Rep. Ugenti Sponsors Bill Honoring Pat Tillman
Representative Michelle Ugenti is sponsoring the Pat Tillman legacy bill that creates a license plate honoring Pat Tillman. She has secured bill number HB2042 to honor Tillman, who wore #42 as a linebacker for Arizona State. Proceeds of the sales of the plates will benefit military service members and their families
“This piece of legislation is personally important to me because of my family’s close relationship with the Tillman family,” Representative Michelle Ugenti said. “My husband, Frank, grew up with the Tillman family in San Jose and is cousins with Marie Tillman, Pat’s widow.”
HB2042 has an emergency clause. If two thirds of the Legislature in both the House and the Senate support the bill and the Governor signs it, the bill will go into effect immediately and in time for the next annual Pat’s Run on April 21, 2012.
“Together with the Pat Tillman Foundation I am proud to introduce the Pat Tillman Legacy Plate,” Ugenti said. “This bill will allow for the sale of a ‘Pat Tillman Foundation’ Arizona license plate. Proceeds from the sales of the plates will benefit military service members and their families.”
“Having known Pat was a great honor and I will always remember his passion for conversation and how he would engage you in debate as often as possible,” Ugenti said. “We would talk politics, religion, social issues, sports…the topics were endless. And when we ran out of topics there was always Trivial Pursuit, his favorite game.”
Representative Ugenti introduces “Caylee’s Law”
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (Nov. 22, 2011) – In an effort to protect missing children, state Representative Michele Ugenti (Republican, District 8 ) has introduced House Bill 2018 to make it a class 5 felony if a parent fails to report that a child under six years of age has gone missing.
Part of a national movement to tighten missing person reports when it comes to small children, the legislation is titled “Caylee’s Law,” a response to the disappearance and murder of Caylee Anthony, a Florida infant. The bill was drafted with the assistance of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Representative Ugenti’s bill requires that a parent, stepparent, guardian or person who has the care of custody of a minor under six years of age to immediately report the child missing after a 24 hour period.
“Arizona children need to be protected and if one goes missing it’s vital that police begin the search process before the child is put in danger or their life is at risk,” Ugenti said. “This bill is a reasonable and enforceable way to protect young children and hold accountable those parents and adults who fail to live up to their responsibilities.”
STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER ANDY TOBIN
Speaker Andy Tobin released the following statement today in response to the Arizona Supreme Court’s Reinstatement of the Independent Redistricting Commission chairwoman:
“I am extremely disappointed that the Court has chosen to reinstate a biased czar to the Independent Redistricting Commission. By placing Ms. Mathis back at the helm of the Commission, the Court has substituted its opinion for the voice of the people through those they have actually elected to represent them. The Court has removed the last remaining check and balance on an unelected and unaccountable body that has spent months blatantly and proudly violating open meeting laws, meeting in secret, ignoring voter mandates and placating the Democrat Party and the Obama administration. If this Commission is not put to a stop, the Court’s decision means more secrecy and more gerrymandering from a body that has shown a disdain for the Constitution. Moving forward, I am putting all options on the table in an effort to protect our state from being hijacked by a partisan ploy to demolish the democratic process.”
Speaker Tobin: Flagstaff Daily Sun is misinformed, partisan
By Speaker Andy Tobin (Dist. 1)
I’ve got to hand it to the Flagstaff Daily Sun, they’re consistently misinformed and anti-Republican. The good news is they can clearly brag that they are as far away from “Fair and Balanced” as one can get. Congratulations.
We do support and pass bipartisan efforts at the Legislature. For example, Proposition 301, Teacher (education) Funding was supported by Republicans and Democrats alike. Clean Elections is supported and opposed here at the legislature by Republicans and Democrats alike.
Other legislation like the fireworks bill (support Chabin, oppose Deschene, Tobin) and Prop 100 Sales Tax (support Tobin, Chabin oppose Deschene) are supported and opposed by Republicans and Democrats alike.
Of course, the Sun’s efforts to appreciate a commission for its work on competitive districts when they fail to (either out of ignorance or politics) identify that even the Democrats are angered the maps are less competitive than ever. In fact, six of the nine proposed congressional districts are now loaded towards one party or another. The districts of Pastor, Grijalva, Franks, Flake (district), Gosar and the new west district have no hope in electing anyone other than the majority of Republicans or Democrats. Flagstaff has had a congressional representative for ten years as a resident, both Republicans and Democrats. However, under this new map, they will only have a Democrat for 10 years. Funny, they beg for competitiveness, they don’t get it, and it’s the Republican Majorities’ fault who they say stand opposed to it.
Then their home city of Flagstaff screams for communities of interest with the Verde Valley. Yet, except for Sedona who is neutral, every single mayor and Yavapai county supervisor opposes Flagstaff’s demand to be with the Verde Valley. These cities don’t want to be with Flagstaff. They prefer the community of interest that they argue against with the Prescott Quad cities. In fact, even Williams’ mayor claims a community of interest and wants to be with the Quad cities and not Flagstaff. Further, Payson’s Mayor also opposes the Flagstaff proclamation of communities of interest. So, they don’t get the competitiveness they cry for, but it’s okay, and then they claim for communities of interest when it suits them but no one wants to join them. They state that “with 30 districts across the state, not every community – whether a city or a county – is going to remain intact if each district is to have 213,000 people.” True, but Flagstaff doesn’t get cut up so I guess those that do should just shut up. Of course their last continuing recourse is to then blame the Republican majority. No reporting, sorry mis-reporting could me more clear, however, few believe their editorials to be accurate anyway.
The Joint Senate/House meetings are part of the process of the IRC’s creation through Proposition 106. The legislature is obligated to address the work of the IRC. Having public hearings accomplishes that. The fact that their paper and Democrats don’t attend or participate explains their vitriol with the joint committee meetings and they don’t know the law.
The artful and partisan strategy by Arizona Democrats to control the IRC should be congratulated. They have done a fine job in stealing independence from the process. However, that doesn’t mean the Sun should berate others who don’t agree with that strategy from legally challenging the IRC’s partisan decisions in an effort to win at the IRC what they cannot win at the ballot box – public policy.
Speaker Tobin: IRC Draft Map Fails Constitutional Muster
See Speaker Andy Tobin’s op-ed in today’s Arizona Republic on the Independent Redistricting Commission:
“I have intentionally not commented on the work of the Independent Redistricting Commission until now, hoping its members would follow their constitutional duty of providing fair maps with independence and transparency. Unfortunately, this has not happened. The draft map adopted by three of the commissioners flunks the standards set forth in the Arizona Constitution.
Whether Republican, independent or Democrat, the initiative requires maps that clearly contain the following:
- Equal population.
- Compliance with the U.S. Constitution and federal Voting Rights Act.
- District shape and geographical features.
- Respect for communities of interest.
- Compact and contiguous districts.
- Competiveness not at the expense of the other criteria.
The draft map fails to pass constitutional muster for several reasons…”
Speaker Tobin Criticizes IRC Congressional Map
This statement is attributed to Speaker Andy Tobin (R-District 1):
“Up until now I have intentionally not commented on the actions of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) hoping they would follow their constitutionally mandated duty of providing fair maps in an independent and transparent manner. Unfortunately this has not happened. The spirit of the voters’ intent in developing fair and independent maps has been hijacked.
The draft map adopted by three commissioners of the IRC fails to meet the standards set forth in the Arizona Constitution.
Further, the process has been flawed. Commissioners voted on this map without even looking at the data or the map they voted on. The “we need to vote on it so we can see what’s in it” approach didn’t work for Obamacare. Neither will it work for the Congressional and Legislative District maps all Arizonans will have to live with for the next ten years.
For Arizonans to have confidence in the constitutionality of the maps, we must be assured the Commission adheres to all of the necessary criteria and is conducted in an open and transparent process so we know the rationale behind the maps and the data that drives it.
I hope the Commission listens to the concerns of the entire public during this thirty-day comment period, especially those in rural Arizona.
The Arizona House of Representatives will defend our citizens against efforts to gerrymander votes by hijacking the process.
REP. STEVE MONTENEGRO SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS PUBLIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Legislator Earns Rare Spot As Aspen-Rodel Fellowship Fellow
(PHOENIX-STATE CAPITOL) – The Aspen Institute has announced that Representative Steve Montenegro is a new member of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowships “Rising Stars” in Government, Class of 2011. Representative Montenegro is one of 24 Republicans and Democrats, and one of the few State Legislators selected (most are statewide officeholders). The 24-month Fellowship program includes three seminars and two overseas trips, and is fully-funded with private money.
“This is such a unique opportunity and a huge honor. I’m extremely grateful and humbled to be meeting with so many of the best and brightest minds in public policy. I know these gatherings will be very educational, and they should benefit me and the people I represent as well,” said Montenegro, a Republican from Litchfield Park, Arizona.
The Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership at the Aspen Institute, now in its seventh year, is focused on transcending political partisanship and focusing attention on over-arching questions of leadership and governance. It brings together America’s brightest young political leaders committed to thoughtful and civil bipartisan dialogue. These leaders explore the underlying values and principles of western democracy, the relationship between individuals and their community and the responsibilities of public leadership.
“Fellows are selected based on their reputations for intelligence, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to work across party lines to seek solutions to public problems. We are pleased to welcome this year’s class of Fellows as they continue to make a difference in our public lives across the country,” said Former Congressman Mickey Edwards, the director of the program.
Spotlights to illuminate Phoenix sky in remembrance of 9/11
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (SEPTEMBER 8, 2011) – Two spotlights will shine into the Phoenix sky Sunday night in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States of America. The spotlights will be lit outside the state Capitol as part of a remembrance ceremony this Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
The remembrance event – “9/11: Remembering Our American Heroes” – will feature Historian Marshall Trimble, Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Phoenix Fire Department Chief Bob Khan, and Mark Spencer representing the Arizona Police Association and the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this opportunity to reflect together on the tragedy of Sept. 11 and honor those who protected us.
As part of this remembrance, residents and businesses in downtown Phoenix are being asked to turn off their lights starting at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday in honor of those who were lost on Sept. 11. The spotlights will remain illuminated through the evening.
9/11: Remembering Our American Heroes
What: Remembrance ceremony for the 10th year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks
When: This Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011; 6:30 p.m.
Where: Front of Old State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Opening Remarks
Marshall Trimble
Posting of the Colors
Police Fire Department Honor Guard
God Bless America
Marshall Trimble
Invocation
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
Remarks
Chief Bob Khan, Phoenix Fire Department
Mark Spencer, Arizona Police Association
& President, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association
Russell Pearce, President of the Arizona State Senate
Andy Tobin, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives
Spotlights in remembrance of Sept. 11 attacks
For more information:
Daniel Scarpinato, Director of Communications, Arizona House of Representatives
602-926-3233
9/11: Remembering Our American Heroes
First responders, American Heroes to be honored on 10th Anniversary of September 11
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (SEPTEMBER 6, 2011) – Arizona will honor the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, at a remembrance ceremony this Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the United States of America.
The remembrance event will feature Historian Marshall Trimble, Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted and representatives of local firefighters and police. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this opportunity to reflect together on the tragedy of Sept. 11 and honor those who protected us.
As part of this remembrance, residents and businesses in downtown Phoenix are being asked to turn off their lights starting at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday in honor of those who were lost on Sept. 11.
9/11: Remembering Our American Heroes
Details and Agenda to come
What: Remembrance ceremony for the 10th year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks
When: This Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011; 6:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol Complex, 1700 W.Washington
Phoenix,AZ 85007
For more information:
Daniel Scarpinato, Director of Communications,ArizonaHouse of Representatives
602-926-3233
dscarpin@azleg.gov
Mike Philipsen, Communications Advisor,ArizonaStateSenate
602-926-3972
mphilips@azleg.gov
Rep. Justin Olson on Sunday Square Off: Resurgence of free market principles and a bright economic future
Watch Representative Justin Olson on Channel 12’s Sunday Square Off discuss how to get to a bright economic future and the resurgence of free market principles.
Rep. John Kavanagh on LunchCast: Voice of fiscal sanity v. Democrat attempts to bankrupt Arizona
Representative John Kavanagh on Channel 12’s LunchCast provides the facts regarding AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program and yesterday’s Arizona Superior Court ruling. The court upheld the legislature’s action to reform AHCCCS eligibility that helps provide sound fiscal footing to Arizona’s economy.
Arizona has one of the nation’s most generous Medicaid programs along with six other states. Contrary to minority claims, childless adults who are currently on AHCCCS will not be eliminated for coverage nor will anyone be kicked off the program. Only those whose income increases beyond AHCCCS qualifications or decide not to re-register for services.
HOUSE SPEAKER ANDY TOBIN PRAISES RULING PROTECTING LIFE
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (AUGUST 11, 2011)– House Speaker Andy Tobin released the following statement today in response to the Arizona Court of Appeals upholding the Abortion Consent Act.
“Today’s decision by the Arizona Court of Appeals is a tremendous victory for life inArizona. The Abortion Consent Act protects the health and safety of Arizonawomen as well as the preborn. While I wish we had been able to implement this important legislation two years ago, this is a significant step forward in our efforts to protect and defend life at all stages. I want to congratulate my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle who supported this legislation and Governor Brewer for signing it. I’m also very grateful to Attorney General Horne and his legal team for providing a strong legal defense of this litigation as well as David Cantelme for legally representing my office in the case.”
Under the Abortion Consent Act, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Brewer in 2009:
- The state will require a notarized parental signature before an abortion can be performed on a minor child.
- Women will be provided with full and accurate information by a doctor in person at least 24 hours before an abortion.
- Medical professionals cannot be forced to perform abortions if it contradicts their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.
- Non-doctors will not be permitted by law to perform surgical abortions.
Here’s a link to the Court’s ruling (PDF)
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Daniel Scarpinato at 602-926-3233 or dscarpin@azleg.gov
REP. DAVID GOWAN RECOGNIZED BY DEPT. OF DEFENSE FOR SUPPORTING MILITARY
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (AUGUST 10, 2011)– The United States Department of Defense has presented a Certificate of Appreciation to state Representative David Gowan for supporting military service members and their families.
The certificate, signed by Robert L. Gordon, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, recognizes Representative Gowan “for his leadership on public policy changes positively impacting the quality of life of Service members and their families residing inArizona, during the 2011 Legislative Session.”
Representative Gowan, a Sierra Vista Republican and chairman of the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, represents District 30, which includes the Fort Huachuca Army installation.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Department of Defense,” said Gowan. “My district includes many brave men and women who, along with their families, are defending our freedom and fighting to keepAmericasafe. I am proud to represent them and stand up for their best interests in the Arizona Legislature.”
This is the second consecutive year Rep. Gowan has been recognized by the Department of Defense. In 2010, he received a Seven Seals Award for “meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serveAmericain the National Guard and Reserve.”
State, universities work to improve accessibility
By Representative Bob Robson
So what now?
As parents, we all want our children to have the best opportunities possible. As a state legislator and Arizonan, I value the fact that how we educate the workforce of tomorrow will determine the future of our state, especially as the nature of the global economy demands that a higher proportion of the state’s population be college educated.
That is why despite the difficult budgetary issues our universities and community colleges are facing during this economic slowdown, leaders are also taking steps to ensure that a college education remains accessible and affordable to our Arizona students.
It is true that university tuition has escalated in recent years. There’s no doubt about that. However, Arizona’s universities still represent a tremendous bang for your buck. We have world-class programs for our students, and our tuition remains in the bottom third nationally, while the universities themselves have been providing financial aid to defray their “sticker price.”
Moreover, our schools are taking additional steps – some at the direction of state lawmakers and Gov. Jan Brewer – to reduce other costs that students have traditionally faced.
A major saving for families and students has been the universities’ pledge programs, where students are guaranteed the same tuition for four years, allowing financial stability and planning.
Instead of forcing students to purchase textbooks, Arizona State University now offers students the ability to rent them simply for as long as they are needed – greatly reducing one of the greatest costs students face at our universities.
Access also means having seats for all the qualified students who want a college degree. Both Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona have expanded their enrollments in recent years, and ASU has added a staggering 20,000 additional qualified students in the last decade.
This focus on access and degree completion is also evident in the collaboration between community colleges and universities. For example, today a student can enroll at Yavapai College and is automatically dually enrolled at NAU.
Similar venues are happening across the state, changing the higher-education model and making an advanced degree available to more and more students.
ASU offers several programs of this kind, including a Pathways Program with Maricopa Community Colleges. In total, NAU has seven joint-admission agreements with seven different community-college districts.
Beyond this, you will now find online classes at ASU for students who don’t fit into the traditional university model. Again, more accessibility.
We are beginning to see a small but significant economic recovery. My hope is that many of the sacrifices our K-12 and university system have had to endure are behind us now.
And this past legislative session, Gov. Brewer and the Legislature instructed the Arizona Board of Regents to look at ways of looking at affordability and funding parity at our universities.
Our goal is to create a university-funding model that is student- and results-focused, so that dollars between our three major universities in the state are appropriated evenly and fairly based on their needs and outcomes. We’re anxious to see the regents move in this direction.
I know Arizona families are struggling through this economy. And I know that means college affordability is as imperative as ever.
In conjunction with our universities, we are doing our best to make sure that during these challenging times the young men and women of today have as much, if not more, access to earn an education as those who came before them.
Bob Robson, a Chandler Republican, is an Arizona state representative from District 20.
Don’t repeat mistakes made since Rodeo-Chediski
By Representative Chester Crandell
That’s the cost of the Wallow fire, the largest wildfire in our state’s history. Sadly, this could have been prevented.
As I watched the news reports of the fire burning in Apache County, I had flashbacks of the two weeks spent away from my home during the Rodeo-Chediski fire in 2002 that burned more than 400,000 acres of prime Ponderosa forest.
My heart aches for the people who have had to experience such a tragedy.
The Forest Health Advisory Council (FHAC), formed after the Rodeo-Chediski fire, reported that under the current forest management practices, we would have a repeat wildfire of the same magnitude or greater. They were right.
The U.S. Forest Service chose to postpone action on the FHAC’s correct recommendations because of out-of-state environmental activists, most of whom have never stepped foot in Arizona.
We are blessed to live in the beautiful, majestic state of Arizona. We are surrounded by such beauty and you can’t help but be in awe of the state’s stunning environment. We all want to protect it.
But unfortunately, these groups are pushing such an irrational and extreme political agenda that they are actually doing grave damage to the environment they claim to want to protect — not to mention our safety and our economy.
Through lawsuits and court-initiated orders, these groups have forced the mismanagement of our beautiful forests.
It’s time to reject the extremists of these groups and demand that the federal government allows us to properly manage our forests.
Now that the fires have been put out, we need a two-pronged approach to prevent such a travesty from happening again. We must clear the fire-damaged area and allow the salvage timber that was not burned to be sold.
This is why I support Senator Jon Kyl’s Arizona Wallow Fire Recovery Act (S. 1344). The bill expedites the removal of hazardous, dead and dying trees, thus quickening forest rehabilitation.
We have a short window of opportunity and must act immediately. We must allow the salvage timber to be sold, helping to pay for the loss that has already been incurred. This will provide the added benefit of cleaning the forests so as they start to regrow, they will be beautiful and inviting once again. To accomplish forest restoration as well as post-fire salvage, there will have to be a balance of economic and environmental positions. Environmental interests cannot slow down this process or the economic benefit of salvage will be permanently lost.
The Rodeo-Chediski salvage opportunities were lost due to environmental roadblocks. Now the remaining wood has no economic value to anyone. Had Arizona been able to clean or salvage the damaged and destroyed trees like the Wallow Fire Recovery Act calls for, we would have had economic growth as well as an aesthetic factor that would have paid off in tourism dollars for years to come.
Let’s not make the same mistake moving forward that was made after the Rodeo-Chediski fire and allow an even bigger fire to ravage the state of Arizona.
— Chester Crandell, a Heber Republican, is a state representative from District 5.
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION SUBJECT OF JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (July 26, 2011) –The Joint Study Committee on School District Unification and Consolidation will convene its first meeting tomorrow, July 27, at 10 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3. Comprised of members of the Legislature, school and county superintendents, governing board members, a teacher and representatives from the business community, the Committee will focus its attention on developing legislation that will streamline the unification and consolidation process for school districts and allow for discussion on consolidation of services among school districts or through county lines.
“The plan is to find possible duplication, redundancy and administrative waste that can lead to cost efficiencies that can be directed back in the classroom,” said Representative John Fillmore, bill sponsor of HB2219, which created the Committee last legislative session. “I know that the expertise of the members of the Committee will allow for fruitful debate and effective problem-solving of the concerns raised in previous efforts.”
Rep. Fillmore also serves as a member of the Committee and has worked closely with the Committee’s co-chairs, Senator Crandall and Representative Doris Goodale to set a first meeting agenda that addresses the key issues surrounding the school district unification and consolidation debate.
“My perspective on these issues is not rooted in educational philosophy, but more from the viewpoint of a businessman of 27 years,” Representative Fillmore said. “I see our schools struggle for financial resources and to me, looking at consolidating services and administrative functions seems to be a viable solution – especially when the end result of those savings finds itself in the hands of our classroom teachers and students. I want to hear from the education and business communities, inventory their ideas and start coming up with solutions.”
The Committee’s charge requires a report outlining recommendations for legislative action on or before December 31, 2011 to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“My hope is a legislative package that will encompass the ideas brought forth through the study sessions,” Fillmore said. “Ultimately, a framework that can be used by the local communities but tailored to their own specific needs, keeping in mind that the needs should be based on ensuring academic achievement in our classrooms.”
Subsequent meetings of the Committee will be announced tomorrow.
For more information, contact Daniel Scarpinato in the House at 602-926-3233/ dscarpinato@azleg.gov, or Mike Philipsen in the Senate at 602-926-3972/ mphilipsen@azleg.gov
RIBBON-CUTTING FOR NEW CIVIL AIR PATROL FACILITY
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (July 15, 2011) – State Representative Jerry Weiers, District 12, is announcing there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday for a new facility for Glendale’s Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 308.
The new building is 12 years in the making. In 1999, Representative Weiers and his daughter attended the Civil Air Patrol at Glendale Airport and noticed it was difficult for the cadets to conduct their training and classes in their current facility given other activities on site. So, he decided to work on helping the squadron build a new home.
In March, Representative Weiers broke ground on the new building. The facility will be used for storing the Squadron’s aircraft and for classes in leadership and aerospace for the cadets.
“These young students now finally have a home of their own, allowing them to fully benefit from this great program,” Weiers said. “This ribbon-cutting is years in the making. The students will now have a first-rate facility in which to conduct their activities. I’m proud to have been part of this effort.”
WHAT: U.S. Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 308 Hangar Ribbon-Cutting
WHEN: Monday, July 18, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Glendale Airport, the southern most hangers on site
FEATURING: State Representative Jerry Weiers, District 12, Glendale
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato at 602-926-3233
Congressman Paul Gosar to testify before House Committee on Forest Management
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (July 1, 2011) – In response to Arizona’s catastrophic wildfire season, Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar will testify this Tuesday, July 5, before a House Ad Hoc Committee on Arizona Forests Restoration Management about how best to collaborate with the federal government regarding this issue.
The bipartisan committee plans to have a roundtable discussion with Congressman Gosar regarding post-fire harvest, long-term landscape management and ongoing positive economic activities that create jobs and protect Arizona land.
“I’m thrilled that Congressman Gosar will be meeting with our committee on Arizona Forests Restoration Management since it’s critical we properly diagnose the problem to do all we can to make sure we never face such catastrophic fires ever again,” Co-Chair Brenda Barton said.
WHO: Representatives Brenda Barton (Co-Chair), Chester Crandell (Co-Chair), Albert Hale, David Stevens, Bruce Wheeler and Congressman Paul Gosar
WHAT: Ad Hoc Committee on Arizona Forests Restoration Management
WHEN: Tuesday, July 5, 2:00pm
WHERE: House Hearing Room 4
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato at 602-926-3233 (Friday)
Paul Boyer at 602-926-5545 (Tuesday)
REP. PEGGY JUDD TOURS HORSESHOE 2 FIRE DAMAGE
CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS (June 29, 2011) – State Representative Peggy Judd (Republican-District 25) toured areas of the Chiricahua Mountains devastated by the Horseshoe 2 Fire on Friday – a tour that underlines the importance of properly caring for our forests.
Representative Judd toured the area with the Eastern Montana Type II Incident Management Team. Her tour included Pinery Canyon Road, up to Rustler’s Park and down through Paradise to East Whitetail Canyon.
“The brave firefighters and emergency responders involved in fighting this fire worked as hard as they could with the best equipment and technology available,” Judd said. “We own a giant debt of gratitude to them.”
Representative Judd said the tour also reinforced the importance of properly harvesting and landscaping our forests to prevent such catastrophic fires.
“Something must be done,” she said. “We need to protect our forest and the people of our state by properly caring for and grooming our forests. We are the stewards of the land we use and enjoy.”
Representative Judd resides in Willcox and represents District 25, which includes nearly all of Southeastern Arizona, including the Chiricahuas in Cochise County and rural areas of Santa Cruz, Pima, Pinal and Maricopa County.
For to read Representative Judd’s blog about her tour and view her photos, go here: http://horseshoe2fire.blogspot.com
SPEAKER TOBIN CALLS FOR CYBER TERRORISTS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (June 24, 2011) – Speaker Andy Tobin released the following statement in response to the hacking group LulzSec breaking into the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s computers on Thursday and downloading hundreds of files:
“I am outraged to learn that a group of international hackers have illegally stolen and released hundreds of law enforcement files from the Department of Public Safety. Even more outrageous is that they have done this in response to the Legislature and Governor’s efforts to secure our border and protect Arizona citizens by passing SB1070. Instead, this extremist group has now put hundreds of Arizona’s finest in danger. These cyber terrorists should be prosecuted to the full extent possible. Their actions have compromised the safety of our brave law enforcement officers and their families. Therefore, we will be looking at whether additional policy is needed to fully hold them accountable in the event the release of this information results in harm to any of our public safety officers or their families.”
Statement by Speaker Andy Tobin On Special Session
“The House is committed to efforts to help the unemployed. With Governor Brewer’s help we passed historic legislation with the Jobs Bill in the last legislative session and we’re already seeing major employers expanding in Arizona. We want to make sure when the Obama Administration money runs out that Arizonans have jobs to go to. We want to continue our job creation efforts and we hope the Democrats will join us instead of suppressing job creation.”
Speaker Tobin Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Upholding Arizona’s Employer Sanctions Law
“To our critics who say Arizona has no role in immigration related issues, the Supreme Court has said otherwise. The Obama Administration was one of those critics and after four years of lawsuits and scare tactics, I’m glad to see we finally came out on top on this one. We’re grateful that we can now give Arizonans confidence that we are continuing to implement the rule of law given that President Obama is more interested in mocking those of us who want our border secured than protecting American citizens.”
ANDY TOBIN ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE – Northern Arizona businessman keeps House on winning path
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 28, 2011) – State Representative Andy Tobin is the new Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives. Representative Steve Court, a Mesa Republican, replaces him as Majority Leader.
A Republican from Paulden, Speaker Tobin was elected Thursday by his peers, bringing a diverse business background and wide-ranging life experience to the job. Tobin called former Speaker Kirk Adams a “friend” and praised his leadership of the House.
“Kirk’s leadership was key to our tremendous successes this year, and we intend to stay on that winning path. My prayers and best wishes are with Kirk and his family,” Speaker Tobin said. “I am truly honored to have the support of the Republican caucus as we continue to address some of the most difficult challenges Arizona has ever faced and fight to preserve our freedoms. We will continue to debate the federal government over states’ rights and federal overreach. We will keep the state budget balanced, making sure we don’t bury our children in more debt under the guise of helping them – all the while only handing them the bill and interest payments. I also want to thank my wife Jennifer and my kids for all their support as I take on this great responsibility.”
KIRK ADAMS STEPPING DOWN TODAY
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 28, 2011) – Speaker Kirk Adams announced today that he will be resigning from the Arizona House of Representatives. He released the following statement:
“Today I will be stepping down as both Speaker of the House and as a state Representative to pursue some exciting, new opportunities. Serving the people of District 19 has been a humbling and distinct honor these past five years, and having the chance to address some of the most complex and difficult challenges in our state’s history as a Member and later as Speaker has been the opportunity of a lifetime. The decision to leave was a difficult one, but new challenges await and I am confident in the leadership that follows me. I want to thank my fellow legislators for their support and confidence over these years, as well as President Pearce and Governor Brewer. We’ve all done some amazing things together and in the process made some very tough decisions that have made Arizona a better place to live. I could not have done any of this without the support and love of my wife JaNae and my family.”
For more information, please contact Daniel Scarpinato at 602-926-3233 or dscarpin@azleg.gov
ARIZONA TOOK BOLD ACTION IN RECORD TIME
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 20, 2011) – The Arizona House of Representatives wrapped up the 1st regular session of the 50th legislative session today, meeting some of the biggest challenges in the state’s history – and doing so in record time.
Lawmakers adjourned in 100 days – the shortest session in more than a decade. Only five times in the last 30 years have lawmakers finished so swiftly.
What’s even more impressive is that lawmakers tackled some of the most complex challenges in the state’s history: Closing a $1 billion budget shortfall; reforming entitlements; streamlining government; and creating jobs.
“It’s fitting that the centennial Legislature rose to the great challenges before us in a way that the legendary Arizona leaders who came before us would be proud of,” said House Speaker Kirk Adams. “Rather than kick the can down the road, this Legislature proved that it is possible to balance the budget, create jobs and reform government and entitlements. These are tough decisions that required bold action – and we rose to the challenge.”
Majority Leader Andy Tobin credit both veteran and new lawmakers for coming together and getting down to business.
“Our work to fix our economy, create jobs and reign-in spending does end today – but by making bold decisions over the last 100 days we are a giant step closer to brighter days for Arizona,” Tobin said. “The voters sent us here to make tough decisions, and together, we’ve worked hard to do just that.”
Less than 40 days into the session, the House passed a historic and comprehensive Jobs Bill. The largest permanent tax cut in Arizona history, this Jobs Bill is the first step in our efforts to turn Arizona’s economy around, diversify our economic base and make sure there are high-paying, high-quality jobs for hard-working Arizonans.
Eighty-two days into the session, the House passed a balanced budget that cut more than $1 billion from the state budget and instituted long-term spending reforms. This was the first structurally-balanced budget to pass the Legislature in at least five years – and it included no new gimmicks, debt or borrowing.
Ninety-five days into the session, the House passed a major pension reform package that protects the commitment we’ve made to our hard-working teachers, firemen and police officers by ensuring our state pension system is solvent and sustainable. Without a sustainable pension system, we couldn’t guarantee that it would still be there. This proposal ensures that it will be. This pension reform package aims to stop the abuses we’ve seen in the system – like double-dipping – and modifies the benefits elected officials receive to more closely match what rank-and-file state employees receive.
HOUSE PASSES PENSION REFORM – SB1609 stops abuses of pension system; ensures long-term sustainability; reigns in giveaways for politicians
STATE CAPITOL,PHOENIX (April 14, 2011) – The Arizona House of Representatives passed sweeping pension reform today, aiming to stop abuses in the state retirement system and ensure its long-term sustainability.
SB1609, sponsored by Sen. Steve Yarbrough, is the result of extensive stakeholder meetings and analysis of the pension system. The bill was amended in the House to include elements of House Speaker Kirk Adams’ sweeping pension bill introduced early this session. SB1609 now goes back to the Senate.
“Today the union bosses lost and Arizona taxpayers won,” said Representative Adams. “This reform package protects our teachers, firemen and police officers. It also aims to stop some of the widely-reported abuses we’ve seen and takes away the generous giveaways for politicians. Union leaders will continue to use distortions and scare-tactics, but this responsible package ensures both taxpayers and our hard-working civil servants are protected.”
“What we have done is fixed a potentially catastrophic problem. In doing so, we have preserved benefits for future generations of public service workers,” said Senator Yarbrough.
U.S. SUPREME COURT DISMISSES ATTACK ON AZ SCHOOL CHOICE
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 4, 2011) – House Speaker Kirk Adams released the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s decision in Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, which keeps Arizona’s tuition scholarship tax credit program in place:
“The 26,000 Arizona students attending the school of their parents’ choice through a tuition-scholarship tax credit can breathe a collective sigh of relief today.
These important scholarships have been under constant legal attack since they were initiated 24 years ago. They have already been upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court. And I am relieved to see the U.S. Supreme Court confer yet another layer of legal certainty.
Congratulations to the many lawmakers who have worked so hard for educational choice over the years. I’m proud that Arizona has a strong record of empowering students and their families with as many educational opportunities as possible.”
To see the ruling click here (PDF) – http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf
HOUSE PASSES BALANCED BUDGET WITH NO GIMMICKS, DEBT OR BORROWING
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 1, 2011) – The Arizona House of Representatives passed a budget package Friday morning that reforms state government and structurally-balances state finances for the first time in five years.
And for the first time in a decade, that goal will be accomplished with real cuts and long-term spending reforms – not through gimmicks, debt or borrowing.
The package – the product of negotiations between the House, Senate and Governor – includes $1.3 billion in spending reductions, and provides long-term solutions to put the state on a path of financial stability.
The package protects education and public safety, while making lasting reforms to entitlement programs. The bills now go to the Senate.
“This budget honestly balances our checkbook for the first time in years,” said House Speaker Kirk Adams. “We’re making deep and lasting cuts to government and instituting long-term spending reforms that will save taxpayers money and make government more responsible. I thank the Governor and the Senate for their partnership in reaching this agreement. This is a budget to be proud of.”
