Friday, November 21, 2008

Changes Possible and Changes Certain

Recent headlines indicate a likely change at the Governor’s Office early next year . . . Secretary of State Jan Brewer is in line to assume the Governor’s position should the reports be confirmed and current Governor Janet Napolitano is appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security.

In the Senate, incoming Senate President Bob Burns (Peoria) announced the following committee chairs for the upcoming legislative session: Appropriations - Sen.-Elect Russell Pearce (Mesa); Commerce & Economic Development - Sen. Barbara Leff (Paradise Valley); Education Accountability & Reform - Sen. John Huppenthal (Chandler); Finance - Sen. Jim Waring (Phoenix); Government Institutions - Sen. Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler); Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform - Sen. Carolyn Allen (Scottsdale); Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt - Sen.-Elect John Nelson, (Glendale); Judiciary - Sen.-Elect Jonathan Paton, (Tucson); Veterans and Military Affairs - Sen. Jack Harper (Surprise); Retirement and Rural Development - Sen. Ron Gould (Lake Havasu City); Public Safety and Human Services - Sen. Linda Gray (Glendale); Rules - President-Elect Bob Burns.

In the House, incoming House Speaker Kirk Adams declared the following committee chairs: Appropriations: John Kavanagh (Scottsdale), Banking & Insurance - Nancy McLain (Bullhead City), Commerce - Michelle Reagan (Scottsdale), Education - Rich Crandall (Mesa), Environment - Ray Barnes (North Phoenix), Government - Sam Crump (Anthem), Ways & Means - Rick Murphy (Glendale), Health / Human Services - Nancy Barto (North Phoenix), Public Employees, Retirement & Entitlement Reform - Tom Boone (Peoria), Judiciary - Adam Driggs (Phoenix), Military Affairs & Public Safety - Jerry Weiers (Glendale), Natural Resources & Rural Affairs - Bill Konopnicki (Safford), Rules - Warde Nichols (Gilbert), Transportation & Infrastructure - Andy Biggs (Mesa), Water & Energy - Lucy Mason (Prescott).

Special Session?

Rumor has it that the Governor may call at least one Special Session in December or January to address the current state budget shortfall. Please take time to reinforce the importance of shared revenues to cities and towns with your legislators. You can and do make a difference.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Because of the holiday, you will not receive our regular Friday message next week.

Source: P.L.A.N.

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