It's early yet, but there are already some moves at the lege regarding the special session starting on Monday.
On the lege's website, there have already been 12 bills posted for the special session, SB1001 thru SB1012 (though only the text for SB1001 hase been posted so far). Right now, they're all vehicle bills, placeholder "technical correction" bills meant to be amended into whatever budget "compromise" is worked out between the Governor and the Republicans in the lege.
I say "Republicans" because there is no evidence as yet that she is willing to even meet with the Democratic caucus, much less actually negotiate with them.
No calendars, floor or committee, have been posted so far, but that will probably change by the end of the weekend.
In an interesting development, SB1001 was dropped under Jack Harper's name. It's interesting because he was *not* a major part of this week's last minute negotiations between the Governor and legislative leadership (at least, he was wandering around the Senate floor while Burns and the rest were with the Governor on Tuesday.)
Next week could be interesting...
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Some days, I really miss Emily Derose...
...and some of her brilliant press releases skewering the AZGOP and its various functionaries...
Emily (Bittner) Derose used to be the Communications Director for the Arizona Democratic Party. She has moved onward and upward, taking a similar position with the Democratic Governors Association.
One of the things that always impressed me was her ability to wield sarcasm like a scalpel. Most of us in the AZ blogosphere tend to pride ourselves on our snarkiness, but our skills in that regard are chainsaw-like compared to her deft touch.
I was reminded of that today when I received one of her press releases via email from PRNewswire -
Then I read it this afternoon, and had the best laugh I've had all week, though there was strong competition for that honor from the lobbyists doing the wave in the House gallery on Tuesday while we all waited for the lege to get to work.
Anyway, I hope Emily is doing well, and hope she is able to direct some of her jabs at the Republicans in the hunt for the AZ governor's job next year. There should be plenty of material for her to work with here in 2010.
Emily (Bittner) Derose used to be the Communications Director for the Arizona Democratic Party. She has moved onward and upward, taking a similar position with the Democratic Governors Association.
One of the things that always impressed me was her ability to wield sarcasm like a scalpel. Most of us in the AZ blogosphere tend to pride ourselves on our snarkiness, but our skills in that regard are chainsaw-like compared to her deft touch.
I was reminded of that today when I received one of her press releases via email from PRNewswire -
Celebrate the Fourth With Michele BachmannWhen I saw the subject line in my email this morning ("Celebrate the Fourth With Michele Bachmann"), I groaned and saved it for later. I figured it was legit, and might be worth a "state of the kookocracy" post at most.
This Fourth of July, celebrate our freedom with Michele Bachmann's unique brand of patriotism!
From the woman who said that President Obama may have "anti-American views" and that reporters should investigate which elected officials are "pro-America," comes news that she is considering a run for governor of Minnesota.
If Michele Bachmann knows anything, it's that out-dated ideas -- like helping the middle class -- are ruining this country. And in a year when hospitals are struggling, teachers are being laid off and road repairs are delayed, Bachmann's ideas are exactly what we need if we are going to truly protect our billionaires.
As Bachmann weighs her gubernatorial options, the Democratic Governors Association is helping Minnesotans remind their friends and family about how she would celebrate.
Visit DraftBachmann.com to send your very own Fourth of July e-card to your friends and family.
Then I read it this afternoon, and had the best laugh I've had all week, though there was strong competition for that honor from the lobbyists doing the wave in the House gallery on Tuesday while we all waited for the lege to get to work.
Anyway, I hope Emily is doing well, and hope she is able to direct some of her jabs at the Republicans in the hunt for the AZ governor's job next year. There should be plenty of material for her to work with here in 2010.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Decompressing...
Today was like being hungover, but without the (somewhat dubious) benefits of a night out drinking.
Tired, dehydrated, sore and more than a little disillusioned, today was a day spent recuperating from the last couple of days.
The first three conditions could be alleviated easily - get plenty of sleep, water, and don't spend all day hunched over, pecking away at my Dell laptop.
That last was tough though - how to relieve the disillusionment?
Well, I went shopping today and came upon the cure, or at least the palliative.
Picked up a DVD copy of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.
Ahhhh...there's nothing like a bit of Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra when the old supply of wide-eyed idealism is running low. :)
...Anyway, some musings and notes from the last couple of days...
- In the giving credit where it's due department, after a fashion: Yesterday, I used the phrase "Political Katrina" to describe the goings-on. It came from a discussion I had with a state government employee who was in the gallery watching the proceedings to see if they'd have a job to go to in the morning. During our talk, this employee observed that much like with the federal government and FEMA and the Katrina debacle, everyone in the room could see the looming disaster and did absolutely nothing to prepare for it. The phrase came from the employee, who I'm not identifying by name, gender, or agency. Wouldn't want this person to get into trouble for speaking on a political issue.
However, to that person, I say thank you for a wonderfully succinct and apt phrase, one that Senator Meg Burton Cahill also thought was a perfect description of this mess. She used it during a floor speech last night while trying to protect Arizona from the worst depredations of the budget.
...The dynamics of next week's special session should be interesting - will Jan Brewer try to work with the Democratic caucus and the few moderate Rs in the lege to get something resembling "her" budget passed, or will she yield to the extremeists of her own party?
A lot depends on her plans for next year.
If she wants to run for a full term, she needs the wingers to get through a primary, but needs the support of moderates to win the general.
On the other hand, if she has decided, for health or aggravation reasons, to forego a run at a full term, she can just look to buttressing her legacy.
And "the accidental governor who sold out the state to ideological extremists" is *not* a great legacy.
Of course, the being Arizona, land of Ev Mecham, Fife Symington and worse, Brewer may think that's a fine way to be remembered in the history books.
Tired, dehydrated, sore and more than a little disillusioned, today was a day spent recuperating from the last couple of days.
The first three conditions could be alleviated easily - get plenty of sleep, water, and don't spend all day hunched over, pecking away at my Dell laptop.
That last was tough though - how to relieve the disillusionment?
Well, I went shopping today and came upon the cure, or at least the palliative.
Picked up a DVD copy of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.
Ahhhh...there's nothing like a bit of Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra when the old supply of wide-eyed idealism is running low. :)
...Anyway, some musings and notes from the last couple of days...
- In the giving credit where it's due department, after a fashion: Yesterday, I used the phrase "Political Katrina" to describe the goings-on. It came from a discussion I had with a state government employee who was in the gallery watching the proceedings to see if they'd have a job to go to in the morning. During our talk, this employee observed that much like with the federal government and FEMA and the Katrina debacle, everyone in the room could see the looming disaster and did absolutely nothing to prepare for it. The phrase came from the employee, who I'm not identifying by name, gender, or agency. Wouldn't want this person to get into trouble for speaking on a political issue.
However, to that person, I say thank you for a wonderfully succinct and apt phrase, one that Senator Meg Burton Cahill also thought was a perfect description of this mess. She used it during a floor speech last night while trying to protect Arizona from the worst depredations of the budget.
...The dynamics of next week's special session should be interesting - will Jan Brewer try to work with the Democratic caucus and the few moderate Rs in the lege to get something resembling "her" budget passed, or will she yield to the extremeists of her own party?
A lot depends on her plans for next year.
If she wants to run for a full term, she needs the wingers to get through a primary, but needs the support of moderates to win the general.
On the other hand, if she has decided, for health or aggravation reasons, to forego a run at a full term, she can just look to buttressing her legacy.
And "the accidental governor who sold out the state to ideological extremists" is *not* a great legacy.
Of course, the being Arizona, land of Ev Mecham, Fife Symington and worse, Brewer may think that's a fine way to be remembered in the history books.
Democratic Party statement on the passing of former Congressman Jim McNulty
From an email -
Tedski at R-Cubed has a more personal remembrance here.
Arizona Democrats lost one of their great leaders yesterday, as Former Congressman Jim McNulty died at age 83.
McNulty will be remembered by Democrats as a tireless public servant who had a bright vision for Southern Arizona. Originally from Boston, the G.I. Bill brought Jim to Arizona to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Following graduation, Jim worked for a Bisbee law firm. He then served as a State Senator from 1969 - 1975, followed by representing Arizona's Fifth Congressional District from 1983 - 1985.
Jim was honored to serve in the halls of Congress. He wrote a book on the experience titled Running Uphil. Jim was active in the Democratic Party for years after leaving office, helping fellow Democrats win elected office.
Don Bivens, Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party remarked, "I admired Jim, he will be missed, he was a man of principles, and a wonderful leader for Arizona."
Tedski at R-Cubed has a more personal remembrance here.
Well, that didn't take long - Special Session on tap for Monday
The Governor has vetoed part of the lege's budget package and called a special session of the legislature.
From AZCentral.com -
The Governor's statement on the matter is here; her proclamation calling for a special session is here. In addition, her veto/signing letters on each budget bill is here; and her line-item veto letter is here.
I guess we'll all be back on Monday.
Told ya the fat lady wasn't singing yet...
From AZCentral.com -
Five hours after lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session, Gov. Jan Brewer has called them back to work, beginning Monday.
She also issued line-item vetoes on what she called a "fatally flawed" budget.
The governor wants lawmakers to work on adjustments to the budget they just passed, as well as her call for a temporary increase in the state sales tax.
The Governor's statement on the matter is here; her proclamation calling for a special session is here. In addition, her veto/signing letters on each budget bill is here; and her line-item veto letter is here.
I guess we'll all be back on Monday.
Told ya the fat lady wasn't singing yet...
Ain't heard no fat lady singing yet, folks
The denizens of the lege were at it until around 7:30 a.m., making June 30, 2009 a 31 1/2 day (note: Mulder and Scully are flying in today to investigate the time dilation incident :) ).
And in spite of the all of the Republican posturing about their desire to pass a balanced budget (balanced on the backs of schools, the poor, and working families so that large corporations can have a huge tax cut), the Governor, even *if* she signs the budget, will have to call a special session of the lege.
They still need to balance the budget.
The lege played all sorts of games - holding their original budget until the last minute, passed June 4, in order to prevent an expected veto and force the Governor to sign their budget; negotiating a "compromise" with her, and then torpedoing their own compromise by refusing to vote it out of committee; killing any revenue-enhancing bills (even the odious sales tax hike), so that even when they passed the"compromise" on to the Governor, it was out of balance; even locking the doors of the Senate to keep the Governor's staff out and prevent the possible delivery of veto letters while they were still in session, forcing them to remain in session.
It was all to no avail, unless the motive behind all of the shenanigans was not to pass a balanced budget, but to ensure that Senate President Bob Burns could go on his previously-scheduled European Vacation.
Sooner or later, a special session will have to be called by the Governor in order to fix what the lege gave her. Not to make it "less draconian", just "less unbalanced."
And probably sooner than later, as school districts will be starting their academic years soon, some by the end of the month or early August.
Stay tuned.
For a summary of the provisions and a legislative session update, here's the text of an email update from the Arizona AFL-CIO (I am still too frazzled for much coherent thought and research right now) -
More later after I recover from the last couple of days (and yes, I am in far better shape than most of our legislators; I could leave when it got to be too much. They were there for the duration.
And in spite of the all of the Republican posturing about their desire to pass a balanced budget (balanced on the backs of schools, the poor, and working families so that large corporations can have a huge tax cut), the Governor, even *if* she signs the budget, will have to call a special session of the lege.
They still need to balance the budget.
The lege played all sorts of games - holding their original budget until the last minute, passed June 4, in order to prevent an expected veto and force the Governor to sign their budget; negotiating a "compromise" with her, and then torpedoing their own compromise by refusing to vote it out of committee; killing any revenue-enhancing bills (even the odious sales tax hike), so that even when they passed the"compromise" on to the Governor, it was out of balance; even locking the doors of the Senate to keep the Governor's staff out and prevent the possible delivery of veto letters while they were still in session, forcing them to remain in session.
It was all to no avail, unless the motive behind all of the shenanigans was not to pass a balanced budget, but to ensure that Senate President Bob Burns could go on his previously-scheduled European Vacation.
Sooner or later, a special session will have to be called by the Governor in order to fix what the lege gave her. Not to make it "less draconian", just "less unbalanced."
And probably sooner than later, as school districts will be starting their academic years soon, some by the end of the month or early August.
Stay tuned.
For a summary of the provisions and a legislative session update, here's the text of an email update from the Arizona AFL-CIO (I am still too frazzled for much coherent thought and research right now) -
Budget Update - July 1 at 10:00 am
Session & Budget Update-
This morning The Legislative Session adjourned sine die at 7:30 am. This means they are finished with all bill deliberations unless and until the Governor calls a future special session. It is being reported she will do this soon. The budget bills passed on June 4 along with the trailer bills passed earlier this morning have all been transmitted to the Governor.
There has been no formal statement posted on the Governor's website at this point in time. Rumor has it that she will hold a press conference or issue a formal statement as of 10:00 there has been no formal word. Many are saying she will do an extensive line-item of the general appropriations bill and veto some of the budget reconciliation bills (BRBs) and associated trailer bills. This will make it necessary for a special session to be called at some point to pass a balanced FY10 budget. There is a lot of confusion as to what this all means. When the Governor sends out a statement we will pass this information along.
About a dozen state parks closed yesterday at 4:30 and since the budget had not passed as of midnight last night they asked campers to leave last night. It was reported they would not be open for the 4th of July Weekend. If you were planning on going camping at a state park you may confirm they are open.
It was just reported from the Capitol times that the Gov. Jan Brewer's office said it would make an announcement on whether the governor would sign or veto the budget bills transmitted to her this morning. If Brewer vetoes the bills it will lead to at least a partial shutdown of state government. The Arizona Department of Administration posted a notice on its Web site at 9:42 a.m. that the governor is reviewing the budget bills, and that all state employees should report to work as scheduled.
For the votes...The Democrats in both the House and Senate were firm "NO" votes in opposition to the entire budget. In addition to their votes, Republican Representatives Lucy Mason (LD 1), Doug Quelland (LD 10), and Senators Carolyn Allen (LD 8) and Ron Gould (LD 3) also opposed the K-12 budget bill. For the revenue (tax policy) bill, the Democrats opposed as did Republican Senators Jay Tibshraeny (LD 21) and Carolyn Allen. The AEA sincerely appreciates the legislators who took a stand and voted "no" on these budget bills. Following is a summery of the budget from Arizona Education Association
FY10 BUDGET SUMMARY
(Fiscal Year 2010: July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010)
This is a summary of the bigger budget and policy items that passed the House and Senate on July 1, 2009. This is not a complete list of all the changes to education. The budget bills from June 4 along with the "trailer bills" will now be transmitted to the Governor.
TAXES (HB2644)
Permanent Repeal of the State Equalization Property Tax—aka the school tax
Permanently repeals the state equalization property tax. This is a loss of revenue to the state of approximately $250 million per year.
Reduction of Assessment Ratio for Business' Secondary Property Tax
Lowers the assessment ratio for secondary property taxes on businesses to 16% for all bonds and overrides approved after December 31, 2011. This will potentially make it harder for school districts, community colleges, counties, and cities/towns to pass bonds and overrides because there will be a property tax shift from business to homeowners.
Vehicle License Tax (VLT) used to offset basic state aid
Sweeps $22 million in VLT from cities and towns in FY10 to pay a portion of basic state aid for education.
K-12 EDUCATION (HB2648)
Fails to actually fund the 2% inflation to school districts
Section 9 in HB2648 sets the base level for FY10 at $3,267.72 which gives school districts the full 2% inflation factor. However, in section 25, there is a notwithstanding clause which then removes the 2% inflation to the base and instead sets the base level at $3,201.89 for FY10. From a historical standpoint, here are the base funding levels for the past two fiscal years:
2007-08 school year (FY08): $3,226.88
2008-2009 school year (FY09): $3,291.42
2009-2010 school year (FY10): $3,201.89 (this is the actual base level amount per student that a school district will receive)
The $3,201.89 amount for FY10 results in an amount that includes the reduction of the $121 million in education funding cuts that were part of the FY09 budget fix passed on January 31, 2009. Unfortunately, the '09 cuts have become part of the permanent new baseline number for education.
Soft Capital Reduction
Cuts soft capital funding an additional $175 million on January 1, 2010. The general appropriation trailer bill (HB2643) restores this funding if sufficient excess revenues are available by December 2009. (Note, without the sales tax, there will be no additional revenue available for this restoration.)
School districts with fewer than 600 students will be impacted with only half of this reduction. Of the remaining statewide allocation of soft capital funds (approximately $23 million total), a district may use their local share for any operating expenses.
No Funding for Utility Costs
Fails to provide any funding for the new utility formula that was passed last session for "excess utilities" (this is an $80 million cut to school districts that previously levied for "excess utilities").
Teacher Performance Pay
Reduces the Career Ladder program funding by 0.5% for FY10 (from 5.5% to 5%) and limits this program only to teachers who participated in FY09 (the 2008-09 school year).
Reinstates the new but unfunded teacher performance pay program that was established last session (the " Gilbert School District " proposal to provide the additional Career Ladder funding to all school districts).
Overrides and Bonds
Extends the timeframe during which a school district can issue a bond from six years to ten years after obtaining voter approval (this is only for future bonds to be approved by voters).
Permits a school district to issue Class B bonds for furniture, equipment, and technology provided that the bonds mature within five fiscal years after the bonds are issued.
Raises the maximum budget increase a school district may request for a Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Override from 10% of the Revenue Control Limit (RCL) to 15% of the RCL.
Establishes a Special Program Override by expanding the scope of the K-3 Override to allow for a program to be designed for any or all of the K-12 students. Specifies that the maximum amount a school district may request for an M&O Override is 10% of the RCL if the school district also requests a Special Program Override.
Authorizes a school district, for FY10, to conduct an election in March 2010 and submit one of the following proposals to the voters of the district:A 15% M&O override that, if approved, replaces any previously authorized M&O and K-3 overrides.
An additional 5% M&O or Special Program override if the voters of the school district authorize a 10% M&O override at the November 2009 election.
A 17% M&O override for a common school district if an M&O and K-3 override are still in effect on this bill's effective date. The 17% override, if approved, replaces any previously approved M&O and K-3 overrides and continues for the number of years of the previously approved K-3 override.
Permits a school board to cancel an override election scheduled for November 2009 by August 1, 2009.
Policy Changes Targeted Against Teachers & Association Members (HB2648 & SB1187)
Prohibits school district employment contracts from including compensated days for professional association activities. (New language added to the bill states that this policy change "does not prohibit individual employees of school districts from taking compensated leave time for any personal purpose, any professional purpose or any other lawful purpose.")
Prohibits a school district from adopting policies that provide employment retention priority for teachers based on tenure or seniority.
Removes the current prohibition against school districts reducing the salary of a tenured teacher except under a general salary reduction applied equitably to all tenured teachers.
Removes the contract dates (between March 15 and May 15) in which districts are required to offer teaching contracts for tenured teachers. Thus, there will be no date in statute set for contracts and school districts will each set their own contract notification deadline.
Eliminates the May 15 statutory deadline for notice of salary reduction. Instead allows each school district to set its own salary reduction deadline for teachers.
Removes current statute that requires a school board to notify a provisional teacher of nonrenewal by April 15; thus, there will be no date in statute set for this notification.
Removes the current statutory requirement for a school district to give a preferred right of reappointment to a job for a teacher who has lost his/her job through the reduction in force (RIF) process if a job becomes available within three years of the RIF process.
Reduces the time frame for requesting a hearing on dismissal or long-term suspension from 30 days to 10 days.
Reduces the amount of a time a school district must allow a teacher to correct inadequate classroom performance from 85 instructional days to 60 instructional days after receiving notice.
More later after I recover from the last couple of days (and yes, I am in far better shape than most of our legislators; I could leave when it got to be too much. They were there for the duration.
Good God, they're still at it...
I left over an hour-and-a-half ago, gave somebody a lift home, got detoured because of some road construction, made a small dinner, and checked in on the Senate's website, and they're still going strong.
Though strong may be the wrong word for it. :)
Anyway, they are considering the general government trailer bill and it's going to fail. Burns is holding the vote open to allow for some arm-twisting.
Harper and Carolyn Allen are both voting no (Jack Harper?!?), and Burns needs both votes to pass the bill.
Internet glitched; not sure what happened.
They've moved on to another bill, though.
Update: I'm not sure, but I think the bill passed. Most of the rest of the bills are passing 16 - 12.
Update2: They're substituting the House budget bills in for the Senate bills that they passed earlier this morning.
Update3: Now they're recessing into caucus meetings, and I'm going to bed.
Good night...
Though strong may be the wrong word for it. :)
Anyway, they are considering the general government trailer bill and it's going to fail. Burns is holding the vote open to allow for some arm-twisting.
Harper and Carolyn Allen are both voting no (Jack Harper?!?), and Burns needs both votes to pass the bill.
Internet glitched; not sure what happened.
They've moved on to another bill, though.
Update: I'm not sure, but I think the bill passed. Most of the rest of the bills are passing 16 - 12.
Update2: They're substituting the House budget bills in for the Senate bills that they passed earlier this morning.
Update3: Now they're recessing into caucus meetings, and I'm going to bed.
Good night...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Senate floor session
1:05 - They win. They've outlasted me. I am out of here. If the state shuts down, don't call me in the morning...
1:03 - HB2222, special license plates, passes.
1:02 - Yahoo! Mail down.
1:00 - HB2207, behavior, analysts. Passes.
12:58 - HB2157, Wildlife, aquatic invasive species. Passes.
12:58 - HB2156, Fire insurance premium tax, report. Passes.
12:56 - HB2049, performance management software. Fails.
12:55 - HB2001, State monuments, repair funds, purposes. Passes.
12:52 - HB2419, Appraisal guidelines, state lands. Passes.
12:50 - McCune-Davis brings up time; Burns says that we are "still in the session day" of June 30. "Real world" time vs. "Senate" time.
12:49 - COW ends.
12:47 - COW for SB1307. Passes COW.
12:46 - Now Rich Crandall is with Pearce.
12:45 - Carl Seel or Laurin Hendrix is sitting with Jack Harper (I can't tell them apart, and that's not a shot at either one. They really do look alike.)
12:41 - John Kavanagh is hanging with his ideological soulmate, Russell Pearce
12:39 - Meg Burton Cahill roundly criticizing Gould (and the Reps) for their conduct and disparagement of Democrats and their motives.
12:38 - Gould calls on Dems to stop being "dilatory" by trying to have input or even enough info to understand the bills that they are voting on.
12:36 - Linda Lopez advised that since it is after midnight (even if the clocks have been turned off), that Burns is in violation of the court order from last week about transmitting budget bills before the end of the fiscal year.
12:35 - End of COW.
12:33 - HB2327, PSPRS omnibus, passes COW after some Gorman floor amendments. No questions allowed; apparently the Senate Republican Whip doesn't like Democrats trying to understand the effects of the language that they are voting on.
12:28 - HB2325, EORP omnibus amendments; passes COW
12:27 - COW, Leff as chair.
12:26 - Gray calls the question. Motion passes.
12:23 - Defeating Hale amendment to protect the use of Impact Aid to reservation school districts
12:20 - Hale bringing up tea parties in support of returning tax revenue generated on reservations to the reservations. DO NOT MENTION TEA PARTIES TO THIS CROWD!! That's like Viagra to the wingers!
12:18 - Call the cops! There is illegal gambling going on in front of the lege! Jerry Weiers and some of his friends are pitching quarters! Closest to the wall win! Oh, the humanity!
12:11 - Defeating Hale amendment to restore Commission on Indian Affairs
12:09 - Steve Pierce tried to silence Meg Burton Cahill. It didn't work.
12:07 - Anybody have a sausage-making video? It's got to be better than this...
12:05 - Defeating Burton-Cahill amendment to help teachers
12:03 - Ed Ableser and David Schapira among the House members who have walked across the quad, Patterson and Deschene here, too.
12:00 - Defeating Rios amendment to restore soft capital reduction to K-12.
12:00 - midnight, and no budget.
11:56 - Defeating Aboud amendment to add $2 million to DES for aging services
11:52 - Defeating Rios amendment to increase DES funding for children's services
11:50 - Defeating Aboud amendment to restore DHS $ for hunger programs.
11:48 - Defeating another Democratic amendment...this is going *very* fast...
11:47 - Pushing toward midnight...
11:45 - Defeating a Landrum Taylor amendment to restore KidCare Parents.
11:44 - Defeating a Landrum Taylor amendment to restore the Indian Affairs Commission.
11:42 - Harper getting snippy over Garcia spending more time with the Governor than him.
11:39 - Doing the bills. Dems offering floor amendments with roll call vote.
1:03 - HB2222, special license plates, passes.
1:02 - Yahoo! Mail down.
1:00 - HB2207, behavior, analysts. Passes.
12:58 - HB2157, Wildlife, aquatic invasive species. Passes.
12:58 - HB2156, Fire insurance premium tax, report. Passes.
12:56 - HB2049, performance management software. Fails.
12:55 - HB2001, State monuments, repair funds, purposes. Passes.
12:52 - HB2419, Appraisal guidelines, state lands. Passes.
12:50 - McCune-Davis brings up time; Burns says that we are "still in the session day" of June 30. "Real world" time vs. "Senate" time.
12:49 - COW ends.
12:47 - COW for SB1307. Passes COW.
12:46 - Now Rich Crandall is with Pearce.
12:45 - Carl Seel or Laurin Hendrix is sitting with Jack Harper (I can't tell them apart, and that's not a shot at either one. They really do look alike.)
12:41 - John Kavanagh is hanging with his ideological soulmate, Russell Pearce
12:39 - Meg Burton Cahill roundly criticizing Gould (and the Reps) for their conduct and disparagement of Democrats and their motives.
12:38 - Gould calls on Dems to stop being "dilatory" by trying to have input or even enough info to understand the bills that they are voting on.
12:36 - Linda Lopez advised that since it is after midnight (even if the clocks have been turned off), that Burns is in violation of the court order from last week about transmitting budget bills before the end of the fiscal year.
12:35 - End of COW.
12:33 - HB2327, PSPRS omnibus, passes COW after some Gorman floor amendments. No questions allowed; apparently the Senate Republican Whip doesn't like Democrats trying to understand the effects of the language that they are voting on.
12:28 - HB2325, EORP omnibus amendments; passes COW
12:27 - COW, Leff as chair.
12:26 - Gray calls the question. Motion passes.
12:23 - Defeating Hale amendment to protect the use of Impact Aid to reservation school districts
12:20 - Hale bringing up tea parties in support of returning tax revenue generated on reservations to the reservations. DO NOT MENTION TEA PARTIES TO THIS CROWD!! That's like Viagra to the wingers!
12:18 - Call the cops! There is illegal gambling going on in front of the lege! Jerry Weiers and some of his friends are pitching quarters! Closest to the wall win! Oh, the humanity!
12:11 - Defeating Hale amendment to restore Commission on Indian Affairs
12:09 - Steve Pierce tried to silence Meg Burton Cahill. It didn't work.
12:07 - Anybody have a sausage-making video? It's got to be better than this...
12:05 - Defeating Burton-Cahill amendment to help teachers
12:03 - Ed Ableser and David Schapira among the House members who have walked across the quad, Patterson and Deschene here, too.
12:00 - Defeating Rios amendment to restore soft capital reduction to K-12.
12:00 - midnight, and no budget.
11:56 - Defeating Aboud amendment to add $2 million to DES for aging services
11:52 - Defeating Rios amendment to increase DES funding for children's services
11:50 - Defeating Aboud amendment to restore DHS $ for hunger programs.
11:48 - Defeating another Democratic amendment...this is going *very* fast...
11:47 - Pushing toward midnight...
11:45 - Defeating a Landrum Taylor amendment to restore KidCare Parents.
11:44 - Defeating a Landrum Taylor amendment to restore the Indian Affairs Commission.
11:42 - Harper getting snippy over Garcia spending more time with the Governor than him.
11:39 - Doing the bills. Dems offering floor amendments with roll call vote.
Senate COWIng budget bills...aka the Washington and 19 Railroad
11:38 - COW rises.
11:36 - Lopez amendment to require school districts to offer contracts by April 15. Defeated.
11:34 - Burton Cahill amendment to restore statutory provisions to keep school districts from arbitrarily reducing a teacher's salary, and to give preference to laid off teachers during rehiring time. Defeated.
11:32 - Rios amendment to protect paid days for association activities. Defeated.
11:31 - Jumped the gun again. Lopez expressed her support. Defeated anyway.
11:29 - Rios amendment to restore $175 million soft capital reduction foisted off on school districts. Defeated.
11:27 - Hale amendment to protect school districts on military and Indian reservations. Defeated.
11:27 - SB1480, K-12 Ed
11:26 - SB1477, Higher Ed, no Dem amendments
11:25 - Wow! I have influence! Sen. Burton Cahill used the "political Katrina" line!! Whoo hooo!
11:23 - SB1476, Environment, no Dem amendments. Burton Cahill asking Burns about park closures and the fact that while there is funding for the parks, there is no authorization to use the funds.
11:20 - SB1475, Criminal Justice. No Dem amendments.
11:19 - SB1474, State properties. No Dem amendments offered.
11:18 - McCune-Davis amendment relating to science foundation funding. Defeated. The gallery is packed.
11:18 - Burton-Cahill amendment to protect cities and towns and the lege's ban on development fees. Defeated.
11:16 - Aboud amendment relating to development fees and a uniform development fee commission. Her amendment would put folks from different parties on it. Defeated.
11:16 - SB1473, General Government
11:14 - Hale amendment defeated.
11:13 - Got premature with my post of the 11:11 item. Paula Aboud is expressing her support.
11:11 - Hale amendment to return some reservation-generated tax revenues to the reservations. Defeated.
11:10 - Garcia amendment regarding secondary assessment rates and commercial property assessments. Defeated.
11:08 - Garcia amendment to expand the sales tax base and lower the rate. Defeated.
11:07 - Garcia amendment to allow the return of the state equalization tax. Defeated.
11:06 - SB1472, General Revenues.
11:06 - Lopes amendment to protect child care providers from state fee hikes. Defeated.
11:05 - Aguirre amendment to help counties. Defeated.
11:03 - Aboud amendment to grandfather in current recipients of domestic partner benefits. Defeated.
11:02 - Aboud amendment relating to the removal of domestic partner benefits from state employees. Defeated.
11:01 - Landrum Taylor amendment to restore KidsCare Parents. Defeated.
11:00 - SB1471, Budget trailer - Health and Welfare
11:00 - 10 Democratic amendments offered, 10 Democratic amendments killed.
10:56 - Waring is ready for his next career as conductor. I don't think even Mussolini had the trains running this efficiently.
10:53 - Defeating Burton-Cahill and Garcia amendments.
10:51 - railroading past (defeating) Aguirre and Hale amendments. No debate going on tonight. How appropriate for this farce.
10:50 - Doing amendments to SB1470, general approps. Defeating Aboud amendments
11:36 - Lopez amendment to require school districts to offer contracts by April 15. Defeated.
11:34 - Burton Cahill amendment to restore statutory provisions to keep school districts from arbitrarily reducing a teacher's salary, and to give preference to laid off teachers during rehiring time. Defeated.
11:32 - Rios amendment to protect paid days for association activities. Defeated.
11:31 - Jumped the gun again. Lopez expressed her support. Defeated anyway.
11:29 - Rios amendment to restore $175 million soft capital reduction foisted off on school districts. Defeated.
11:27 - Hale amendment to protect school districts on military and Indian reservations. Defeated.
11:27 - SB1480, K-12 Ed
11:26 - SB1477, Higher Ed, no Dem amendments
11:25 - Wow! I have influence! Sen. Burton Cahill used the "political Katrina" line!! Whoo hooo!
11:23 - SB1476, Environment, no Dem amendments. Burton Cahill asking Burns about park closures and the fact that while there is funding for the parks, there is no authorization to use the funds.
11:20 - SB1475, Criminal Justice. No Dem amendments.
11:19 - SB1474, State properties. No Dem amendments offered.
11:18 - McCune-Davis amendment relating to science foundation funding. Defeated. The gallery is packed.
11:18 - Burton-Cahill amendment to protect cities and towns and the lege's ban on development fees. Defeated.
11:16 - Aboud amendment relating to development fees and a uniform development fee commission. Her amendment would put folks from different parties on it. Defeated.
11:16 - SB1473, General Government
11:14 - Hale amendment defeated.
11:13 - Got premature with my post of the 11:11 item. Paula Aboud is expressing her support.
11:11 - Hale amendment to return some reservation-generated tax revenues to the reservations. Defeated.
11:10 - Garcia amendment regarding secondary assessment rates and commercial property assessments. Defeated.
11:08 - Garcia amendment to expand the sales tax base and lower the rate. Defeated.
11:07 - Garcia amendment to allow the return of the state equalization tax. Defeated.
11:06 - SB1472, General Revenues.
11:06 - Lopes amendment to protect child care providers from state fee hikes. Defeated.
11:05 - Aguirre amendment to help counties. Defeated.
11:03 - Aboud amendment to grandfather in current recipients of domestic partner benefits. Defeated.
11:02 - Aboud amendment relating to the removal of domestic partner benefits from state employees. Defeated.
11:01 - Landrum Taylor amendment to restore KidsCare Parents. Defeated.
11:00 - SB1471, Budget trailer - Health and Welfare
11:00 - 10 Democratic amendments offered, 10 Democratic amendments killed.
10:56 - Waring is ready for his next career as conductor. I don't think even Mussolini had the trains running this efficiently.
10:53 - Defeating Burton-Cahill and Garcia amendments.
10:51 - railroading past (defeating) Aguirre and Hale amendments. No debate going on tonight. How appropriate for this farce.
10:50 - Doing amendments to SB1470, general approps. Defeating Aboud amendments
Less than 2 hours to Political Katrina
It looks like no tax bills will be heard in the Senate, flat or sales, so maybe they'll pass an unbalanced budget.
No Senate activity right now, but the House is still in COW.
No Senate activity right now, but the House is still in COW.
Tedski will be live-blogging the House session,
...so I will stick with the Senate side of the quad.
His website, Rum, Romanism, Rebellion is here.
More to come...
His website, Rum, Romanism, Rebellion is here.
More to come...
Deal in the works?
Deal-making is certainly going on...
In the Senate Republican caucus meeting that's currently in progress, former House Speaker Jim Weiers came in and pulled Senate President Bob Burns out of the room...which is interesting on all sorts of levels...
No budget bills mentioned so far, as of 8:19 p.m.
As of 8:25, the Republicans recessed their caucus (recess *caucus*????)...going over to the Democratic caucus...
In the Senate Republican caucus meeting that's currently in progress, former House Speaker Jim Weiers came in and pulled Senate President Bob Burns out of the room...which is interesting on all sorts of levels...
No budget bills mentioned so far, as of 8:19 p.m.
As of 8:25, the Republicans recessed their caucus (recess *caucus*????)...going over to the Democratic caucus...
Movement in the Senate
Senate Rules scheduled to meet upon adjournment of the Floor Session, with both caucuses scheduled to meet immediately after Rules.
Now they're just milling about, mostly Reps, though some Dems...
Now they're just milling about, mostly Reps, though some Dems...
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
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