Friday, June 26, 2009

P.L.A.N. Update - Sine Die In Sight?‏

Today marks the 166th day of the Legislative Session, eight days shy of the record set in 1988 (173 days). Since the Legislature completed the budget (although they have yet to transmit those bills to the Governor), members in the House and Senate have considered hundreds of bills on long committee agendas in a short amount of time. Legislators appear to be racing toward adjournment -- Sine Die! (Latin for "without a day").

It is likely that the Legislature will adjourn at some point next week, before the Fourth of July holiday weekend. However, at this point, the budget is still not a done deal. The House Appropriations Committee Agenda is posted for 9 a.m. on June 27 (Saturday). It includes 10 "trailer" bills and one House Concurrent Resolution, HCR 2037, that if adopted will send the temporary 1% sales tax question to the ballot for a statewide vote; which is included in the Governor's Five Point Plan. The "trailer" bills contain the changes to the original budget bills passed by the Legislature that bridge the sticking points in the negotiations, eliminating the need for the Governor to wield her veto stamp.

Disposition of Bills

As of this submittal, 59 non-budget bills have passed both legislative chambers, none of which have yet been sent to the Governor. When the Legislature adjourns, Governor Brewer will have 10 days to consider the flood of bills that will hit her desk. It has indeed been an unusual year!

Our city's budget for next fiscal year (July 2009-June 2010) was adopted in February and includes difficult cuts that impact services in our community. Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!

Source: P.L.A.N.

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