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.