Thank God it is Saturday afternoon!
I cannot describe how great it is to be vegging with my (World's Greatest) husband in front of the television, Tivo'd Friday Night Lights playing in the background, while I catch up on all of my blog reading & internet surfing.
This morning Frank & I attended the Lake Havasu Republican Forum. State Senator Ron Gould was there, petition in hand, talking about his proposed tax initiative (which I co-sponsored). Mohave County Public Defender Dana Hlavac spoke to a crowded room, explaining daily challenges he faces with case overloads and tight budget times, expounding on the dismal situation hinted at in the local media. Thank goodness the Mohave Board of Supervisors found additional funds to supplement the budget of the Public Defender's office. At the end of the forum, we took a poll on who we supported for the Presidential Primary; McCain won, then Romney followed by Huckabee.
Friday afternoon, on the way home to Lake Havasu from Phoenix I stopped in Parker to meet with Lori Wedemeyer, Parker Town Manager and several council members who graciously took time out of their day. It was a long-overdo face to face to discuss upcoming and alarming state budget cuts that have the potential to cripple cities and counties as the Legislature mulls raiding designated funds such as SLIF (State Lake Improvement Funds), HURF (Highway User Revenue Funds), and State Shared Revenue. I pledged to do all that I can to maintain the integrity of these funds though the battle will be bloody. The meeting ended with an invitation from the Parker officials to join in all of the activities slated to celebrate Parker's 100 Year Anniversary. There is a parade so you know we will be there...Frank loves driving and all of the free candy!
Before arriving at the homestead we stopped off at the Aquatic Center to cast our vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. As much as I am thankful for the opportunity to vote early, I will miss going to the polls on Tuesday, the day of the election. The privilege of voting, the tradition of of voting on election day, the freedom to vote...all make me rejoice...my heart sing. What an awesome place in which we live!
Tonight is a spaghetti fundraising dinner for one of the local schools so we are off to help the school by expanding our waistline. We are always ready to do our part when it comes to food! I am looking forward to seeing some familar faces, friends we dearly miss most January through June when session keeps us in Phoenix.
P.S.
Hello to my wonderful Gram in snowy Illinois, who reads this blog despite all of the dry political posts...hello, hello, I love and miss you!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Walker takes ELL program concerns to McLain, Groe
Last week I met with Page Unified School District superintendent Jim Walker, in addition to Superintendent Maurice Flores and Assistant Superintendent Betsy Parker from the Kingman Unified School District to listen to their concerns regarding the English Language Learner program and the costs to implement the program in their schools.
Last year the Legislature passed a bill (the Governor did not sign the bill but did allow it to go into law) that created an ELL task force, giving them instruction to create 4 ELL teaching models allowing school districts to choose the model to best fit each district in order to preserve local control. The bill also allowed the districts to design their own model and submit it for approval if preferred. Apparently the task force has designed only one model to date and this is not working. Wonder of all wonders. I appreciate the superintendents making the trip to Phoenix, coming forward and bringing this problem to my attention.
This next week I will be meeting with the House Majority Education Analyst, in addition to members of the Education Committee and representatives from the Department of Education in order to gather additional information on this issue and attempt to find out why the ELL task force did not comply with the instruction from the state legislature.
Last year the Legislature passed a bill (the Governor did not sign the bill but did allow it to go into law) that created an ELL task force, giving them instruction to create 4 ELL teaching models allowing school districts to choose the model to best fit each district in order to preserve local control. The bill also allowed the districts to design their own model and submit it for approval if preferred. Apparently the task force has designed only one model to date and this is not working. Wonder of all wonders. I appreciate the superintendents making the trip to Phoenix, coming forward and bringing this problem to my attention.
This next week I will be meeting with the House Majority Education Analyst, in addition to members of the Education Committee and representatives from the Department of Education in order to gather additional information on this issue and attempt to find out why the ELL task force did not comply with the instruction from the state legislature.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
HB2132 ~ Water Legislation ~ Committee Voting Next Week
Mohave County Water Authority proposed water legislation is schedule to be heard in the Water and Agriculture Committee next Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 9:30 am. Please go to http://www.blogger.com/www.azleg.gov to log on in support of this important piece of Colorado River water legislation sponsored by Representative Nancy McLain and myself.
THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH
Robert Robb hits the nail on the head with his article in the Repugnant about the ugly truth of the budget process at the state capitol. Members of the House Appropriations Committee are being told that the FY08 budget cut negotiations are pretty much a done deal and we should now turn our focus to FY09. Representative Russell Pearce, Chairman of House Appropriations is fighting to bring the budget process back into the Appropriations, as he has every year but, in my opinion, faces an uphill battle. Pearce is not known to back down and with Approps members behind him perhaps leadership in both the House and Sentate will get the message.
HOOVER DAM BYPASS WEBSITE
I receieve many inquiries regarding the scheduled completion of the long-awaited Hoover Dam bypass and have found the Hoover Dam Bypass Website a useful source of a information from the construction schedule to answers to frequently asked questions. The site is updated often and I encourage you to visit, if only to view the photos documenting the construction progress.
CHILD WELFARE SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, February 28, 2008
11:30am to 2pm
Phoenix Airport Marriott,
1101 N 44th St in Phoenix (just north of 'the 202').
Tickets are just $25 and includes materials and a plated lunch.
Click here to register on-line <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/NdeNJ-K1_zaA/> OR download a registration form <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/M7eNJ-K1_zaS/> .
Approximately 32,000 children are enrolled in the state's behavorial health system and a majority of youth involved with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are diagnosed with severe emotional and mental health problems. The issue of behavorial health is a significant issue impacting Arizona's vulnerable children.
Please join us to learn more about Effective Strategies for Improving Children's Behavioral Health with Knute Rotto, CEO of Choices, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in the area of behavioral health.
11:30am to 2pm
Phoenix Airport Marriott,
1101 N 44th St in Phoenix (just north of 'the 202').
Tickets are just $25 and includes materials and a plated lunch.
Click here to register on-line <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/NdeNJ-K1_zaA/> OR download a registration form <http://action.voiceshub.org/ct/M7eNJ-K1_zaS/> .
Approximately 32,000 children are enrolled in the state's behavorial health system and a majority of youth involved with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections are diagnosed with severe emotional and mental health problems. The issue of behavorial health is a significant issue impacting Arizona's vulnerable children.
Please join us to learn more about Effective Strategies for Improving Children's Behavioral Health with Knute Rotto, CEO of Choices, Inc., a nationally recognized expert in the area of behavioral health.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Photo Radar Fiasco
589 photo radar tickets dismissed due to a malfunctioning sensor! This announcement comes as the Governor reveals that she plans to use additional photo radar cameras as a yearly 90 million dollar revenue generator.
What say you?
What say you?
Bill to Add "Teeth" to the Employer Sanctions Law
DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE BILL – EMPLOYMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS:
1. Criminal penalties added for document fraud in employment verification. Penalizes the giving, accepting or trafficking in fraudulent documents for employment verification (“I-9”) purposes to obtain or continue employment.
2. Treatment of “independent contractors” made consistent with federal law. Clarifies the treatment of independent contractors so it is the independent contractor (and not the person using the contract labor) who is liable unless the person using the contract labor knows the independent contractor employees are unauthorized aliens.
3. Definition of “employee” clarified. Clarifies the definition of “employee” to conform more closely to federal law by deleting the ambiguous phrase “employment relationship” and replacing it with “a person who provides services or labor for an employer in this state for wages or other remuneration.”
4. Mandatory investigation limited to written complaints only, but annoymous complaints are acceptable. Limits the requirement for mandatory investigations to those filed on a written complaint form prescribed by the Attorney General. The uniform complaint form cannot require notarization or the complainant’s social security number. Verbal complaints (including anonymous complaints) may, be investigated. The county sheriff or local law enforcement has authority to investigate complaints and assist the County Attorney's in each county. Also they have the 250 officers and resources of GIITEM to assist them if they request.
5. Anti-discrimination clause added. Prohibits the Attorney General or county attorney from investigating complaints based solely on race, color or national origin. (actually already clear in law)
6. Licensing sanctions more location-specific. Clarifies that the licensing sanction provisions apply to licenses held by the employer “specific to the business location where the unauthorized alien performed work.” In addition, the first and second violation provisions are clarified to ensure they are even more location-specific.
7. Drafting error corrected. Corrects the mistaken federal statutory reference in the I-9 affirmative defense section from 8 U.S.C. § 1324b to 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(b).
8. Affirmative defense for innocent mistakes in the I-9 process added for employers. Clarifies that an employer does not lose his affirmative defense if the employer has an “isolated, sporadic or accidental technical or procedural failure” to comply with the federal I-9 employment verification procedures, if made in a good faith attempt to comply with those requirements, that is to take care of honest mistakes as if forgetting to check a box.
9. Treble civil penalties added for employers who pay employees cash “under the table” illegally. Adds treble civil penalties for employers of two or more employees who pay hourly wages or salary by cash without complying with applicable income tax, employer recordkeeping, workers’ compensation and unemployment tax laws.
10. Government agencies prohibited from issuing or renewing licenses to applicants who are unauthorized aliens. Requires State, county and local agencies to verify that an applicant is lawfully present in the United States prior to issuing or renewing a license.
11. Other technical and minor changes made, including changing the title of the “Basic Pilot Program” to “E-Verify” to reflect the recent federal name change.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS:
1. Criminal penalties added for document fraud in employment verification. Penalizes the giving, accepting or trafficking in fraudulent documents for employment verification (“I-9”) purposes to obtain or continue employment.
2. Treatment of “independent contractors” made consistent with federal law. Clarifies the treatment of independent contractors so it is the independent contractor (and not the person using the contract labor) who is liable unless the person using the contract labor knows the independent contractor employees are unauthorized aliens.
3. Definition of “employee” clarified. Clarifies the definition of “employee” to conform more closely to federal law by deleting the ambiguous phrase “employment relationship” and replacing it with “a person who provides services or labor for an employer in this state for wages or other remuneration.”
4. Mandatory investigation limited to written complaints only, but annoymous complaints are acceptable. Limits the requirement for mandatory investigations to those filed on a written complaint form prescribed by the Attorney General. The uniform complaint form cannot require notarization or the complainant’s social security number. Verbal complaints (including anonymous complaints) may, be investigated. The county sheriff or local law enforcement has authority to investigate complaints and assist the County Attorney's in each county. Also they have the 250 officers and resources of GIITEM to assist them if they request.
5. Anti-discrimination clause added. Prohibits the Attorney General or county attorney from investigating complaints based solely on race, color or national origin. (actually already clear in law)
6. Licensing sanctions more location-specific. Clarifies that the licensing sanction provisions apply to licenses held by the employer “specific to the business location where the unauthorized alien performed work.” In addition, the first and second violation provisions are clarified to ensure they are even more location-specific.
7. Drafting error corrected. Corrects the mistaken federal statutory reference in the I-9 affirmative defense section from 8 U.S.C. § 1324b to 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(b).
8. Affirmative defense for innocent mistakes in the I-9 process added for employers. Clarifies that an employer does not lose his affirmative defense if the employer has an “isolated, sporadic or accidental technical or procedural failure” to comply with the federal I-9 employment verification procedures, if made in a good faith attempt to comply with those requirements, that is to take care of honest mistakes as if forgetting to check a box.
9. Treble civil penalties added for employers who pay employees cash “under the table” illegally. Adds treble civil penalties for employers of two or more employees who pay hourly wages or salary by cash without complying with applicable income tax, employer recordkeeping, workers’ compensation and unemployment tax laws.
10. Government agencies prohibited from issuing or renewing licenses to applicants who are unauthorized aliens. Requires State, county and local agencies to verify that an applicant is lawfully present in the United States prior to issuing or renewing a license.
11. Other technical and minor changes made, including changing the title of the “Basic Pilot Program” to “E-Verify” to reflect the recent federal name change.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
District II Lincoln Day Dinner Update
Mohave County Republican Committee
District II Lincoln Day Dinner
Saturday, February 9th
Laughlin Ranch
Bullhead City, Arzona
6:00 ~ Cocktails
6:30 ~ Dinner
Tickets $35.00 per person
Keynote Speaker:
Arizona State Representative Kirk Adams
For information on Rep. Kirk Adams click on the link below.
Monday, January 28, 2008
How to Track a Bill
Howard Fischer has a decent article in the East Valley Tribune on how to track a bill through the legislative process using the legislative website at http://www.azleg.gov/
Constituent Mail
I love hearing from my constituents and make it a practice to read and answer emails that are sent to my legislative email address from the folks in District III. (Form emails, up to 400 at a time clogging my inbox, go unanswered.) Most emails contain requests for assistance and I am glad to help if I can and if I cannot, I try to provide the name and number of someone who can. Many emails contain comments and perspective on a particular bill that assist me in shaping an opinion on that proposed legislation. And then there are some like this....
The United States is a socialist country and uses national socialism through a 2 way lobotomy (low band width programmer) bug in planted secretly after birth in the forehead sinus cavity to provide for profiled pacification and the direct control needed to run all of the activity used to drive the agendas of the political parties plus the control is used to psychologically condition the citizens so it’s effects cannot be undone while their educations are crippled to deny them the ability to defend themselves or retaliate outside of the pre-set stages of the government used to control damage so that a new approach can be used.
The United States is a socialist country and uses national socialism through a 2 way lobotomy (low band width programmer) bug in planted secretly after birth in the forehead sinus cavity to provide for profiled pacification and the direct control needed to run all of the activity used to drive the agendas of the political parties plus the control is used to psychologically condition the citizens so it’s effects cannot be undone while their educations are crippled to deny them the ability to defend themselves or retaliate outside of the pre-set stages of the government used to control damage so that a new approach can be used.
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.
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.
(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)
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.
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
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.”
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/
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.
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.
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