The state legislature worked through Thursday night and into Friday morning with the goal of adopting a budget that would address the state’s estimated budget shortfall of approximately $3.2 billion. The budget being considered this week was nearly identical to the vetoed package from July 1, except for the inclusion of both a temporary sales tax increase and a delayed income tax reduction.
By 2:15 a.m. on Friday morning, the House approved a budget package acceptable to the Governor and the legislative leadership. The following terms of the budget impact cities and towns:
a $22 million vehicle license tax fund shift (a $5-6 million reduction to Phoenix revenues)
a gradual decrease in the assessment ratio for commercial property from 20% to 16% beginning in 2012, which may lead to an increase in residential property taxes
a two-year freeze on impact fees
a two-year building code moratorium
a temporary sales tax increase (1-cent in 2010, 2011, 0.5-cent in 2012)
a delayed income tax reduction of $400 million ($200 corporate/$200 personal). The income tax cuts would result in loss of shared revenues to cities and town.
When the budget bills passed the House, the Senate moved swiftly to follow suit. After the bills were approved in the Senate Committee of the Whole and ready to have their final vote, Senate action came to an abrupt halt without the necessary votes to pass the budget package. This unexpected turn of events led Senate President Bob Burns (R - Peoria) to stop activity by suspending Floor action at 4:30 a.m.
The Senate will reconvene at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4. It is unclear as of this writing whether there are sufficient votes to approve this budget package. To watch live proceedings on Tuesday, go to http://azleg.granicus.com/Mediaplayer.php?publish_id=5.
Stay tuned . . .
Source: P.L.A.N.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
City of Phoenix Council Election (District 4)
Phoenix Central Neighborhood Association's geographical boundaries include polling locations 4-F and 4-G. Please see map at http://www.PhoenixCentral.org/election.pdf for details on the September 1, 2009 election.
Source: City of Phoenix
Source: City of Phoenix
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dog Days at the Legislature
Friday marks the 19th day of the legislative special session. Republican and Democratic leaders continue to meet on how to address an estimated $2-3 billion deficit in the current fiscal year. It has been difficult for the legislature to find a quorum since many members are traveling to conferences or on vacation. We expect budget activity to pick up in August. The Governor has not participated in these recent meetings. Her budget proposal of a temporary one-cent sales tax increase is a sticking point for legislators. Alternative revenue options are also being discussed, such as broadening the sales tax base.
2009 End of Session Report
To describe the session as unusual is an understatement. This week, Government Relations submitted a 2009 End of Session Report to the Mayor and Council. This 24-page summary begins with highlights of how the City fared under the City Council's approved core principles: fiscal sustainability and local authority. The document enumerates the bills on which the Mayor and Council adopted positions and covers the city's legislative agenda, new laws and bills not enacted of those bills.
Bills of Interest - The Rest of the Story
HB 2465: Scrap Metal; Theft; Dealers (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) adds to the list of prohibited items (manhole covers, catalytic converters, water meters, etc.) that scrap metal dealers cannot purchase unless authorized. The bill also requires dealers to electronically submit transaction records to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and make a database of such records accessible to local law enforcement. Phoenix supports this bill. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0144. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
HB 2530: Reckless Driving; Prior Convictions (Rep. Cecil Ash, R – Mesa) establishes enhanced sentencing for reckless driving offenders with prior reckless driving violations. Phoenix supports this bill. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0121. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
SB 1048: Emergency Telecommunication Services; Administrative Costs (Sen. Linda Gray, R – Glendale) shifts the percentage of Emergency Telecommunications Services Trust Fund revenues that can be used for administrative costs from 3% to 5%. Phoenix supports this bill because these dollars are needed to maintain operations of the statewide 911 emergency system. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0112. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
HB 2336: Community Facilities Districts; Renewable Energy (Rep. Lucy Mason, R- Prescott) permits a county board of supervisors to establish renewable energy incentive districts. Phoenix supports this bill in its commitment to protecting the environment and providing a sustainable future for city residents. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0086. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
Scorebox
1st Regular Session 3rd Special Session
213 - Bills Passed 24 - Bills Posted
22 - Bills Vetoed 4 - Bills Passed
Our city's budget for the current 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!
Link to the P.L.A.N.
2009 End of Session Report
To describe the session as unusual is an understatement. This week, Government Relations submitted a 2009 End of Session Report to the Mayor and Council. This 24-page summary begins with highlights of how the City fared under the City Council's approved core principles: fiscal sustainability and local authority. The document enumerates the bills on which the Mayor and Council adopted positions and covers the city's legislative agenda, new laws and bills not enacted of those bills.
Bills of Interest - The Rest of the Story
HB 2465: Scrap Metal; Theft; Dealers (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) adds to the list of prohibited items (manhole covers, catalytic converters, water meters, etc.) that scrap metal dealers cannot purchase unless authorized. The bill also requires dealers to electronically submit transaction records to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and make a database of such records accessible to local law enforcement. Phoenix supports this bill. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0144. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
HB 2530: Reckless Driving; Prior Convictions (Rep. Cecil Ash, R – Mesa) establishes enhanced sentencing for reckless driving offenders with prior reckless driving violations. Phoenix supports this bill. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0121. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
SB 1048: Emergency Telecommunication Services; Administrative Costs (Sen. Linda Gray, R – Glendale) shifts the percentage of Emergency Telecommunications Services Trust Fund revenues that can be used for administrative costs from 3% to 5%. Phoenix supports this bill because these dollars are needed to maintain operations of the statewide 911 emergency system. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0112. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
HB 2336: Community Facilities Districts; Renewable Energy (Rep. Lucy Mason, R- Prescott) permits a county board of supervisors to establish renewable energy incentive districts. Phoenix supports this bill in its commitment to protecting the environment and providing a sustainable future for city residents. Governor Brewer signed this bill and it became Chapter 0086. It becomes effective on the General Effective Date - September 30, 2009.
Scorebox
1st Regular Session 3rd Special Session
213 - Bills Passed 24 - Bills Posted
22 - Bills Vetoed 4 - Bills Passed
Our city's budget for the current 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!
Link to the P.L.A.N.
Friday, July 10, 2009
It's Not Over Yet
Third Special Session This Year
Late afternoon on July 6, the Legislature convened its Third Special Session which was called last week by Governor Brewer to consider two issues: (1) FY10 budget adjustments, and (2) imposition of a temporary tax to raise revenue for education, health and human services, and public safety expenditures. Four bills were introduced related to the first issue of the session call and passed both bodies with overwhelming, bipartisan support. No bills were introduced regarding the second issue of the session call, nor was there any debate of that issue. After passage of these bills, the legislature adjourned until next Monday, July 13.
Wednesday afternoon Governor Brewer signed all four of the budget bills that were passed by the Legislature on Monday. These bills addressed the funds needed for a scheduled July 15 payment to schools, K-12 education, health and welfare, and payments to the legislature for the days they record attendance in the Third Special Session.
HB2001 education; appropriations; 2009-2010
HB2002 K-12 education; budget reconciliation
HB2003 health and welfare; budget reconciliation
HB2004 legislative subsistence payments; exception
In other news, the Legislature has petitioned the Arizona Supreme Court for reconsideration of its ruling earlier this month in Brewer v. Burns regarding transmittal of bills.
Tick Tock
July 14 is the last day the Governor has to act on each of the 212 pieces of legislation on her desk. Her options are to sign, veto or allow a bill to become law without her signature. On Tuesday, Phoenix delivered letters to the Governor requesting that she veto four bills that impact the City -- SB 1123, a measure that attempts to elevate elections in charter cities as a matter of statewide concern; HB 2258, permitting the sale of fireworks; SB 1022, prohibiting removal of political signs in the right-of-way; and SB 1169, a proposal that preempts cities from collecting impoundment fees for abandoned vehicles from towing companies.
As of July 10, the Governor has signed a total of 70 bills. Among those receiving approval were:
SB 1322: Unemployment Insurance; Benefits (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) is an emergency measure that temporarily provides 13 to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to workers who exhaust their regular benefits in a time of high unemployment. There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund. This bill was signed by the Governor on 4/24/09 and with the Emergency Clause, became effective the same day.
SB 1323: Emergency Mutual Aid Agreements (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) allows government entities to enter into mutual aid agreements with private water and wastewater companies. This bill was signed by the Governor on 7/9/09 and becomes effective on 9/30/09, the General Effective Date.
Other bills of interest awaiting the Governor's decision include:
HB 2336: Community Facilities Districts; Renewable Energy (Rep. Lucy Mason, R- Prescott) permits a county board of supervisors to establish renewable energy incentive districts. Phoenix supports this bill.
HB 2465: Scrap Metal; Theft; Dealers (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) adds to the list of prohibited items (manhole covers, catalytic converters, water meters, etc.) that scrap metal dealers cannot purchase unless authorized. The bill also requires dealers to electronically submit transaction records to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and make a database of such records accessible to local law enforcement. Phoenix supports this bill.
HB 2530: Reckless Driving; Prior Convictions (Rep. Cecil Ash, R – Mesa) establishes enhanced sentencing for reckless driving offenders with prior reckless driving violations. Phoenix supports this bill.
SB 1048: Emergency Telecommunication Services; Administrative Costs (Sen. Linda Gray, R – Glendale) increases the percentage of Emergency Telecommunications Services Trust Fund revenues that can be used for administrative costs from 3% to 5%. These dollars are needed to maintain operations of the statewide 911 emergency system. Phoenix supports this bill.
Scorebox
1st Regular Session 3rd Special Session
212 - Bills Passed 22 - Bills Posted
16 - Bills Vetoed 4 - Bills Passed
70 - Bills Signed 4 - Bills Signed
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.
Late afternoon on July 6, the Legislature convened its Third Special Session which was called last week by Governor Brewer to consider two issues: (1) FY10 budget adjustments, and (2) imposition of a temporary tax to raise revenue for education, health and human services, and public safety expenditures. Four bills were introduced related to the first issue of the session call and passed both bodies with overwhelming, bipartisan support. No bills were introduced regarding the second issue of the session call, nor was there any debate of that issue. After passage of these bills, the legislature adjourned until next Monday, July 13.
Wednesday afternoon Governor Brewer signed all four of the budget bills that were passed by the Legislature on Monday. These bills addressed the funds needed for a scheduled July 15 payment to schools, K-12 education, health and welfare, and payments to the legislature for the days they record attendance in the Third Special Session.
HB2001 education; appropriations; 2009-2010
HB2002 K-12 education; budget reconciliation
HB2003 health and welfare; budget reconciliation
HB2004 legislative subsistence payments; exception
In other news, the Legislature has petitioned the Arizona Supreme Court for reconsideration of its ruling earlier this month in Brewer v. Burns regarding transmittal of bills.
Tick Tock
July 14 is the last day the Governor has to act on each of the 212 pieces of legislation on her desk. Her options are to sign, veto or allow a bill to become law without her signature. On Tuesday, Phoenix delivered letters to the Governor requesting that she veto four bills that impact the City -- SB 1123, a measure that attempts to elevate elections in charter cities as a matter of statewide concern; HB 2258, permitting the sale of fireworks; SB 1022, prohibiting removal of political signs in the right-of-way; and SB 1169, a proposal that preempts cities from collecting impoundment fees for abandoned vehicles from towing companies.
As of July 10, the Governor has signed a total of 70 bills. Among those receiving approval were:
SB 1322: Unemployment Insurance; Benefits (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) is an emergency measure that temporarily provides 13 to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to workers who exhaust their regular benefits in a time of high unemployment. There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund. This bill was signed by the Governor on 4/24/09 and with the Emergency Clause, became effective the same day.
SB 1323: Emergency Mutual Aid Agreements (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) allows government entities to enter into mutual aid agreements with private water and wastewater companies. This bill was signed by the Governor on 7/9/09 and becomes effective on 9/30/09, the General Effective Date.
Other bills of interest awaiting the Governor's decision include:
HB 2336: Community Facilities Districts; Renewable Energy (Rep. Lucy Mason, R- Prescott) permits a county board of supervisors to establish renewable energy incentive districts. Phoenix supports this bill.
HB 2465: Scrap Metal; Theft; Dealers (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) adds to the list of prohibited items (manhole covers, catalytic converters, water meters, etc.) that scrap metal dealers cannot purchase unless authorized. The bill also requires dealers to electronically submit transaction records to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and make a database of such records accessible to local law enforcement. Phoenix supports this bill.
HB 2530: Reckless Driving; Prior Convictions (Rep. Cecil Ash, R – Mesa) establishes enhanced sentencing for reckless driving offenders with prior reckless driving violations. Phoenix supports this bill.
SB 1048: Emergency Telecommunication Services; Administrative Costs (Sen. Linda Gray, R – Glendale) increases the percentage of Emergency Telecommunications Services Trust Fund revenues that can be used for administrative costs from 3% to 5%. These dollars are needed to maintain operations of the statewide 911 emergency system. Phoenix supports this bill.
Scorebox
1st Regular Session 3rd Special Session
212 - Bills Passed 22 - Bills Posted
16 - Bills Vetoed 4 - Bills Passed
70 - Bills Signed 4 - Bills Signed
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.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Dumb and Dumber
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jan Brewer - Two Idiots
As soon as Schwarzenegger was elected governor, I speculated on how long it would take him to bankrupt California. As soon as the Republican legislature spent the “rainy day fund” I speculated on how long it would take them to bankrupt Arizona. Now I know.
Source: Rod, The Independent Voice
As soon as Schwarzenegger was elected governor, I speculated on how long it would take him to bankrupt California. As soon as the Republican legislature spent the “rainy day fund” I speculated on how long it would take them to bankrupt Arizona. Now I know.
Source: Rod, The Independent Voice
PROFILING: STATISTICAL ANALYSES
Our Maricopa sheriff could learn from a math professor at the Univ. of Texas who mathematically proves that choosing people to screen based on ethnicity is no more effective than random checks. [Scientific American, April 2009] Because those who are legal vastly outnumber those who are illegal, the optimal way to screen would be to use the “square-root-biased sampling.” That is because a legal Latino would be screened many times before an illegal would be found. Therefore, because it has been proved mathematically and because it would be more cost effective, Dr. William Press states, the sensible method is not to profile at all. See his study in the February 10, 2009 Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA.
Source: FS, The Independent Voice
Source: FS, The Independent Voice
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Governor Calls for Special Session on the Heels of Sine Die
Sine Die! Special Session! Governor Gets The Last Word, For Now
After 170 days (fourth longest session in Arizona history), the Legislature adjourned Sine Die at 7:31 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. The budget bills and "trailer" amendments, along with a number of other bills, were transmitted to Governor Brewer before the last gavel. She promised a quick response, and delivered. Just hours later, Governor Brewer executed line-item vetoes and signed both SB 1188: 2009-2010 General Appropriations Act, and SB 2643, the "trailer" bill making revisions to SB 1188. These two bills keep state government up and running for the time being.
The rest of the budget package was vetoed including the following budget reconciliation bills (BRBs):
1029 BRB; higher education
2649 BRB; higher education
1031 BRB; state assets
2646 BRB state properties trailer
1035 BRB; general government
2645 BRB; general government trailer
1036 BRB; general revenues
2644 BRB; general revenues trailer
1145 BRB; health & welfare
2650 BRB; health & welfare trailer
1187 BRB; K-12 education
2648 BRB; K-12 education trailer
1028 BRB; criminal justice
2647 BRB; criminal justice trailer
At the same time, the Governor called for a Special Session to begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 6 with the following subjects:
1. The adjustments necessary to address the state budget for the entire fiscal year 2009-2010.
2. Imposition of a temporary tax for the purpose of raising state revenues for primary and secondary education, health and human services and public safety expenditures.
Governor Brewer's letters to Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Senate President Bob Burns, and House Speaker Kirk Adams describing her actions are available under "Latest News" on the Governor's webpage at azgovernor.gov. Her proclamation calling the Legislature to a Special Session is also available there. Arizona's Constitution specifies that in a special session the only laws that can be enacted are those related to the subjects in the Governor's call for special session.
Ten Days to Review Approximately 200 Bills
Approximately 200 other pieces of legislation were transmitted to the Governor for her consideration. From July 1, she will have 10 days to sign, veto, or allow those bills to become law without her signature. Once that is sorted out we will share the results of the session legislation and the impact on neighborhoods.
Scorebox
3 - Number of Special Sessions
212 - Bills Passed
15 - Bills Vetoed
12 - Bills Signed
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.
After 170 days (fourth longest session in Arizona history), the Legislature adjourned Sine Die at 7:31 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. The budget bills and "trailer" amendments, along with a number of other bills, were transmitted to Governor Brewer before the last gavel. She promised a quick response, and delivered. Just hours later, Governor Brewer executed line-item vetoes and signed both SB 1188: 2009-2010 General Appropriations Act, and SB 2643, the "trailer" bill making revisions to SB 1188. These two bills keep state government up and running for the time being.
The rest of the budget package was vetoed including the following budget reconciliation bills (BRBs):
1029 BRB; higher education
2649 BRB; higher education
1031 BRB; state assets
2646 BRB state properties trailer
1035 BRB; general government
2645 BRB; general government trailer
1036 BRB; general revenues
2644 BRB; general revenues trailer
1145 BRB; health & welfare
2650 BRB; health & welfare trailer
1187 BRB; K-12 education
2648 BRB; K-12 education trailer
1028 BRB; criminal justice
2647 BRB; criminal justice trailer
At the same time, the Governor called for a Special Session to begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 6 with the following subjects:
1. The adjustments necessary to address the state budget for the entire fiscal year 2009-2010.
2. Imposition of a temporary tax for the purpose of raising state revenues for primary and secondary education, health and human services and public safety expenditures.
Governor Brewer's letters to Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Senate President Bob Burns, and House Speaker Kirk Adams describing her actions are available under "Latest News" on the Governor's webpage at azgovernor.gov. Her proclamation calling the Legislature to a Special Session is also available there. Arizona's Constitution specifies that in a special session the only laws that can be enacted are those related to the subjects in the Governor's call for special session.
Ten Days to Review Approximately 200 Bills
Approximately 200 other pieces of legislation were transmitted to the Governor for her consideration. From July 1, she will have 10 days to sign, veto, or allow those bills to become law without her signature. Once that is sorted out we will share the results of the session legislation and the impact on neighborhoods.
Scorebox
3 - Number of Special Sessions
212 - Bills Passed
15 - Bills Vetoed
12 - Bills Signed
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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