flake. I visited the Senate Floor briefly with in order to meet her and offer my encouragement as she makes the transition.

Tomorrow I have a House and Senate Joint Appropriations meeting that begins at 1:30 pm. You can watch this meeting live via the Internet.

http://azleg.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=&clip_id=&publish_id=13&event_id=

According to my colleague and House Appropriations Chairman Representative Pearce, he has asked various state agency directors to appear before the committee and testify on what impact government shut down would have on their agency. This is an ever apparent reality as we have 15 days to develop a budget proposal with no acceptable, responsible solution in sight. Not one of my colleagues in the House has an update of any progress though there is rumor that leadership, excluding the Approps Chairmen, are meeting with the Democrats.

How is that for a slap in the face, not only to rank and file republican lawmakers but to the people of Arizona?

Republicans are the majority in both the House and the Senate and their elected leadership has abandon them and are now pandering to the Dems!!!! I believe their plan is to put to a vote the "best" democrat budget they can negotiate. If this is indeed their plan we could have preserved a few precious individual liberties and avoided needless new legislation if they had just run the Governor's budget up the board in the first place.

As usual, I will keep attempt to keep you abreast of the news as it develops.

At your service,
RepGroe

Greater Phoenix Economic Council asks CEOs to Push State for Solar Incentives

...sounds great, huh? As usual, the devil is in the details! The whispering has started and I hear that this is something that the legislature is going to be asked to entertain before session ends in two weeks.

House Third Read for Today

SB1110-->funds; elimination; transfer

SB1235-->state expenditures; searchable database; transparency

Click on the bill number for further information on the proposals.

Catching Up ~ Abeit Briefly

Back and ready to blog!

I will be posting new legislative happenings later in the day...we go to the floor at 11:00 today to entertain a few bills and I plan to get the scoop on the budget proposal. I will share all I learn.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures from my weekend trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee where my youngest brother was married.

Traveling to Tennessee

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

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

In Leiu of Flowers

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

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

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

Arizona Agriculture Furious

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

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

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

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

Google Calendar ~ Upcoming Events

Dear Readers,

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

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

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

Trish Groe

Today's Calendar

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

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

In your service,

RepGroe

Senator Flake's Obituary

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

Senator Jake Flake 1935-2008

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

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

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

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

Battle on for Legislative Majority

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

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