The coming week...

As usual, except where noted, all info gathered from the websites of the relevent political bodies/agencies, and subject to change without notice.

The normal format of these posts is a simple one - start with the highest level of government (federal) and work down. This week, a slight change to that template is merited.


...The Arizona Legislature is still out of session and the budget still isn't balanced. However, they still have the time and energy to canoodle with some industry lobbyists in a propaganda session.

From a press release from the Senate Republicans, posted on the lege's website -

The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Climate Initiatives is holding its second meeting Monday. Committee Chair Sylvia Allen contends federal proposals targeted at global warming are quickly moving forward without consideration for scientific evidence and we are going after problems that do not exist. She wants Arizonans to understand how cap and trade regulations will impact their energy supply and utility costs. “They need to evaluate the claims behind 'green jobs' and climate scare tactics,” she said. The agenda includes an update of federal legislation and an economic forecast/industry roundtable. The committee’s first meeting was June 8.

The list of "distinguished" panelists includes: Michael Curtis, executive secretary, Arizona Municipal Power Users’ Association; Kimball Rasmussen, CEO, Deseret Power; Dr. Craig Idso, chairman, Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change; Cynthia Zwick, president, Arizona Community Action Association; Cathy Reheis-Boyd, COO, Western State Petroleum Association; and Steven Regis, vice president of engineering services, CalPortland Company.

Zwick appears to be the token "non-industry lobbyist" on the panel. However, she is not a scientist.

Sen. Sylvia Allen is the Arizona politician best known for her deep understanding of science. Or not.

The meeting is at the Senate in SHR1 from 8:30 - noon.


...In the U.S. House of Representatives, the agenda looks to be fairly light on controversial floor action, though not without some (hey, this wouldn't be the House if they didn't have stuff to yell at each other over.)

Of interest to AZers -

- Rep. Raul Grijalva's H.R. 1333, "To amend chapter 40 of title 18, United States Code, to exempt the transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive materials for delivery to a federally recognized Indian tribe or an agency of such a tribe from various Federal criminal prohibitions relating to explosives." Heard under suspension of the rules.

- Conference report on H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. This is money-related, so it is likely the most controversial matter subject to floor action this week. House Report 111-203 on the bill, including earmarks and "directed spending" is here.


...Over in the U.S, Senate, floor action will focus on Defense Appropriations. Committee hearing schedule here. The highlight, or at least the one that will receive the most attention, is the Senate Finance Committee's continued consideration of Max Baucus' Health Insurer Wish List health care reform bill.


...On Tuesday, the Arizona Corporation Commission is holding a special open meeting in Yuma related to APS and rates. Full hearing schedule here.


...The Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System is holding two special meetings on Monday. The noon meeting has an executive session component and general session discussion on contract renegotiations with MedPro and an employment agreement with Betsey Bayless, current MIHS CEO. The meeting at 5 p.m. covers approval of the new MedPro contract.


...The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project has a busy week planned.

- On Wednesday, there will be a joint meeting of the CAP Board and the Board of Directors of the Arizona Municipal Waters Users Association at the Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore.

- Thursday, there will be a meeting of the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District and Underground Storage Committee immediately following the regular meeting of the CAP Board.

- Thursday, there will be a meeting of the Board's Public Policy Committee at 9 a.m. (aka - immediately before the regular Board meeting.)

- And, of course, the full Board will meet in open and executive session on Thursday.


...The Tempe City Council isn't scheduled to meet this week, but a calendar of Council-related events is here.


...The Scottsdale City Council will be holding a joint meeting with Budget Review Commission on Tuesday. There will also be a special meeting of the Council with an executive session concerning the interim treasurer appointment/hiring mess. Scottsdale's community meeting calendar is here.


Not scheduled to meet this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (though an executive session called on short notice would be the norm for this group), Arizona Board of Regents, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District.


Later...