Now's the time to contemplate legislative proposals for 2009! CSA's policy development process helps county supervisors and staff identify priority policy items designed to help counties deliver efficient, responsive services to constituents. Click here for your legislative proposals packet.
Congress Fails to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools
The U.S. House of Representatives failed
HR 3058 by a vote of 218-193 this week, a disappointing blow to a proposal that would have reauthorized the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Act).
The Act, which was created to provide forest counties with resources that were depleted by the creation of national forests, established funding for essential infrastructure such as roads and schools in rural areas.
Despite the failure of HR 3058, Congress may still extend funding for the Act through an emergency supplemental bill. HR 2642, which contains a $400 million, one-year extension of the Act, is expected to receive a House vote in the near future. Contact your U.S. Representative now to urge support for the Act. (Click here to see how Arizona counties benefit from the funding.)
Debates Scheduled for Corporation Commission Candidates
The Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) and the Clean Elections
Commission will host two non-partisan debates for those vying for membership on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The ACC is composed of five members, and twelve candidates are competing for three seats.
The ACC is an independent regulatory authority created by the Arizona Constitution. This powerful body, often described as a "Fourth Branch of Government," is responsible for adopting rules and regulations on utilities, securities, business incorporation and railroad and pipeline safety. The ACC decisions, therefore, have a significant impact on Arizona's future and the finances, safety and quality of life of all citizens, businesses and organizations in Arizona.
The debates will take place July 15, 2008 and September 15, 2008 at Rio Salado College in Tempe, but the ATIC encourages you to participate online, as well. Online registration is free - for more information or to submit questions for the candidates, visit the ATIC website.
GADA Opens New Application Process
The Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) is currently accepting applications for the 2008B phase of financial assistance, and your county is encouraged to apply. The application has been amended, and is due by 3:00 p.m. on June 30, 2008.
Successful applicants can expect to receive funding this fall; recipients typically save between $25,000 and $200,000 due to competitive interest rates on the loans. Since 1998, GADA bonds have funded more than $345 million in public infrastructure projects. These funds help Arizona's fast-growing counties and municipalities build the roads, public safety and civic facilities necessary for economic development.
Click here for the amended application, or contact the Arizona Department of Commerce at (602) 771-1136 for additional information.
This Week at the Legislature: Budget and Issue Updates
Budget
Legislative leadership opened a new round of FY09 budget negotiations this week, and this time Democratic leaders were also invited to the table. Most rank-and-file legislators were released early as the budget negotiating teams prepared to spend Thursday, Friday and possibly the weekend behind closed doors. Though details are few, it seems certain that everything is on the table for discussion, including the shift of state prisoners to county jails and sweeping the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF).
Following a
grim report that showed April's revenues to be $1.14 billion (6.1 percent) below state revenues gained in the same month last year, some legislators expressed concern that the FY09 deficit would not be fixed even after a proposal was approved. House Majority Leader Tom Boone (R-4) predicted a special session will be necessary later this year to address further decreases in state revenues. Representative Boone was not entirely pessimistic, however. He defended the lengthy Republican-only negotiation process that has taken place thus far and stated, "We got a lot farther than I thought we would."
DUI
Senators Linda Gray (R-10) and Jim Waring (R-7) have moved their DUI bill to Governor Napolitano's desk (again) and this time she's expected to sign the legislation (she vetoed an earlier version of the proposal). The DUI provisions added to HB 2643: liquor, restaurant licenses, continued operation (Crandall) clear up a conflict in DUI law created in last year's session. They also add penalties for boating under the influence and require someone whose license has been suspended for DUI to complete alcohol or drug testing in order to regain their driving privileges. Absent from the bill is a provision that reduces the amount of time a person must carry an ignition interlock device on their vehicle from 1 year to 6 months; this provision triggered the governor's last veto.
CSA Agenda Progress Report
The Race Begins: 187 to Compete for Legislative Seats
The signatures have been gathered and now it's official: 187 candidates have filed to run for 90 seats at the state legislature this year. The results of November's election could significantly change the political dynamics of state politics as some legislators retire, some run for other offices and some take on their fellow legislators for open seats.
As the candidates step up their campaigning efforts, the Secretary of State will stay busy verifying the signatures that were submitted. Signatures can be challenged for validity until June 18.
Click here for a listing of all the candidates in your district.
County-Related Legislation
This week, the legislature considered the following bills with county impacts. Click here to obtain archived videos of legislative proceedings.
Next Week at the Legislature
Floor debate has been suspended and even voting on legislation has slowed as House and Senate leadership focuses on budget negotiations. Visit the legislature's daily calendar for up-to-date information on next week's activities.
