Saturday, January 26, 2008

HCR 2038~Spending Limit for Arizona Government

A Proposed Floor Resolution to be made at the January 26, 2008 Republican State Committee:

Whereas, the Governor and her legislative allies have spent the state government into a billion-dollar budget deficit;

Whereas, some legislators are using the deficit to justify bringing back the state equalization property tax;

Whereas, in 2006 and 2007, state government spending as a portion of the state economy, as measured by personal income, exceeded 6.4 percent;

Whereas, fiscal moderation and fiscal conservatism both demand that government not be allowed to grow faster than the private economy;

Whereas, the existing Constitutional spending limit of 7.41 percent of state personal income was far too high to restrain recent spending binges;

Resolved, the Arizona Republican Party in Convention assembled on this 26th day of January 2008 does hereby declare that:

The Arizona Republican Party supports HCR 2038, a referendum bill introduced in the Second Session of the 48th Arizona Legislature, which would allow voters in November 2008 to amend Arizona’s Constitutional spending limit to cap spending by the state government at no more than 6.4 percent of state personal income;

Further, the following legislators are to be commended for sponsoring HCR 2038: from the Arizona House of Representatives, Russell Pearce, Mark Anderson, Ray Barnes, Andy Biggs, Judy Burges, Sam Crump, Eddie Farnsworth, Trish Groe, John Kavanagh, Rick Murphy, Bob Stump, House Speaker Jim Weiers, and Steven Yarbrough, and from the Arizona Senate, Robert “Bob” Burns, Ron Gould, Jack Harper, Sen. Karen Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Summary of Proposed Water Legislation by AMWUA

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association’s LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY2008 is now available on their website. The summary is updated weekly and includes descriptions of proposed water-related legislation and it's current status in the legislative process.

Mohave County Water Authority Proposed Legislation: HB2132

HB 2132 County Water Authority; Colorado River

(Sponsors: Representatives McLain, Burges, Groe; Senator Aguirre)

Bill Provisions

HB 2132 amends ARS § 45-2244 to eliminate the industrial use restriction on a portion of
Mohave County Water Authority’s Colorado River allocation.

Background

In 1994, legislation was adopted to provide for the formation of the Mohave County Water
Authority (MCWA). The members of MCWA are Bullhead City, City of Kingman, Lake
Havasu City, Mohave County, Golden Shores Irrigation District, Mohave Valley Irrigation and
Drainage District, and the Mohave Water Conservation District.

The impetus to forming MCWA was to put to use the City of Kingman’s Colorado River
contract for 18,500 acre-feet of 4th priority water, while at the same time providing Kingman
with funds to develop its groundwater resources. A.R.S. § 45-2244 prescribes the uses for which
this water may be used.

Late in the negotiations, the Department of Interior set aside 3,500 acre-feet of the 18,500 acrefeet for other uses, leaving MCWA with 3,500 acre-feet of 5th and 6th priority water, which is a less stable supply than the higher priority, 4th priority water. This 3,500 acre-feet was recently converted back to 4th priority water pursuant to provisions in the Arizona Water Settlements Agreement and would now be available to the MCWA as a permanent supply, however, A.R.S. § 45-2244 A.2. limits the 3,500 acre-feet to industrial uses. Industrial uses are defined in A.R.S. § 45-2201 (8) as a “nonagricultural use of water not supplied by a city, town or private water company, including animal industry use as defined in § 45-402.”

Since MCWA’s formation in 1996, it has not received a single request for water for an industrial use. During that same time frame, MCWA’s members have sought additional water for municipal purposes, which can include industrial uses.

The MCWA Board voted unanimously to seek this legislation at its meeting held September 25, 2007.

This legislation would result in additional water for municipal as well as industrial uses. It
would provide the City of Kingman with additional funds to develop its groundwater resources.

House of Representatives Schedule for upcoming week

Just a reminder that the House will return to its regular committee schedule next week. Please note a time change for Water & Agriculture Committee and a special meeting for a Joint Appropriations Committee hearing. Go to http://www.azleg.gov/ for committee agendas.

Please be aware that this schedule may change.

Monday

1:00 p.m. Floor

1:30 p.m. Committees (Finacial Institutions & Insurance, Homeland Security & Property Rights, Public Institution & Retirement, Ways & Means)
(or upon adj/recess of floor)


Tuesday

10:00 a.m. Rules/Caucus

1:00 p.m. Floor

1:30 p.m. Committees (Counties, Municipalities & Military Affairs, Government, Higher Education)
(or upon adj/recess of floor)


Wednesday

9:00 a.m. Committees (K-12, Health, Commerce, Natural Resources PS)

1:00 p.m. Floor

1:30 p.m. Committees (Approps, Environment)
(or upon adj/recess of floor)

4:00 p.m. COW amendment deadline!


Thursday

9:00 a.m. Committees (Human Services, Jud, Transportation)

9:30 a.m. Water & Agriculture (note time change)

1:00 p.m. Floor

1:30 p.m. Joint House and Senate Appropriations
(or upon adj/recess of floor)

Support from the AZ Citizens Defense League and Members

An example of the response/emails I am receiving for co-sponsoring SB 1214:

The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) has informed me that you are a cosponsor of SB 1214, permitting adults with concealed weapon (CCW) permits to carry on school grounds in accordance with Federal law.

With irrational gun bans in place everywhere, anyone determined to do a lot of harm knows that they can literally get away with murder on school grounds, because no one will stop them until it's too late. On April 16, 2007, twenty-seven students and five faculty members at Virginia Tech lost their lives to a madman who possessed one distinct advantage over his victims – he wasn't concerned about the "gun free zone" rules. Nineteen of his thirty-two victims were over twenty-one, the legal age for obtaining a concealed handgun permit in Virginia (and Arizona).


The passage of SB 1214 is very important to me, and I will do all I can to support it through the legislative process. Thank you for sponsoring SB 11214.

Public Input/Testimony Needed

The Joint Legislative Committee on Children and Family Services will meet for the first time this session on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

The meeting will be held in House Hearing Room 3

3:00 to 5:30 (or upon adjournment of afternoon committees).

The agenda will be set within the next few days. If you or someone you know would like to offer input on subjects to be discussed, please contact Representative Nancy Barto at the number/email address below.


There will be time for public input and testimony. Representative Barto and Senator Karen Johnson, the Chairs of this committee are looking forward to hearing from you!

If you cannot attend in person, please take the time to send me an email with any comments, questions, or concerns that you would like brought to light and I will be sure they are read into the record. I will have my legislative email open (tgroe@azleg.gov) if you happen to watch the committee hearing via the internet at www.azleg.gov and want to email me during the meeting.

Nancy Barto's Contact Information:



Arizona House of Representatives
Vice-Chairman, Rules and Human Services Committees
Member of Health, Higher Education, and Homeland Security & Property Rights Committees

District 7 Northeast Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale

nbarto@azleg.gov
(602) 926-5766
1700 West Washington Avenue, Suite H
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Critique of Napolitano's Proposed FY 2009 Budget

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 25, 2008
CONTACT: Steve Voeller: (602) 346-5061

Arizona Free Enterprise Club Criticizes Napolitano’s Reckless Budget Proposal
Governor’s budget proposal adds $2.3 billion in debt, according to JLBC

Phoenix, AZ – Steve Voeller, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a pro-economic growth advocacy group, today criticized Governor Janet Napolitano’s proposed fiscal 2009 budget.
In response to a $1.7 billion 2009 budget deficit, the Governor’s plan calls for $2.3 billion in new debt, an early tax payment, an expansion of photo radar, increased taxes from the lottery, and $700 million in revenue figures above consensus forecasts.

“The Governor’s budget plan for 2009 is irresponsible and should be rejected,” Voeller said.

The Governor’s plan shifts from paying cash to borrowing money for the following items:

$864 million School construction (FY’08 and ’09)
$967 million University building and maintenance
$470 million Phoenix medical school
$50 million Public safety communications
$7 million Emergency operations center
TOTAL $2.358 billion (source: Joint Legislative Budget Cmte.)

To realize new revenue, the Governor asks businesses to pay their July estimated retail taxes in June, meaning businesses will have to pay both June and July payments in the same month. She also assumes $90 million in revenue from an expansion of photo radar. It is unclear how much it will cost to implement photo radar statewide or how many tickets will have to be issued to net $90 million.

The Governor plans to spend additional state money promoting the lottery in hopes that an increase in lottery participation will bring $10 million to state coffers.

The Governor’s plan also calls for a $60 million shift from the state’s balance book to county budgets by housing felons in county jails rather than state prisons.

Over the last five years, government spending increased 32 percent after adjusting for population and inflation.

“The most troubling aspect of the Governor’s budget is the total lack of fiscal discipline,” Voeller continued. “After years of overspending, she attempts to plug a $1.7 billion dollar budget gap with $2.3 billion in new debt.”

Monday, October 8, 2007

Fetal Alcohol Syndrom Workshop for Parents

Arizona Department of Economic Security,
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Fetal Alcohol Resource Center

Teresa Kellerman’s Magical FASD Mystery Tour

Survival strategies for families of alcohol-affected children and adults

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kingman Community Foundation
2985 E John L Ave, Kingman, AZ


Families of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (diagnosed or suspected) are invited to a powerful, positive, realistic, funny and FREE one-day workshop by FASD pioneer, parent and inspirational speaker, Teresa Kellerman of Tucson, Arizona.

Topics to be covered in this jam-packed day include:
· Understanding FASD behavior (Why they do what they do!)
· The 9-step Ladder to Success for parents and caregivers
· How to care for the caretaker (especially when it’s you)
· Nutritional recommendations for children and adults
· How to avoid “FPSD” (FASD Parent Stress Disorder)
· A Reasonable Plan for supporting adults with FASD
· How to work through your grief, anger, fear and frustration

The adoptive mother of an alcohol-affected young adult, Teresa is Director of the FAS Community Resource Center in Tucson and is a consultant to the U.S. government’s FASD Center for Excellence. She is co-founder of International FAS Awareness Day, and creator of www.fasstar.com, the Internet’s most comprehensive website on FASD.

There is no fee for this seminar, but registration is required.
Childcare will not be available.

RSVP: Vicki Brewster 928-753-8077 or KAPCSN@yahoo.com
Provide your name and your phone number and relationship to person with FASD.

Hosted by Kingman Area Partnership for Children with Special Needs (KAPCSN)

For FASD resources in Arizona, visit FAS Arizona http://www.fasarizona.com/

Mohave Republican Forum

YOU ARE INVITED--PLEASE COME!

MOHAVE REPUBLICAN FORUM
October 9, 2007 Meeting

Russell Pearce, Trish Groe, Andy Tobin and Others, Speakers at Republican Forum

The public is invited to hear Russell Pearce, as well as Arizona District 3 Representative Trish Groe and District 1 Representative and Paulden, Arizona resident, Andy Tobin at the Mohave Republican Forum 5:30 PM meeting, Tuesday evening October 9, 2007, at the Elks Club in Kingman. Pearce, a fifth generation Arizonan, is exploring launching his campaign for the U.S. House of Representative, District VI, a seat now held by pro-amnesty Congressman, Jake Flake. As a State Representative Pearce lead in the fight against illegal immigration, amnesty, and wasteful spending, and promulgated strong law enforcement. This gathering, open to the public, includes dinner for $10 per person. For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Kathleen at 692-9872, or Laurie at 753-5581.

Pearce, a retired 23 year Maricopa County Sheriff veteran, has in his various roles of service, championed numerous causes beneficial to Arizona’s residents. Pearce believes that Arizona deserves better than the pro-amnesty “sell out” of a portion of the current Arizona Congressional delegation, and that the flood of illegal immigrants with its many unsavory criminal side effects, must be stopped, before it is too late to stop the unwanted consequences.

Representative Trish Groe, will provide a brief legislative update, and comments on other matters, and will be joined by District 1 Representative and Paulden, Arizona resident, Andy Tobin.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Bullhead Soldier Getting Welcome Home Tomorrow

The Bullhead Patriots have planned a surprise welcome home ceremony tomorrow Sunday, August 19, for a local resident turned soldier.

PFC Garrett Kelly, a graduate of River Valley High School and former Boys and Girls Club employee has returned home from Iraq on leave, and the Bullhead Patriots have planned a special welcome home for him tomorrow at 2pm at the Bullhead City American Legion building.

For those who would like to participate in the procession, staging will begin at 1pm at River Valley High School; will then proceed to the Kelly home and then to the American Legion Hall.

Kelly is due to return to Iraq August 22.

Raising the Gas Tax

Kathleen Ingley, an editorial writer for the Arizona Republic is calling for the state to raise gasoline taxes which have not been raised in 17 years, in order to keep up with the rising construction costs of transportation projects. Wow! I think my first step might be to cull some of the blatant pork projects out of the budget and practice responsible appropriation of taxpayer monies.

English Classes for Immigrants Fall Short of Demand

This Arizona Repugnant article details the challenges faced by both legal and illegal immigrants in accessing government (taxpayer) funded English classes because of long waiting lists. Sounds to me like there is a perfect oppotunity for more privately run schools to address this problem!

The article also notes some of the effects of voter-approved Prop 300. I am so thankful to hear how this initiative is working when it is implemented properly!

Friday, August 17, 2007

MCSO Press Release

August 15, 2007
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS – MOHAVE VALLEY

Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 7 illegal immigrants in twos eparate traffic stops on Wednesday (8/15).The first traffic stop occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Highway 95 at Hammer Road. Deputies contacted three occupants inside the vehicle and determined them to be illegal immigrants with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The three subjects were transported to the Mohave County District II Substation where ICE will later take custody of them. The driver was cited for no valid driver’s license, failure to produce evidence of financial responsibility, unsafe lane change and impede traffic.The driver is identified as Felix Ramirel, 21, and the passengers identified as Salvador Guzman-Cordero, 38, and Julian Pacheco Robles,age unknown.

The second traffic stop occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Highway 95 at Lipan Road. Deputies contacted four occupants inside the vehicle and determined them to be illegal immigrants with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The four subjects were transported to the Mohave County District II Substation where ICE will later take custody of them. The driver is identified as Fernando Perez-Morales, 23, and the passengers identified as Jesus Hernandez, 26, Roberto Perez-Morales, age unknown, and the four subjects’ identity and age is unknown at time of release.

http://www.co.mohave.az.us/mcso/
(928) 753-0755

Review of State-Run Bridges Ordered

Gov. Janet Napolitano asked her transportation chief, Victor Mendez, for a fresh review of all the 4, 720 state-run bridges in the state An initial report is due by Sept. 7. As soon as any details are released I will post them here. In the meantime, check out the ADOT Website by clicking on the post title above.

Blue Ribbon Transportation Committee Formed


PURPOSE:

(1) review all reports it receives relating to the transportation framework in this State;

(2) make recommendations on which legislative issues relating to transportation should be addressed in the next legislative session.

Senator Gould, the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, has been assigned to this Blue Ribbon Committee.

Texting While Driving?

State Representative Steve Farley, a Tucson Democrat, introduced a bill in January to prohibit driving while texting. The bill did not make it out of the Transportation Committee because Chairman Andy Biggs said that we already have bills in place (reckless driving legislation) that address this issue. I agree. Though I use a hands-free device to return phone calls in my car, I am not one who texts while driving...can't imagine being able to do so with all of those tiny buttons on my phone.

According to a recent article in the Arizona Capitol Times, Representative Farley promises to bring the proposal back and perhaps even make it stricter. Last session's bill can be viewed by clicking the title of this post.

What's next...laws against eating while driving, putting on make-up while driving, talking with your hands while driving? What about changing the radio station while driving? Where does it end? How about focusing on enforcement of the current law against reckless driving instead of passing new legislation?

As O'Rielly asks, "What say you"?

SLIF Monies Approved for Lake Havasu City

At the yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Capitol Review (JCCR) the committee voted to approve the two requests by the Arizona State Park's Board for State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) Monies to be used in Lake Havasu City.

A big thanks to Bill Mulcahy, Director of Lake Havasu Parks and Recreation Department, for making the trip to Phoenix and providing an excellent arguement for why Lake Havasu City deserves these funds.

The SLIF receives its revenue from a portion of watercraft license fees and an allocation of gasoline tax attributable to watercraft use. Monies in the fund are available to state agencies, counties, and local governments for capitol improvement projects and aquisitions of real property on waters where gasoline-powered boats are permitted.

The Park's Board first requested $952,100 to be used at existing facilities at Lake Havasu State Park. This money is to be used to replace insufficient (per the Fire Marshall) 4-inch water mains with 8-inch water mains and 9 hydrants and to also provide potable water and electricity to all 47 campsites throughout the park. No current campsites have electricity.

The Park's Board also second request $1,500,000 to contract for the planning of the development of Contact Point recreation area located about 4 miles south of Lake Havasu State Park. The Contact Point recreation area would be located on indeveloped land already owned by the State Parks Board. However, part of the roadway that would be used to access the recreation area is located on BLM land.

If you would like additional information on this issue, please contact my office.

State Budget ~ Positive Aspects

This past session the Legislature approved a $10.6 Billion dollar state budget package. This post will address some of the positive aspects of the budget, though they are few and far between.

The tax package includes $10.5 million in tax reductions, this years's carry over from the last legislative session amounted to $400 million. We increased the Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF or Rainy Day Fund) by 7% or $705 Million for this fiscal year. (I am not a fan of the rainy day fund but that is another post.) We also implemented legislation that allows Arizonans to contribute tax-free to a child's college 529 savings plan. The annual deduction is $750 dollars for individuals and $1,5000 for married couples.

Other notable provisions include:
  • $500 Million for Highway Funding
  • $46 Million for Teacher Pay Raises
  • $120 Million for School Construction
  • 4000 new prison beds
  • $68.8 Million (3.25%) State Employee Pay Raises

Coming Soon: State Budget ~ Negative Aspects!

Kingman Republican Men's Meeting

Monday, August 20th, 11:30 a.m.
Kingman Elk's Lodge ~900 Gates Avenue
Lunch: $10.00

Guest Speaker: Pete Byers, Mohave County Supervisor

All Republicans Welcome!

If you are interested in attending and need a ride from Lake Havasu, I have room for two or three. Email me to make further arrangements.

FYI...Senator Ron Gould is the Guest Speaker for September's meeting.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Did You Know?

The Arizona Legislature has introduced upgrades to its Web site that allows computer users to view live and archived committee meetings and floor sessions within 24 hours.

Computer users have been able to view live proceedings since the late 1990s. But for the first time, the Web site will feature an archive of all proceedings. Most committee meetings and floor sessions from the current session will be posted to the Internet.