Americans for Prosperity, the Big Business-funded and -controlled "grassroots" group (that's the definition of "astroturf" group) has released its 2009 scorecard, a rating of all of Arizona's legislators based on some arcane standard.
The group purports itself to be non-partisan, but the only two Republicans they gave a negative rating to were Sen. Carolyn Allen (LD8), one of the few real public servants in the GOP caucus, and Governor Jan Brewer, someone who has gleefully crippled the ability of Arizona state government to provide public services.
I can understand them not liking Sen. Allen; she really is the closest thing to a moderate voice in the entire AZGOP. But to go after Brewer, who has done more to cut public education and the social safety net in Arizona than any governor ever...?
Can you say "credibility problem"?
Anyway, back to the point of the post. Scorecards like this one, produced by anti-society advocacy groups, are best read from the bottom up.
The folks they give the lowest ratings to are the people that do the most to look out for their constituents and their state.
Read that way, the biggest Hero of Society is LD17's own state senator, Meg Burton Cahill.
And coming in at 6th and 7th place, as Champions of Society, are LD17's state representatives, Ed Ableser and David Schapira.
Oh, and for the record, the folks that AFP gave their highest ratings to (and the lowest by my standards, "Enemies of Society") are, you guessed it, ol' blog favorites state Sens. Russell Pearce (LD18), Chuck Gray (LD19), Sylvia Allen (LD5), and Jack Harper (LD4).
Of course.
Other legislative report cards include:
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club (2008 report card here)
East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (note: only EV legislators covered)
Showing posts with label Schapira. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schapira. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Special session Thursday?
Mary Reinhart of The Arizona Guardian is reporting that a one-day special session of the lege is in the works for Thursday (subscription required). There is some confusion over the details of the timing, but her article covers the topic well.
As planned, the session would include a referral of a sales tax hike to the ballot as well as a question to allow the lege to breach the protections of the Voter Protection Act (aka "Prop 105") to raid the funds of measures approved directly by the voters. In addition, there would be $200 million in budget cuts on the agenda.
According to State Rep. David Schapira (D-LD17), the tentative schedule is for the session to begin on Wednesday for Appropriations Committee consideration (and back room arm-twisting [my phrase, not his]) with COW and final passage (and probably more arm-twisting) on Thursday.
There are some serious questions if any package can pass a special session - most of the R caucus in the House and some of the Rs in the Senate have made it clear that they won't support even the referral of a temporary tax hike unless they pass permanent tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
In addition, they still aren't talking to Democrats (other than to notify them of the session itself).
As Rep. Schapira said, referring to the Republicans in the House and the chances of a special session passing anything -
Stay tuned for developments as this is a fluid situation. While it seems likely to fall apart at any moment, it could also be a done deal by Wednesday, with the leadership just holding the session to cross some "Ts" and dot some "Is" (pro forma consideration of something that they have worked out behind closed doors).
Assuming that the fifth "special" session goes off as planned, I'm not sure how I'd vote on a sales tax hike.
If it is simply to backfill revenue lost to tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, then my vote will be "HELL NO!!"
If it is part of a complete package designed to actually balance the budget while minimizing the pain to Arizona's neediest residents, then "maybe".
As for giving the lege the ability to breach Prop 105, that's a "HELL NO!!" Period. End of question.
These people have shown that they have neither the ability nor the inclination to govern responsibly. As long as they continue to ignore the wishes of their constituents, they must not be given the legal ability to do so.
And regarding any proposed budget cuts, I know that they are inevitable, but I want to see what they are first.
Time to cut the lege's budget, as well as those of state officials who have thus far been untouched by previous budget restrictions (like the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction).
Later...
As planned, the session would include a referral of a sales tax hike to the ballot as well as a question to allow the lege to breach the protections of the Voter Protection Act (aka "Prop 105") to raid the funds of measures approved directly by the voters. In addition, there would be $200 million in budget cuts on the agenda.
According to State Rep. David Schapira (D-LD17), the tentative schedule is for the session to begin on Wednesday for Appropriations Committee consideration (and back room arm-twisting [my phrase, not his]) with COW and final passage (and probably more arm-twisting) on Thursday.
There are some serious questions if any package can pass a special session - most of the R caucus in the House and some of the Rs in the Senate have made it clear that they won't support even the referral of a temporary tax hike unless they pass permanent tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
In addition, they still aren't talking to Democrats (other than to notify them of the session itself).
As Rep. Schapira said, referring to the Republicans in the House and the chances of a special session passing anything -
"They fall in line, or it falls apart."More coverage here from Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services, published by the EV Tribune.
Stay tuned for developments as this is a fluid situation. While it seems likely to fall apart at any moment, it could also be a done deal by Wednesday, with the leadership just holding the session to cross some "Ts" and dot some "Is" (pro forma consideration of something that they have worked out behind closed doors).
Assuming that the fifth "special" session goes off as planned, I'm not sure how I'd vote on a sales tax hike.
If it is simply to backfill revenue lost to tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, then my vote will be "HELL NO!!"
If it is part of a complete package designed to actually balance the budget while minimizing the pain to Arizona's neediest residents, then "maybe".
As for giving the lege the ability to breach Prop 105, that's a "HELL NO!!" Period. End of question.
These people have shown that they have neither the ability nor the inclination to govern responsibly. As long as they continue to ignore the wishes of their constituents, they must not be given the legal ability to do so.
And regarding any proposed budget cuts, I know that they are inevitable, but I want to see what they are first.
Time to cut the lege's budget, as well as those of state officials who have thus far been untouched by previous budget restrictions (like the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction).
Later...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The LD17 team stays strong
In news that broke elsewhere (including R-Cubed and AZCentral.com), Meg Burton Cahill has announced that she will not seek another term in the Senate next year. For health reasons she is taking her public service career in another direction (her doctor advised her that a hostile work environment like the AZ lege is not conducive to good health. For this he needed to spend tens of thousands of dollars for years of medical school? LOL).
Her wisdom, insight, humor, and dedication to the people of D17 and the state will be sorely missed, but someone who has been found to step into the void that she is leaving, someone who is likely one of the few people capable of stepping in who may be as dedicated to the people of D17.
Long-time Tempe City Councilman Ben Arredondo has become a Democrat, moving away from the Republican Party that has moved away from him and all other elected officials who place a premium on community service over partisan ideology.
Councilman Arredondo will run for a House seat; Rep. Schapira will open an exploratory committee for the Senate seat.
More on this later, but I just wanted to write something while waiting for the "special" session to start (Today'stentative schedule - pledge, prayer, first read, adjourn, caucus, go home).
Left to right: Senator Meg Burton Cahill, Councilman Ben Arredondo, Representative Ed Ableser, Representative David Schapira
Monday, November 16, 2009
Big announcement regarding LD17 tomorrow at the lege
From a press release -
Sen. Burton Cahill has a long and storied career in public service, and it isn't over yet (else I would be far more effusive in my praise for her. Her story isn't over yet, not by a long shot). Only her legislative career is coming to a close, not her public service career.
As for the rest, I'll be at the Capitol on Tuesday. Coverage and pics of the seriously big announcement tomorrow...
Sen. Burton Cahill to announce retirement; Reps. Schapira, Ableser to reveal who will vie for state Senate, House seats
PHOENIX - State Sen. Meg Burton Cahill and state Reps. David Schapira and Ed Ableser will hold a press conference 1 p.m. Tuesday at the State Capitol to announce their plans for the Democratic slate in District 17. The Tempe lawmakers will also introduce a new House candidate who is a well-established leader in the Valley.
Burton Cahill will announce her retirement from the Legislature after 10 years of service. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, she served three terms there and will finish her legislative service at the end of her second Senate term.
"I'm proud to have served the communities of Tempe and south Scottsdale in the Legislature," Burton Cahill said. "I went to the Capitol to represent the interests of my neighbors, and I am honored to have had their support for a decade."
At the press conference, Schapira and Ableser will announce which representative is filing an exploratory committee for Burton Cahill's Senate seat. They will be joined by another prominent Tempe leader who will announce a bid for the open House seat.
Sen. Burton Cahill has a long and storied career in public service, and it isn't over yet (else I would be far more effusive in my praise for her. Her story isn't over yet, not by a long shot). Only her legislative career is coming to a close, not her public service career.
As for the rest, I'll be at the Capitol on Tuesday. Coverage and pics of the seriously big announcement tomorrow...
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Bipartisan STO task force requests public comment
From a press release (note: there are two links in the original press release that don't work so I found relevent articles and linked to them; otherwise, the text is unchanged.) -
Task force on private school tax credit program asks for public commentLater...
AG’s office to present findings from STO investigation at task force meeting
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Bipartisan Task Force on the Private School Tuition Tax Credits program is inviting members of the public to testify at its next meeting on Nov. 12.
A representative from the state Attorney General’s Office also will give a presentation on its investigation into the issue.
Meeting of the Bipartisan Task Force on the Private School Tuition Tax Credits program
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, House Hearing Room 2
Request to speak: The public will be able to sign up to speak at the hearing.
“Public input is vital to ensure this program is effective for Arizona’s school children and that it’s not violating state and federal laws in the future,” said Rep. David Schapira, D-Tempe (District 17), the task force’s chair. “Too many questions and concerns have been raised about this program and its reported violations of various laws. We need to take a clear look at it to build education for a stronger Arizona .”
House Democrats announced the creation of the task force in August specifically to address the state’s Private School Tuition Tax Credits program problems and work on bipartisan legislation to reform it.
Both the East Valley Tribune’s investigative series and the Arizona Republic ’s investigation detailed the potentially huge problems and reported illegal activities that come from this tax credit program.
The program allows taxpayers to donate money to school tuition organizations. These STOs then give scholarships to children for private school tuition. In return, the state matches the donations with a tax credit in exchange for their contribution.
The program was signed into law in 1997 by former Gov. Fife Symington and was supposed to make private education more accessible to families who can't afford it. But so far, that hasn't happened.
For instance, according to the Tribune, some STOs reportedly are violating federal tax laws that govern charitable organizations by operating with donations earmarked for particular individuals. They also reportedly are violating state law by not committing a sufficient portion of the donations to students while buying luxury items.
Both newspapers' investigative reports can be accessed online at the http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/page/taxcredits and http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/10/29/20091029stocorporate1029.html.
“The task force will be essential to address this problem and correct it,” said Rep. Tom Chabin, D-Flagstaff (District 2), task force vice chair.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Press release time - Legislative Town Hall in LD17
From a press release and related flier from the House Democrats -
Later...
Come Share Your Thoughts at the Legislative District 17 Town-Hall Meeting with
State Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill, Rep. David Schapira & Rep. Ed Ableser
“Your input is very important to us and it will help us serve you and our community better.”
State Legislators will discuss issues that are important to constituents, answer questions and learn about their priorities. Constituents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts.
Legislative District 17 Town Hall Meeting
Pyle Adult Recreation Center
Thursday, Nov 12, 2009
6:30pm to 8:00pm p.m.
655 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Questions? Please contact Community and Constituent Liaison, Cynthia Aragon at 602-926-5848 or at caragon@azleg.gov.
Later...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Republican leadership going after D17 Rep. Schapira
Apparently, the Republican leadership in the House objects to the work that Rep. David Schapira (D-LD17) has been doing while the lege isn't in session.
Or maybe they just object to looking lazy by comparison.
First, Republican Speaker Kirk Adams announced the formation of his own committee to look into the state's tuition tax credit program and school tuition organizations. The program is rife with abuses, as highlighted by the East Valley Tribune's award-winning "Rigged Privilege" investigative series.
Then later in the day, House Appropriations chair John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) went on JD Hayworth's talk show on KFYI and spent an entire hour bashing Rep. Schapira for talking to an international group of educators yesterday. (No link yet, will provide if one becomes available.)
An entire hour.
Yep, they're officially worried about David. Welcome to the big leagues, Representative Schapira.
Well, on the first item, Adams' committee, as one Capitol observer put it, "it's about time that Adams showed some leadership on this."
As I put it, "it isn't leadership if you're following, not leading."
Schapira and the Democrats were on the burgeoning scandal of STO abuse weeks ago (and David Safier at Blog for Arizona and Jen at Mindless Mumblings of a Martyr Mom were on this months ago); Adams is just trying to steal some thunder and maybe get in the way of any real work.
That's not leadership.
Oh yeah, and neither is stacking the committee membership in such a way as to ensure that they won't find much, if anything, wrong with the tuition tax credit program.
From the EV Trib piece on today's announcement -
Let's see -
All of them are members of the House Ways and Means Committee. Not a single one is a member of the Education Committee. An interesting omission for a panel looking at an education-related matter.
There are two Democrats on Adams' panel. However, Rep. Jack Brown, the longest-serving member of the lege and highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom, is also the most conservative Democrat in the House. He won't have any interest in making waves on this panel.
Of course, that is presuming that Brown can even attend to the committee's work. The three Republicans on the panel are all Maricopa County residents and are mere minutes away from the Capitol; the two Democrats live 150 miles (Chabin) and 170 miles (Brown) away. Guess which members will be able to be more involved in the committee?
As for the second item, the relentless bashing by Kavanagh and Hayworth?
Ummm...well, to be rather blunt, these aren't two guys noted for their profound insights on education systems, American or international.
On the other hand, they are known for having insights into who might become a future electoral opponent. And for signalling that insight by issuing a pre-emptive attack.
Later...
Or maybe they just object to looking lazy by comparison.
First, Republican Speaker Kirk Adams announced the formation of his own committee to look into the state's tuition tax credit program and school tuition organizations. The program is rife with abuses, as highlighted by the East Valley Tribune's award-winning "Rigged Privilege" investigative series.
Then later in the day, House Appropriations chair John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) went on JD Hayworth's talk show on KFYI and spent an entire hour bashing Rep. Schapira for talking to an international group of educators yesterday. (No link yet, will provide if one becomes available.)
An entire hour.
Yep, they're officially worried about David. Welcome to the big leagues, Representative Schapira.
Well, on the first item, Adams' committee, as one Capitol observer put it, "it's about time that Adams showed some leadership on this."
As I put it, "it isn't leadership if you're following, not leading."
Schapira and the Democrats were on the burgeoning scandal of STO abuse weeks ago (and David Safier at Blog for Arizona and Jen at Mindless Mumblings of a Martyr Mom were on this months ago); Adams is just trying to steal some thunder and maybe get in the way of any real work.
That's not leadership.
Oh yeah, and neither is stacking the committee membership in such a way as to ensure that they won't find much, if anything, wrong with the tuition tax credit program.
From the EV Trib piece on today's announcement -
Adams has assigned Rep. Rick Murphy, R-Glendale, as chairman of the committee. Other members include: Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert; Debbie Lesko, R-Glendale; Jack Brown, D-St. Johns; and Tom Chabin, D-Flagstaff.What's wrong with that list?
Let's see -
All of them are members of the House Ways and Means Committee. Not a single one is a member of the Education Committee. An interesting omission for a panel looking at an education-related matter.
There are two Democrats on Adams' panel. However, Rep. Jack Brown, the longest-serving member of the lege and highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom, is also the most conservative Democrat in the House. He won't have any interest in making waves on this panel.
Of course, that is presuming that Brown can even attend to the committee's work. The three Republicans on the panel are all Maricopa County residents and are mere minutes away from the Capitol; the two Democrats live 150 miles (Chabin) and 170 miles (Brown) away. Guess which members will be able to be more involved in the committee?
As for the second item, the relentless bashing by Kavanagh and Hayworth?
Ummm...well, to be rather blunt, these aren't two guys noted for their profound insights on education systems, American or international.
On the other hand, they are known for having insights into who might become a future electoral opponent. And for signalling that insight by issuing a pre-emptive attack.
Later...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Schapira working for education in Arizona
Even though the state legislature isn't in session, State Rep. David Schapira (D-Tempe) is still working diligently for his constituents and all Arizonans.
On Wednesday, he met with an international group of educators at the House to discuss topics in early childhood education, including trends in U.S. policies and research as well as common challenges.
Next Monday, he will be chairing the first meeting of the Bipartisan Task Force on the Private School Tuition Tax Credits. (10 a.m., HHR3, House of Representatives building at the State Capitol)
The Task Force was established to look into questions and possible legal violations related to the STO program, many of which were brought to the fore by investigating reporting from the East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Republic.
Monday's meeting will feature experts on STOs while future meetings will offer the public the opportunity to provide their input.
David Safier at Blog for Arizona has an update on the latest developments relating to charter schools and STOs here.
On Wednesday, he met with an international group of educators at the House to discuss topics in early childhood education, including trends in U.S. policies and research as well as common challenges.
Next Monday, he will be chairing the first meeting of the Bipartisan Task Force on the Private School Tuition Tax Credits. (10 a.m., HHR3, House of Representatives building at the State Capitol)
The Task Force was established to look into questions and possible legal violations related to the STO program, many of which were brought to the fore by investigating reporting from the East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Republic.
Monday's meeting will feature experts on STOs while future meetings will offer the public the opportunity to provide their input.
David Safier at Blog for Arizona has an update on the latest developments relating to charter schools and STOs here.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
D17 State Rep. Schapira named to prestigious regional education committee
Courtesy a press release from the AZ House Democrats -
Later...
Rep. David Schapira, D-Tempe (District 17), has been named to the Western
Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s (WICHE’s) Legislative Advisory
Committee.
The commission selected Schapira from among Arizona’s lawmakers to serve on the committee for a three-year term to advise the commission on higher education.
"I am grateful for this amazing opportunity to work to strengthen our higher education system in Arizona and the West," Schapira said. "Education is key to building a stronger economy and bringing thousands of high-paying jobs to our state."
Schapira will inform the commission about significant legislative issues on higher education, provide input on initiatives and advise them on education policy workshops. The committee meets annually.
The commission was created to facilitate resource sharing among higher education systems of the West. Member states are Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
"Arizona's students are seeing increased class sizes, highly valued professors are losing their jobs and our tuition rates continue to rise as the state’s contribution level declines," Schapira said. "All students deserve a quality and affordable education, and I'm looking forward to working with the commission to accomplish that goal."
Schapira will attend the annual committee meeting, "A Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste: How to increase Your Return on Investment," in September. For more information on the commission, please visit: www.wiche.edu.
Later...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tweets from the floor
I've been remiss in my coverage of the budget kerfluffle (I have always wanted to use that word in a post :) )...
Certain members of the lege, including two from my own LD17, have been providing updates, commentary, and insights via Twitter.
From Rep. David Schapira's Twitter page (going back to Saturday) -
They're serving dinner at 6. I wonder if they'll serve dinner tomorrow for laid-off state employees. 7 hours and counting...about 2 hours ago from web
I might need some new ammo on a budget vote tonight. Read my last vote explanation (http://bit.ly/182BJN) and post some ideas of your own.about 3 hours ago from web
The word is the Gov might give up on the sales tax and sign the Republican budget that decimates education and public services. 8.5 hrs leftabout 4 hours ago from web
11 hours to shutdown...agencies are making preparations for tomorrow. It's sad how legislative leadership and the gov have failed the state.about 6 hours ago from web
Sales Tax bill dead in Senate. What's next? Will they bring Dems to the table to preserve our state's future. By "future" I mean tomorrow.about 9 hours ago from web
House Appropriations Committee now delayed indefinitely...14 hours to government shutdown.about 10 hours ago from TwitterFon
27 hours to government shutdown and still no signs of negotiation. We just adjourned for the day with no progress. Wow...about 22 hours ago from web
We are less than 30 hours from government shutdown and there's still no movement on the budget...and no bipartisan negotiation.6:09 PM Jun 29th from web
Check out My Education Budget Vote Explanation / Michael Jackson Tribute http://bit.ly/182BJN .4:52 PM Jun 27th from web
The Appropriations Committee just cut $250M in Education Revenue...in the midst of a budget crisis...crazy!2:40 PM Jun 27th from web
The Appropriations Committee just decided to balance our state budget on the backs of students, teachers, the poor and vulnerable Arizonans.1:25 PM Jun 27th from web
Among the many problems with this budget, the State will no longer fund any regulation of the Pay-Day Lending industry.12:28 PM Jun 27th from web
300 people, who had no obligation to do so, took time out of their Saturday morning to come down to the capitol and have their voices heard.12:19 PM Jun 27th from web
This budget fails to repay schools for the $300M the state borrowed...WOW! That might as well be a $300M cut.11:47 AM Jun 27th from web
Approps will be starting in a few minutes.11:27 AM Jun 27th from web
State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (not a D17 rep, but still pretty cool) -
8 hours to government shutdown. Gov made no headway in her quest to peel off Ds. This budget doesn't reflect our values and priorities!about 3 hours ago from txt
President Burns, Speaker Adams and Gov Brewer are calling Democrats into the Speaker's office and asking them to vote for the budget. HAHAabout 5 hours ago from web
Let your voice be heard http://bit.ly/w5Hi9about 8 hours ago from twitterfeed
Senate Rules committee killed the Governor's sales tax proposal this morning. Budget deal is completely derailed...about 8 hours ago from web
Join Arizonans for Health Reform on FB to stay updated about health reform events, forums, meetings in Arizona.about 12 hours ago from web
@lezzymom SB 1403 - spurs economic development for solar energy in Arizona. That was a good idea, and it was bi-partisan. It passed!about 12 hours ago from web in reply to lezzymom
Flat tax might pass today. It's a REALLY BAD IDEA. http://bit.ly/3bHzNabout 12 hours ago from web
Rumor is Senate Rs have votes to pass budget - in exchange for TABOR. Makes a bad deal even worse! Meanwhile, more gun bills today. NICE.about 13 hours ago from web
less than 24 hours to government shutdown. Do the Rs have the votes? Guess we'll see soon....about 18 hours ago from web
Republicans agree on worst budget deal in Arizona history http://bit.ly/E7Oz712:38 PM Jun 29th from twitterfeed
To share your voice on federal health care reform and find out about events, please join my Facebook group: http://bit.ly/RzbvM12:21 PM Jun 29th from Tweetie
It's Monday and the Rs budget deal has broken down. What now?8:41 AM Jun 29th from web
Can't wait to start meetings and forums around the state for health reform! July, where are you?4:28 PM Jun 28th from txt
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Arizona - take note.7:31 AM Jun 28th from web
Wonder what the next several days will bring. Rs don't have the votes to pass their budget & Gov is trying to peel off Dems - to no avail.4:48 PM Jun 27th from web
Chair just announced we're stopping after budget brbs. That means we're not hearing the flat tax or sales tax bills. Do they have the votes?4:42 PM Jun 27th from web
Education budget bill cuts over $220 million from K-12 educ. Plus, really bad policy things stuffed in here - this will hurt our schools!3:54 PM Jun 27th from web
@MrFurlough add'l revenue subtracted from K-12. The cut to universities is 40 million.3:42 PM Jun 27th from web in reply to MrFurlough
ok then - House Approps members approved a bill that now allows them to privatize death row. For real.3:16 PM Jun 27th from web
Wow, this bill is a GREAT deal for developers - not a good deal for local governments. So much for local control....2:53 PM Jun 27th from web
House Rs passed 250 million cut of education funding source (education equalization tax). We're in a fiscal crisis! Kids need this money!1:34 PM Jun 27th from web
first budget bill passes... Gov said June 16th that she wouldn't agree to Republicans' cuts to K-12 education. She agreed to them after all12:54 PM Jun 27th from web
Spent 3 hours briefing the budget this morning - it's even worse than we thought last night!12:16 PM Jun 27th from web
Certain members of the lege, including two from my own LD17, have been providing updates, commentary, and insights via Twitter.
From Rep. David Schapira's Twitter page (going back to Saturday) -
They're serving dinner at 6. I wonder if they'll serve dinner tomorrow for laid-off state employees. 7 hours and counting...about 2 hours ago from web
I might need some new ammo on a budget vote tonight. Read my last vote explanation (http://bit.ly/182BJN) and post some ideas of your own.about 3 hours ago from web
The word is the Gov might give up on the sales tax and sign the Republican budget that decimates education and public services. 8.5 hrs leftabout 4 hours ago from web
11 hours to shutdown...agencies are making preparations for tomorrow. It's sad how legislative leadership and the gov have failed the state.about 6 hours ago from web
Sales Tax bill dead in Senate. What's next? Will they bring Dems to the table to preserve our state's future. By "future" I mean tomorrow.about 9 hours ago from web
House Appropriations Committee now delayed indefinitely...14 hours to government shutdown.about 10 hours ago from TwitterFon
27 hours to government shutdown and still no signs of negotiation. We just adjourned for the day with no progress. Wow...about 22 hours ago from web
We are less than 30 hours from government shutdown and there's still no movement on the budget...and no bipartisan negotiation.6:09 PM Jun 29th from web
Check out My Education Budget Vote Explanation / Michael Jackson Tribute http://bit.ly/182BJN .4:52 PM Jun 27th from web
The Appropriations Committee just cut $250M in Education Revenue...in the midst of a budget crisis...crazy!2:40 PM Jun 27th from web
The Appropriations Committee just decided to balance our state budget on the backs of students, teachers, the poor and vulnerable Arizonans.1:25 PM Jun 27th from web
Among the many problems with this budget, the State will no longer fund any regulation of the Pay-Day Lending industry.12:28 PM Jun 27th from web
300 people, who had no obligation to do so, took time out of their Saturday morning to come down to the capitol and have their voices heard.12:19 PM Jun 27th from web
This budget fails to repay schools for the $300M the state borrowed...WOW! That might as well be a $300M cut.11:47 AM Jun 27th from web
Approps will be starting in a few minutes.11:27 AM Jun 27th from web
State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (not a D17 rep, but still pretty cool) -
8 hours to government shutdown. Gov made no headway in her quest to peel off Ds. This budget doesn't reflect our values and priorities!about 3 hours ago from txt
President Burns, Speaker Adams and Gov Brewer are calling Democrats into the Speaker's office and asking them to vote for the budget. HAHAabout 5 hours ago from web
Let your voice be heard http://bit.ly/w5Hi9about 8 hours ago from twitterfeed
Senate Rules committee killed the Governor's sales tax proposal this morning. Budget deal is completely derailed...about 8 hours ago from web
Join Arizonans for Health Reform on FB to stay updated about health reform events, forums, meetings in Arizona.about 12 hours ago from web
@lezzymom SB 1403 - spurs economic development for solar energy in Arizona. That was a good idea, and it was bi-partisan. It passed!about 12 hours ago from web in reply to lezzymom
Flat tax might pass today. It's a REALLY BAD IDEA. http://bit.ly/3bHzNabout 12 hours ago from web
Rumor is Senate Rs have votes to pass budget - in exchange for TABOR. Makes a bad deal even worse! Meanwhile, more gun bills today. NICE.about 13 hours ago from web
less than 24 hours to government shutdown. Do the Rs have the votes? Guess we'll see soon....about 18 hours ago from web
Republicans agree on worst budget deal in Arizona history http://bit.ly/E7Oz712:38 PM Jun 29th from twitterfeed
To share your voice on federal health care reform and find out about events, please join my Facebook group: http://bit.ly/RzbvM12:21 PM Jun 29th from Tweetie
It's Monday and the Rs budget deal has broken down. What now?8:41 AM Jun 29th from web
Can't wait to start meetings and forums around the state for health reform! July, where are you?4:28 PM Jun 28th from txt
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Arizona - take note.7:31 AM Jun 28th from web
Wonder what the next several days will bring. Rs don't have the votes to pass their budget & Gov is trying to peel off Dems - to no avail.4:48 PM Jun 27th from web
Chair just announced we're stopping after budget brbs. That means we're not hearing the flat tax or sales tax bills. Do they have the votes?4:42 PM Jun 27th from web
Education budget bill cuts over $220 million from K-12 educ. Plus, really bad policy things stuffed in here - this will hurt our schools!3:54 PM Jun 27th from web
@MrFurlough add'l revenue subtracted from K-12. The cut to universities is 40 million.3:42 PM Jun 27th from web in reply to MrFurlough
ok then - House Approps members approved a bill that now allows them to privatize death row. For real.3:16 PM Jun 27th from web
Wow, this bill is a GREAT deal for developers - not a good deal for local governments. So much for local control....2:53 PM Jun 27th from web
House Rs passed 250 million cut of education funding source (education equalization tax). We're in a fiscal crisis! Kids need this money!1:34 PM Jun 27th from web
first budget bill passes... Gov said June 16th that she wouldn't agree to Republicans' cuts to K-12 education. She agreed to them after all12:54 PM Jun 27th from web
Spent 3 hours briefing the budget this morning - it's even worse than we thought last night!12:16 PM Jun 27th from web
Monday, June 08, 2009
LD17 Legislators In The News...
With the legislative session heating up, LD17's legislators have been getting more notice in the MSM...
- State Senator Meg Burton Cahill has been getting notices for her solitary stand against the devastating Republican budget last week. It was a solitary stand because the Reps has indicated to the Dems that no vote would be taken that night, so they all went home.
From Tom Spratt, editor of the Tempe Republic -
More AZCentral.com coverage here.
- State Representative Ed Ableser will be participating in a roundtable discussion on The American Clean Energy And Security Act (H.R. 2454) making its way through Congress. Some of the expected benefits of the bill if it is enacted into law would be to stimulate the creation of clean energy jobs and the reduction of pollution. The discussion is scheduled to take place at the Burton Barr Library on Central at noon.
It's not the "best" media coverage ("Ed Ableser, state representative from Tempe (who?)"), but hey, it's still media coverage, right? :)
- State Representative David Schapira had an op-ed piece published by the AZ Republic on May 17 defending the need for a strong higher education system in Arizona.
From the piece -
Later...
- State Senator Meg Burton Cahill has been getting notices for her solitary stand against the devastating Republican budget last week. It was a solitary stand because the Reps has indicated to the Dems that no vote would be taken that night, so they all went home.
From Tom Spratt, editor of the Tempe Republic -
Sometime after midnight Thursday morning, Sen. Meg Burton Cahill, D-Tempe, found herself alone among Republicans as a vote neared on the 2009-2010 state budget.
Soon, she became engaged in a one-woman battle to restore money for food banks, senior food programs, domestic violence services, the developmentally disabled, poor children and the mentally ill, among others.
She offered 10 budget amendments that she believed captured the essence of what other Democrats would have wanted had they been on the Senate floor. All the changes were defeated. Before sunrise, Burton Cahill cast the Senate's only "no'' vote on the budget.
More AZCentral.com coverage here.
- State Representative Ed Ableser will be participating in a roundtable discussion on The American Clean Energy And Security Act (H.R. 2454) making its way through Congress. Some of the expected benefits of the bill if it is enacted into law would be to stimulate the creation of clean energy jobs and the reduction of pollution. The discussion is scheduled to take place at the Burton Barr Library on Central at noon.
It's not the "best" media coverage ("Ed Ableser, state representative from Tempe (who?)"), but hey, it's still media coverage, right? :)
- State Representative David Schapira had an op-ed piece published by the AZ Republic on May 17 defending the need for a strong higher education system in Arizona.
From the piece -
Our state has a deficit, but we can't balance it on the backs of students, especially when other options are available (See common-sense options at www.StrongerArizona.com). Providing access to quality and affordable higher education must be a priority.
Later...
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The House Appropriations Meeting - the epitome of the interminable train ride
Today's meeting of House Appropriations was like a slow train ride across West Texas - hours of staring out the window looking at the same old scenery. Just when you think that change is just around the bend, you get around that bend and see...
Miles more of that same old scenery, stretching of to the horizon.
However, I jumped off the train at 2. Four hours on on this mind- and butt-numbing train was enough hell on my bladder.
Yeah, I know that's a TMI moment, but the legislators could get up and leave whenever they wanted to...something Rep. Vic "Walking Man" Williams did. Often. It seemed that *his* bladder got weak whenever there was a roll call vote.
Rep. Daniel Patterson (D - LD29) was there "tweeting" the meeting. That feed is here. He can confirm Williams' behavior, and pretty much everything else in this post.
Oh yeah - eventually the video of the meeting will be posted here, though it may be a couple of days.
Anyway, back to the meeting...
As with the passengers on most trains, confined to previously-laid tracks, everyone in attendance knew this one's destination. Nothing unexpected happened; still, the ride was eye-opening in stretches.
...It started late. The scheduled start time was 10 a.m., but in 'legislative time' 10 a.m. means "sometime after 10 and before lunch." Chairman John Kavanagh (R-Russell Pearce with a Noo Yawk accent) gavelled it into session at around 10:15.
...Early on during consideration of HB2533, the General Appropriations or "feeder" bill, LD17 State Rep. David Schapira proposed an amendment to change language in the bill so that the Democratic Attorney General's office was treated with the same amount of budgetary respect as the other, Republican-occupied, executive branch offices.
Kavanagh, Biggs, and the other R's haughtily took offense at the implication that there might have been partisan motivation behind the attack on the AG's office.
I admit - during this section of the meeting, I just wanted to stand up and say to the Rs "Go for it. Attract the attention of a group of people whose job it is to prosecute those who prey on Arizonans. What are you going to do for a second act, kick over a hornet's nest?"
I didn't though. :))
...The meeting was marked by a resounding contempt for Democrats, not just for their ideas, but for them personally.
The Democratic members of the committee were constantly interrupted when they spoke if they dared to utter something that the Republicans disagreed with. However, on those occasions when the Dems took issue with something an R said, the Dem objections were shouted down by Kavanagh and Andy Biggs, the vice-chair of the committee.
...At one point, Rich Crandall (R-Wants to be Superintendant of Public Ed) mocked Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema by fluttering his arms after she objected to the chair's call for a vote on an amendment that she offered before it had even been discussed.
...Another bit of partisanship that Kavanagh and the Republicans engaged in was the convenient and repeated "misplacing" of the paperwork associated with the amendments offered by Democratic members in order to avoid having to consider and discuss them on the record.
...Of the 41 members of the public who utilized the lege's comments system to weigh in on the first measure (most didn't sign in to actually speak), 40 opposed the Republican budget.
The member of the public who did sign in as supporting the Rep budget (in the form of the General Appropriations bill)??
Royce Flora, former chair of the LD8 Republicans. As in "LD8, home of John Kavanagh."
...During the vote on the bill, Rep. David Schapira took the opportunity to point out that the Reps' budget would cut the already-lean Arizona Department of Financial Institutions so much that they would have to lay off the one employee that currently covers regulating pay day loan operations (Should we call that one the "Jim Weiers' provision").
The vote on the underlying bill broke, as expected, along party lines - Republicans voting for cuts, deep cuts, and only cuts, and Democrats voting for some fiscal responsibility (responsible as in "you get what you pay for" and "better to pay for students now than prisoners later").
That pattern held true through the rest of the hearing - the committee defeated a Schapira amendment to strike language repealing state equalization property tax and its $250 million in funding for education.
Yes, the Reps spent the whole meeting (in fact they've spent the whole session) proclaiming loudly and proudly that cuts to education and services are needed because of shrinking state revenues while seeking to further cut those revenues.
The meeting droned on for hours after I left, but based on Rep. Patterson's tweets, nothing varied from the theme that was exhibited while I was there -
The Republicans wanted to gut education and human services, and the Democrats, while understanding that cuts are unavoidable given the state's dismal fiscal situation after years under the "guidance" of the Republicans in the lege, wanted to minimize the harm to both.
Because of the 2008 elections, the Reps had the votes to get their way.
If enough people who care about the future of Arizona are paying attention to what's happening on West Washington, the 2010 elections will change that fact.
BTW - If some readers think that my characterizations of the Republicans on the committee are too harshly partisan, I'd like to remind them of two things -
1. I am openly and unabashedly partisan in my blogging. Always have been. Always will be.
2. Having said that, I can and do understand that people who honestly care about the future of the state and the needs of its residents can have honest differences of opinions on how to best meet those needs. I also understand that there are people who would sacrifice the future of the state and the needs of its residents on the altar of craven ideology.
I have nothing but respect for those elected officials of any partisan affiliation who take seriously their responsibilities and duties toward those that they were elected to serve.
None of the Reps in the room were that kind of public servant. Even would-be statewide candidate Rich Crandall occasionally mouthed some platitudes of concern, but when it came time to vote, he marched in lockstep with the rest of his caucus.
On the other hand, he was better than the Walking Man, Vic Williams.
At least Crandall cast his votes on the record.
BTW2 – If I wanted to be really harsh, I would have characterized Rep. Williams as “Overactive Bladder Man.”
Miles more of that same old scenery, stretching of to the horizon.
However, I jumped off the train at 2. Four hours on on this mind- and butt-numbing train was enough hell on my bladder.
Yeah, I know that's a TMI moment, but the legislators could get up and leave whenever they wanted to...something Rep. Vic "Walking Man" Williams did. Often. It seemed that *his* bladder got weak whenever there was a roll call vote.
Rep. Daniel Patterson (D - LD29) was there "tweeting" the meeting. That feed is here. He can confirm Williams' behavior, and pretty much everything else in this post.
Oh yeah - eventually the video of the meeting will be posted here, though it may be a couple of days.
Anyway, back to the meeting...
As with the passengers on most trains, confined to previously-laid tracks, everyone in attendance knew this one's destination. Nothing unexpected happened; still, the ride was eye-opening in stretches.
...It started late. The scheduled start time was 10 a.m., but in 'legislative time' 10 a.m. means "sometime after 10 and before lunch." Chairman John Kavanagh (R-Russell Pearce with a Noo Yawk accent) gavelled it into session at around 10:15.
...Early on during consideration of HB2533, the General Appropriations or "feeder" bill, LD17 State Rep. David Schapira proposed an amendment to change language in the bill so that the Democratic Attorney General's office was treated with the same amount of budgetary respect as the other, Republican-occupied, executive branch offices.
Kavanagh, Biggs, and the other R's haughtily took offense at the implication that there might have been partisan motivation behind the attack on the AG's office.
I admit - during this section of the meeting, I just wanted to stand up and say to the Rs "Go for it. Attract the attention of a group of people whose job it is to prosecute those who prey on Arizonans. What are you going to do for a second act, kick over a hornet's nest?"
I didn't though. :))
...The meeting was marked by a resounding contempt for Democrats, not just for their ideas, but for them personally.
The Democratic members of the committee were constantly interrupted when they spoke if they dared to utter something that the Republicans disagreed with. However, on those occasions when the Dems took issue with something an R said, the Dem objections were shouted down by Kavanagh and Andy Biggs, the vice-chair of the committee.
...At one point, Rich Crandall (R-Wants to be Superintendant of Public Ed) mocked Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema by fluttering his arms after she objected to the chair's call for a vote on an amendment that she offered before it had even been discussed.
...Another bit of partisanship that Kavanagh and the Republicans engaged in was the convenient and repeated "misplacing" of the paperwork associated with the amendments offered by Democratic members in order to avoid having to consider and discuss them on the record.
...Of the 41 members of the public who utilized the lege's comments system to weigh in on the first measure (most didn't sign in to actually speak), 40 opposed the Republican budget.
The member of the public who did sign in as supporting the Rep budget (in the form of the General Appropriations bill)??
Royce Flora, former chair of the LD8 Republicans. As in "LD8, home of John Kavanagh."
...During the vote on the bill, Rep. David Schapira took the opportunity to point out that the Reps' budget would cut the already-lean Arizona Department of Financial Institutions so much that they would have to lay off the one employee that currently covers regulating pay day loan operations (Should we call that one the "Jim Weiers' provision").
The vote on the underlying bill broke, as expected, along party lines - Republicans voting for cuts, deep cuts, and only cuts, and Democrats voting for some fiscal responsibility (responsible as in "you get what you pay for" and "better to pay for students now than prisoners later").
That pattern held true through the rest of the hearing - the committee defeated a Schapira amendment to strike language repealing state equalization property tax and its $250 million in funding for education.
Yes, the Reps spent the whole meeting (in fact they've spent the whole session) proclaiming loudly and proudly that cuts to education and services are needed because of shrinking state revenues while seeking to further cut those revenues.
The meeting droned on for hours after I left, but based on Rep. Patterson's tweets, nothing varied from the theme that was exhibited while I was there -
The Republicans wanted to gut education and human services, and the Democrats, while understanding that cuts are unavoidable given the state's dismal fiscal situation after years under the "guidance" of the Republicans in the lege, wanted to minimize the harm to both.
Because of the 2008 elections, the Reps had the votes to get their way.
If enough people who care about the future of Arizona are paying attention to what's happening on West Washington, the 2010 elections will change that fact.
BTW - If some readers think that my characterizations of the Republicans on the committee are too harshly partisan, I'd like to remind them of two things -
1. I am openly and unabashedly partisan in my blogging. Always have been. Always will be.
2. Having said that, I can and do understand that people who honestly care about the future of the state and the needs of its residents can have honest differences of opinions on how to best meet those needs. I also understand that there are people who would sacrifice the future of the state and the needs of its residents on the altar of craven ideology.
I have nothing but respect for those elected officials of any partisan affiliation who take seriously their responsibilities and duties toward those that they were elected to serve.
None of the Reps in the room were that kind of public servant. Even would-be statewide candidate Rich Crandall occasionally mouthed some platitudes of concern, but when it came time to vote, he marched in lockstep with the rest of his caucus.
On the other hand, he was better than the Walking Man, Vic Williams.
At least Crandall cast his votes on the record.
BTW2 – If I wanted to be really harsh, I would have characterized Rep. Williams as “Overactive Bladder Man.”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
3rd reminder - You are invited to the political, social, and culinary event of the year...
CHILI FOR CHANGE COOK-OFF
With Special Guests:
Congressman Harry Mitchell and Attorney General Terry Goddard
*Who will make the best chili?*
State Senator Meg Burton Cahill?
State Representative Ed Ableser?
State Representative David Schapira?
Or a mysterious vegetarian with a killer carnivore recipe?
*Enter your own chili in the contest!*
Saturday, May 2nd, 4-7pm
At the home of David and Kathy Schwarz in Scottsdale (need directions? Contact LD17 chair Lauren Kuby - email below)
Winner announced at 5:30!
*Ticket Prices:*
$25
$15 for YDs
$10 for Kids
For Tickets: email laurenkuby[at]gmail.com; or buy online at http://www.d17dems.org/donate.asp
Proceeds to benefit the Maricopa County Democratic Party and LD17 Democrats
...OK, so it's the "event of the year" if you are a Democrat and like chili... :)
With Special Guests:
Congressman Harry Mitchell and Attorney General Terry Goddard
*Who will make the best chili?*
State Senator Meg Burton Cahill?
State Representative Ed Ableser?
State Representative David Schapira?
Or a mysterious vegetarian with a killer carnivore recipe?
*Enter your own chili in the contest!*
Saturday, May 2nd, 4-7pm
At the home of David and Kathy Schwarz in Scottsdale (need directions? Contact LD17 chair Lauren Kuby - email below)
Winner announced at 5:30!
*Ticket Prices:*
$25
$15 for YDs
$10 for Kids
For Tickets: email laurenkuby[at]gmail.com; or buy online at http://www.d17dems.org/donate.asp
Proceeds to benefit the Maricopa County Democratic Party and LD17 Democrats
...OK, so it's the "event of the year" if you are a Democrat and like chili... :)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rep. David Schapira (D-Tempe) on Horizon Tonight
This came across my email this afternoon, too.
Tonight at 7 on Channel 8 (KAET), Rep. David Schapira will appear on KAET's public affairs program, Horizon. He and Republican State Rep. Rich Crandall will be on discussing education funding in AZ, among other topics.
If you don't make it down to the forum at the Granite Reef Senior Center, this will be worth a view.
Later!
Tonight at 7 on Channel 8 (KAET), Rep. David Schapira will appear on KAET's public affairs program, Horizon. He and Republican State Rep. Rich Crandall will be on discussing education funding in AZ, among other topics.
If you don't make it down to the forum at the Granite Reef Senior Center, this will be worth a view.
Later!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
2nd reminder - You are invited to the political, social, and culinary event of the year...
CHILI FOR CHANGE COOK-OFF
With Special Guests:
Congressman Harry Mitchell and Attorney General Terry Goddard
*Who will make the best chili?*
State Senator Meg Burton Cahill?
State Representative Ed Ableser?
State Representative David Schapira?
Or a mysterious vegetarian with a killer carnivore recipe?
*Enter your own chili in the contest!*
Saturday, May 2nd, 4-7pm
At the home of David and Kathy Schwarz in Scottsdale (need directions? Contact LD17 chair Lauren Kuby - email below)
Winner announced at 5:30!
*Ticket Prices:*
$25
$15 for YDs
$10 for Kids
For Tickets: email laurenkuby[at]gmail.com; or buy online at http://www.d17dems.org/donate.asp
Proceeds to benefit the Maricopa County Democratic Party and LD17 Democrats...
OK, so it's the "event of the year" if you are a Democrat and like chili... :)
With Special Guests:
Congressman Harry Mitchell and Attorney General Terry Goddard
*Who will make the best chili?*
State Senator Meg Burton Cahill?
State Representative Ed Ableser?
State Representative David Schapira?
Or a mysterious vegetarian with a killer carnivore recipe?
*Enter your own chili in the contest!*
Saturday, May 2nd, 4-7pm
At the home of David and Kathy Schwarz in Scottsdale (need directions? Contact LD17 chair Lauren Kuby - email below)
Winner announced at 5:30!
*Ticket Prices:*
$25
$15 for YDs
$10 for Kids
For Tickets: email laurenkuby[at]gmail.com; or buy online at http://www.d17dems.org/donate.asp
Proceeds to benefit the Maricopa County Democratic Party and LD17 Democrats...
OK, so it's the "event of the year" if you are a Democrat and like chili... :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Republican Schmuck Alert
And no, I'm not talking about the former GOP candidate for the AZ House. :)
This is the first in an irregular series of posts, one that I expect will have unfortunately frequent entries.
Today, there are two candidates for schmuck-hood.
First up, the ever-loony Rep. Andy Biggs of Gilbert (thanks go out to David Safier at Blog for Arizona for spotting this one). From the AZ Daily Star -
Apparently he believes that entrepeneurs and businessmen don't need educations, nor do they need a workforce knowledgeable enough to adequately staff their businesses. I expect Biggs to be a regular honoree here.
Also up for consideration is State Superintendant of Public Instruction Tom Horne.
From the Yuma Sun story about the House Education Committee's vote to kill Rep. David Schapira's bill to raise the minimum age for dropping out of school to 18 -
Prior to his current gig, Horne, the chief educator in the state, was a lawyer. (Note: he's already formed a committee to "explore" running for AZ Attorney General next year.)
Prior to *his* current gig, Schapira, a member of the House Ed Committee, was a teacher.
When it comes to matters of teaching and education, that difference creates a credibility gap that only a full-blown schmuck would dive into, and dive into head first, at that.
Sad to say, but there will be more entries in this series sooner or later.
And probably sooner than later.
This is the first in an irregular series of posts, one that I expect will have unfortunately frequent entries.
Today, there are two candidates for schmuck-hood.
First up, the ever-loony Rep. Andy Biggs of Gilbert (thanks go out to David Safier at Blog for Arizona for spotting this one). From the AZ Daily Star -
"Education does not create jobs," he [Biggs] said. "Entrepreneurs and businesses create jobs."
Biggs added that it wouldn't matter whether Arizona has the best-educated work force in the country if higher taxes drive companies out of business.
Apparently he believes that entrepeneurs and businessmen don't need educations, nor do they need a workforce knowledgeable enough to adequately staff their businesses. I expect Biggs to be a regular honoree here.
Also up for consideration is State Superintendant of Public Instruction Tom Horne.
From the Yuma Sun story about the House Education Committee's vote to kill Rep. David Schapira's bill to raise the minimum age for dropping out of school to 18 -
Horne even poked some fun at Rep. David Schapira, D-Tempe, who is sponsoring the legislation.
"I think there should be a bill that says no one can propose it unless they spend a year teaching kids who don't want to be there,'' he said.
Prior to his current gig, Horne, the chief educator in the state, was a lawyer. (Note: he's already formed a committee to "explore" running for AZ Attorney General next year.)
Prior to *his* current gig, Schapira, a member of the House Ed Committee, was a teacher.
When it comes to matters of teaching and education, that difference creates a credibility gap that only a full-blown schmuck would dive into, and dive into head first, at that.
Sad to say, but there will be more entries in this series sooner or later.
And probably sooner than later.
Last night's budget forum at ASU
For nearly three emotionally-wracked hours on Monday evening, 14 members of the Democratic caucus of the state legislature listened to Arizonans tell of the devastation to their lives caused by the draconian budget cuts imposed on the state's education and human services structure.
Hosts Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill and Reps. David Schapira and Ed Ableser (all representing LD17, the home of ASU) were joined by colleagues from all over the state - Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia and Representatives Rae Waters, Kyrsten Sinema, David Lujan, Pat Fleming, Lynne Pancrazi, Daniel Patterson, Matt Heinz, Chad Campbell, Tom Chabin, and Christopher Deschene, who all graciously took the time out of their lives to visit Tempe.
While there were folks from all parts of society there, the developmentally disabled community was particularly well-, and heart-breakingly, represented.
ASU Web Devil coverage here; AZ Republic coverage here. In addition, Rep. Patterson's blog entry covering the event is here.
I'll have more later after I get the pics of the event uploaded, but Patterson's blog post touches on something I want to mention now.
On Thursday, there will be a rally at the State Capitol from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to support saving services for Arizona's Children with Disabilities.
Everyone is urged to attend to make your voice heard.
More later...
Edit to add (info courtesy Rep. Steve Farley's latest Farley Report):
Next Thursday, March 5, there will be a similar forum at U of A in Tucson.
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: U of A Student Union, South Ballroom, 1330 E. University Blvd., Tucson
Hosts Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill and Reps. David Schapira and Ed Ableser (all representing LD17, the home of ASU) were joined by colleagues from all over the state - Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia and Representatives Rae Waters, Kyrsten Sinema, David Lujan, Pat Fleming, Lynne Pancrazi, Daniel Patterson, Matt Heinz, Chad Campbell, Tom Chabin, and Christopher Deschene, who all graciously took the time out of their lives to visit Tempe.
While there were folks from all parts of society there, the developmentally disabled community was particularly well-, and heart-breakingly, represented.
ASU Web Devil coverage here; AZ Republic coverage here. In addition, Rep. Patterson's blog entry covering the event is here.
I'll have more later after I get the pics of the event uploaded, but Patterson's blog post touches on something I want to mention now.
On Thursday, there will be a rally at the State Capitol from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to support saving services for Arizona's Children with Disabilities.
Everyone is urged to attend to make your voice heard.
More later...
Edit to add (info courtesy Rep. Steve Farley's latest Farley Report):
Next Thursday, March 5, there will be a similar forum at U of A in Tucson.
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: U of A Student Union, South Ballroom, 1330 E. University Blvd., Tucson
Monday, February 23, 2009
State Rep. David Schapira: column on education and the state budget
State Representative David Schapira (D-LD17) wrote a column that was published by the Arizona Republic in Saturday's edition of the community news section in Tempe. There's no link available - I couldn't find it on their website. It was there though - I read it.)
Fortunately, however, he sent it out as part of an email reminder of tonight's budget hearing at ASU (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ventana Room (#241), Memorial Union).
From the email -
See you at tonight's hearing!
Fortunately, however, he sent it out as part of an email reminder of tonight's budget hearing at ASU (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ventana Room (#241), Memorial Union).
From the email -
Last week, in a Tempe Republic column, Editor Tom Spratt wrote that legislators owe it to constituents to share budget updates.
I couldn't agree more.
Legislative leaders have broken their promise to be open and transparent, and they have not addressed the impact of deep budget cuts to the people they will affect.
The fact is that the legislators who voted to pass the 2009 budget had not publicly discussed the impact of their decision with constituents, K-12 students, parents and teachers or with the universities.
They didn't even discuss it with legislative Democrats or rank-and-file Republicans before it was up for votes on the House and Senate floors.
Spratt wrote that legislators could do more - travel around their districts, meet with constituents, hold forums, answer questions and explain exactly what people should expect as a result of the cuts for this fiscal year and the proposals for the next fiscal year, which starts in July.
Legislative Democrats have hosted six public budget hearings in the last two months to discuss the impact of the deep budget cuts and to hear concerns of citizens in the community about the impact of the budget.
We've held these hearings in Casa Grande, Phoenix, Yuma, Tucson, Prescott and Flagstaff. Our seventh in this series will be on Monday at Arizona State University in Tempe, followed by hearings in Sierra Vista and at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
We hope to continue to hear from constituents and community members about how these cuts will impact their lives and the concerns they have about the 2010 budget.
I share the concern of many Arizonans with regard to the deep cuts to education for this fiscal year and those that are being proposed starting in July.
I have worked hard in recent weeks to get the word out about the education cuts. I meticulously detailed the proposed cuts in public Education Committee meetings and budget forums in Flagstaff, Tucson and Phoenix, and I will do so again at the public budget hearing on Feb. 23 in Tempe. At each forum, I went into great detail in publicly questioning school administrators and university presidents as to the impact of the proposed cuts on their schools.
In addition to participating in public meetings, I appeared on Channel 8's "Horizon," submitted an commentary regarding the budget to The Republic and responded to many reporter inquiries on the proposed education cuts, speaking extensively about potential impacts.
I also have made all of this information available on my website and in email updates to constituents who sign up there.
I fought hard for education on the House floor in the middle of the night, doing my best to convince my Republican colleagues that thousands of jobs will be lost and we would lose major parts of ASU, our community's economic engine. I also pleaded with them to consider the impact on student learning in our state.
I have worked hard to protect education in District 17 and in Arizona, and I always will.
I encourage all constituents to attend our public budget hearing on Monday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at ASU's Memorial Union in Ventana Room 241. We will present detailed information on the budget and seek public comment.
Also, please take a moment to sign up on my website, www.DavidSchapira.com, to receive future budget updates and information.
State Rep. David Schapira, D-Tempe, represents District 17.
See you at tonight's hearing!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Public Forum On The State Budget At ASU On Monday
From a press release -
...In other LD17/Tempe news, on Tuesday, State Senator Meg Burton Cahill and State Representatives David Schapira and Ed Ableser will appear on Tempe cable channel 11 in this month's edition of Let's Talk Tempe. The program is hosted by Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. The program is taped before a live audience at the Pyle Center (SW corner of Southern and Rural in Tempe) from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The public is invited to watch and participate in the discussion.THE ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES
Invite you to Public Hearings on the State Budget
Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be in attendance to hear citizens’ questions and concerns about the state budget shortfall and proposed solutions:
Arizona State University - Main Campus, Tempe
Monday, February 23rd, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Memorial Union (MU) building, Ventana Room, Second Floor, Room 241
Paid ($2/hr) Visitor
Parking available in Parking Structure 1
Located at Apache Blvd. and College Ave.
For additional information contact:
Cynthia Aragon, Community and Constituent Liaison, House of Representatives, 602-926-3591 or caragon[at]azleg.gov
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Crash Course On School Finance - Public invited
From the sidebar of an AZ Republic article on successful traditional educational programs at public schools -
House Hearing Room 1 is accessed via the main lobby in the House building.
On a related note, over at Blog for Arizona, David Safier has been doing stellar work covering the state's budget crisis and the intention of the lege's Republican caucus (aka - the Arizona Chapter of the Flat Earth Society) to use the budget deficit as political cover to shred funding for public education...while protecting funding for things such as prisons. (Safier references an Arizona Guardian article here)
I'd just like to point out one thing to those that think that Arizonans' tax money is better invested by imprisoning people than by educating them -
Arizona spending per prisoner, FY2001 - $22476
US average for that year - $22650
No rank listed in the linked report, but you can see AZ was nearly average in this regard, so the rank was probably in the mid-20s.
Arizona spending per student, School year 2000-2001 - $5100
US average for that year -$7284
Rank: 49
Arizona crime rate rank, 2001 - 1
So could someone explain to me how solidly funding prisons while cutting, even destroying, public education funding, is cost effective in the long term?
Note: I used 2001 figures to compare apples to apples as 2001 was the most recent year that I could find reliable figures and ranks for all three areas (prison spending, education spending, crime rates)
What: Rep. David Schapira, ranking Democratic member of the House Education Committee, and Rep. Rich Crandall, House Education Committee chairman, invite the public to a Crash Course on School Finance, a presentation focused on educating legislators on the financing of Arizona schools.
When/where: 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the House of Representatives, - House Hearing Room 1, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
Details: The forum, hosted by Arizona Business and Education Coalition Executive Director Susan Carlson and moderated by Chuck Essigs, director of governmental relations for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, will focus on the business side of schools and school-finance reform.
House Hearing Room 1 is accessed via the main lobby in the House building.
On a related note, over at Blog for Arizona, David Safier has been doing stellar work covering the state's budget crisis and the intention of the lege's Republican caucus (aka - the Arizona Chapter of the Flat Earth Society) to use the budget deficit as political cover to shred funding for public education...while protecting funding for things such as prisons. (Safier references an Arizona Guardian article here)
I'd just like to point out one thing to those that think that Arizonans' tax money is better invested by imprisoning people than by educating them -
Arizona spending per prisoner, FY2001 - $22476
US average for that year - $22650
No rank listed in the linked report, but you can see AZ was nearly average in this regard, so the rank was probably in the mid-20s.
Arizona spending per student, School year 2000-2001 - $5100
US average for that year -$7284
Rank: 49
Arizona crime rate rank, 2001 - 1
So could someone explain to me how solidly funding prisons while cutting, even destroying, public education funding, is cost effective in the long term?
Note: I used 2001 figures to compare apples to apples as 2001 was the most recent year that I could find reliable figures and ranks for all three areas (prison spending, education spending, crime rates)
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