Speaker Tobin Outlines Success of Republican Leadership
Speaker Tobin higlighted the successes of this Legislative Session. The Speaker also made it clear that the Republican Majority worked with Governor Brewer to reflect the conservative mandate that Arizona’s voters gave lawmakers in the last election.
Speaker Tobin frames the FY 2013 Budget
May 3, 2012
Republicans passed a budget this week and, as usual, we did so without the help of Democrats. Despite the fact that we made no cuts in essential services while providing $150 million for statewide K-12 education funding, $21 million for universities and $100 million for health & welfare programs, there never seems to be enough spending to satisfy all their demands. In retrospect, our state budget received more overall Democrat support than President Obama’s proposed budget did among Democrats. Unlike the hopelessly ineffective Democrat controlled US Senate, we pass prompt, responsible and balanced budgets.
Sadly, Arizona House Democrats were overtaken by partisan zeal this week and voted against participating in the great Arizona recovery. They opposed a budget of increased spending that invests in Arizona and our most vulnerable while making no painful cuts.
Many of the Democrats who voted against this budget chastised Republicans for not investing in education. Yet many of those same Democrats opposed sending the 1 cent sales tax to the voters. Aside from that hypocrisy, I continue to be fascinated by how the press instinctively accepts Democrat talking points at face value rather than looking into their validity before reporting them as facts.
The Obama Administration cut $40 million in Federal spending for social services in Arizona. In reaction to those cuts, the Republican Budget supplemented the program with $40 million in order to help protect our state’s most needy citizens. I find it interesting, however, that no one in the press is portraying Obama as heartless for making those cuts. They seem content to focus on finding more issues with which to continue their blind attacks on Republicans.
The Democrats left a legacy of irresponsible fiscal policies at the state capitol so it was left to Republicans to clean up the mess. This pales in comparison to the fiscal disaster that Mitt Romney will have to take on after President Obama is out of office. Americans should not and will not vote for a candidate, or party, that places partisan special interests above passing a budget which our ailing economy so desperately needs. Allowing more than 1,000 days to pass without a budget is the mark of a party that holds extreme contempt for the needs of the American people and has no concept of responsible fiscal behavior.
Here in Arizona, Republicans responsibly paid down debt, invested in the future and wisely contributed to a rainy day fund. This last step was taken to mitigate the effects that the irresponsible fiscal policies of the Federal Government are sure to have on our state. While we are not perfect, the House Republicans have proven themselves to be thoughtful, caring and responsible stewards of state resources. I am proud of my fellow Republicans for having ensured the success of the Great Arizona recovery. Democrats, however, will have to dwell on the fact that when it came time to repair the disastrous fiscal situation, they responded with partisan banter and, contrary to the best interests of all Arizonans, they voted No, again.
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Rep. Gallego admits to IRC slant favoring Democrats
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (May 3, 2012) – Yesterday, on the House Floor, Representative Ruben Gallego (D – Dist. 16) confirmed that the IRC was heavily influenced by the early and strong organization of State Democrats while engaged in efforts that would shape legislative and congressional districts for the next ten years.
In a statement of opposition to a motion made by Representative Eddie Farnsworth (R – Dist 22), Gallego stated, “The Republicans did not do well in redistricting. That’s too bad. That happens. Get better organized next time”.
Disturbed by the obvious meaning of those comments, Representative Farnsworth stated, “It’s apparent to me that Representative Gallego is motivated by partisan politics demonstrating clearly that he does not intend to support the U.S. Constitution. He instead prefers to take cheap political shots”.
Representative Farnsworth continues, “Under Article I, section 4 of the United States Constitution, it is clearly and singularly in the purview of the legislature to establish the time, manner and place for congressional elections. I believe that the IRC does not have a legitimate authority because it would contradict the United States Constitution”.
Soon after Representative Gallego finished his comments, Minority Leader Chad Campbell ( D – Dist. 14) attempted to walk back his colleague’s comments and dispel what had already been revealed stating, “I can assure you, Mr. Pierce (Rep. Justin Pierce –R–Dist. 19) and others that there was no vast conspiracy here by any stretch of the imagination. Your assumptions based on one of my colleague’s statements that Republicans are unhappy … you made the assumption that Democrats are happy about these maps. That’s not the case”.
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Speaker Tobin decries Obama DOJ for undermining Arizona’s Hispanic voters
Speaker Andy Tobin (Dist. 1)
April 26, 2012
The Obama Department of Justice just signed off on new redistricting maps that seriously weaken minority voting strength in Arizona’s legislative districts.
Ironically, under President George W. Bush, the DOJ objected to the legislative maps 10 years ago when they had even stronger Hispanic districts. The question then has to be asked, how much will this hurt Hispanic voters? Legislative results from the last ten years show that Hispanic voters have often been unable to elect Hispanic candidates from districts supposedly designed to give them majority voting strength.
In the face of obvious election-based evidence, the Independent Redistricting Committee should have enhanced Hispanic voting strength. Instead, it has deliberately and overtly moved to undermine it. The fact that Obama’s DOJ would rubber stamp this result and this process without so much as a question shows that the preclearance process has been hopelessly hijacked by a partisan and political agenda hostile to Hispanic voters.
The IRC’s maps break faith with the promise of the Voting Rights Act and they also have other legal problems they must answer for. I fully expect those legal infirmities to be the subject of future conversations. The IRC and the Obama Administration also owe the Hispanic Community an explanation and an apology. They should openly announce why they saw it necessary to shamelessly mute the voices of Arizona’s Hispanic voters.
Attached are supporting documents from the Joint Legislative Committee on Redistricting which illustrate the historical severity and the potential electoral plight facing Arizona’s Hispanic voters.
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Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally
Representative Debbie Lesko to join with
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
at the Phoenix “Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally”
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 22, 2012) – Tomorrow afternoon, State Representative Debbie Lesko (R – Dist. 9) will lend her voice to the Phoenix “Stand up for Religious Freedom Rally”. The event is part of a nationwide Rally for Religious Freedom which is a reaction against the Obama Administration’s HHS mandate that will obligate Catholic organizations to provide contraceptive services to their employees in direct violation of the Church’s teachings and their First Amendment rights.
Representative Lesko will join Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares from Noon to 1:00 PM at:
The Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Court Building
401 W. Washington St. East Plaza
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
The event will also be attended by Congressman David Schweikert (R- Dist 5), Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod, as well as a number of other Republican state legislators and right to life activists as they rally against the Obama administrations unprecedented attack on religious freedom.
Representative Yee honors Girl Scouts of America at the State Capitol
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 12, 2012) – This afternoon, Representative Kimberly Yee (R – Dist. 10) will be attending the Girl Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary and Pinning Ceremony for Troop 1920. The event will be held in the Old Senate Chambers of the State Capitol. At the ceremony, Governor Jan Brewer will be signing HB 2498 (girl scouts; state holiday) into law.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Yee, designates March 12th of every year as Girl Scouts of the United States of America Day. Representative Yee also sponsored HCR 2041 (girl scouts; centennial) which congratulates the Girl Scouts on their 100th anniversary which, officially, falls on this same day.
Media are invited to cover the ceremony which starts at noon in the old Senate Chambers at the Arizona State Capitol. Troop 1920 – named in honor of the year in which women in the United States gained the right to vote – is an honorary troop. They have a special mission to continue as a strong voice for girls and women at the state level.
“The past and current generations that have participated in the Girl Scouts of America are worthy of being honored for the great civic duties they have engaged in and for the work that they continue to accomplish. The Girl Scouts provide young girls with an indispensible sense of community and self respect that is crucial in the lives of our youth today”, said Yee.
Governor Brewer (Girl Scout alumna), GSACPC CEO Tamara Woodbury and Board President Margaret Serrano Foster will speak at the event. Girl Scouts of all ages are expected to attend and participate. Cookies and milk will be provided after the ceremony on the Senate Lawn.
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Speaker Tobin applauds Sen. Kyl and oversees passage of WMAT water bill
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 8, 2012) – Tuesday, the House gave unanimous support to HB 2492 (White Mountain Apache; settlement; appropriation) and transmitted it to the Senate for consideration. The bill is the funding portion of the state obligation laid out in the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 (WMAT). Said act instructs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to “plan and construct the WMAT rural water system to divert, store and distribute water from the North Fork of the White River to the WMAT”.
When implemented, HB 2492 will:
• Appropriate $2 million from the state General Fund to the Department of Administration, in FY 2012-2013, to comply with the states obligation in the WMAT’s water rights settlement pursuant to the Act.
Aside from the improvement in water access for the White Mountain Apache Tribe, according to SRP, the WMAT will generate as many as 767 new jobs for rural Arizona and $6.5 million in state revenues. The bill, sponsored by Representative Russ Jones (R – Dist. 24), was drafted in recognition of the pre-session letter sent by House Speaker Andy Tobin (R – Dist. 1) to Governor Brewer that, among other issues, called on her to join him in forming a statewide macro-water harvesting plan.
“Arizonans know, better than anyone else, how vital water is to the future of our state. This legislation will take Arizona one step closer towards ensuring access to water services statewide”, said Representative Jones.
Recent federal legislation, introduced by Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), will allocate $300 million for three groundwater delivery projects on the Navajo and Hopi reservations which will provide running water for many tribal households that currently truck in water for their daily needs.
“Representative Jones has always been at the forefront of the Arizona’s biggest water issues. It makes me proud to know that Arizona’s federal and state lawmakers are on the same page when it comes to ensuring the availability of water which is the lifeblood of both our rural and urban communities. I would especially like to extend a huge thank you to Senator Kyl for all the hard work he has accomplished on our behalf in Washington”, said Speaker Tobin.
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House unanimously passes employer contributions legislation
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 5, 2012) – This afternoon, HB 2264 (ASRS; employee; employer contributions; rate) cleared the final hurdle of passage in the House and was transmitted to the Senate with unanimous support. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Bob Robson (R – Dist. 20), repeals the 2011 law that split the Arizona State Retirement Systems contributions between the state and its employees at a rate of 47/53 with the employee responsible for the latter.
Meeting the standard set by a recent court ruling, the legislation restores the previous contribution split of 50/50. Aside from that restoration, the bill also:
• Instructs ASRS to return employee contributions that were paid to the system in excess of the employer contributions from the effective date of the original change.
• Allows members who have retired between the time the original change was enacted and the time the refunds will be issued to receive their refund.
• Instructs employers to remit the refund to the employee from June 30, 2012 to September 30, 2013.
In a statement of pride and recognition of the significance of the bill, Representative Robson states, “There is something to be said about a bill that helps so many and gets unanimous support in the House. This bipartisan legislation helps Arizona’s current and future retirees”.
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Legislature unanimously passes HCR 2061 – F-35 training; Luke AFB; support
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 05, 2012) – On March 1st, a resolution sponsored by Representative Debbie Lesko (R – Dist. 9), received unanimous approval in the Arizona House and Senate. The Resolution was drafted to express the full support of the Legislature for the implementation of the F-35 Lightening II training mission at Luke Air force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater Gunnery Range. Key language of the resolution states:
• The F-35 Lightening II is critical to the future defense of the United States, and Luke Air Force Base, with its superb flying weather and outstanding facilities and infrastructure, is the right choice to train Air Force pilots in this next generation aircraft
• The State of Arizona strongly supports the continued operation of Luke Air Force Base as an Air Force flight training base and pledges to continue to support Luke Air Force Base.
“Aside from serving as the ideal site that will usher in the latest generation of American combat aircraft, this new mission will sustain thousands of civilian jobs that will be needed to support training operations’, said Lesko.
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Representative Montenegro challenges racist Democrat ranting
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 5, 2012) – In a response to the incendiary remarks made to the Arizona Republic by State Senator Steve Gallardo, House Representative Steve Montenegro has released the following statement:
What is appalling and disgusting is that State Senator Gallardo views the Republican led Legislature’s efforts through a twisted and discriminatory prism of a brown vs. white universe. Access to the best education our state can offer should be made available to all children regardless of race or income. Over the objections of grand standing race baiters, Republicans are providing an escape from failing public schools and should be applauded for their efforts. 100% of the scholarships awarded by the organization opposed by Mr. Gallardo (the Arizona School Choice Trust) goes to low income children. The vast majority of students that receive said scholarships are Latinos. The divisive and hateful rhetoric espoused by Mr. Gallardo is a perfect justification for the dissolution of classes that incite racial hatred amongst Latino children. Proponents of those programs seek to create a new generation of radicalized and racially segregated youth. Mr. Gallardo would do well to remember that his oath of office binds him to serve all citizens of Arizona and not just those bearing the skin colors of his choosing.
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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.”
