I am *such* a geek sometimes. Tonight, I took a moment to check out a couple of legislative committee agendas posted for meetings next week.
One *really* caught my eye - Senate Judiciary, scheduled for Monday in SHR1 upon adjournment of the Senate Rules Committee.
The agenda for that meeting just chock full o'ugly bills - anti-immigrant, anti-federal government, pro-gun, pro-deadly force - but details on those can wait for the regularly-scheduled weekly schedule post, probably going up on Saturday or Sunday.
What probably shouldn't wait, however, is a discussion of the two executive nominations, both for the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments.
- One is Robert L. Burns, and while that is a rather common name, it's also the name of the recently-retired Senate President. His term of office ended less than a month ago, and he's already up for appointment to the relatively high profile Appellate Court Appointments Commission ("high profile" because I've been writing about them recently :) ).
- The other nomination is that of James A. Hartdegen.
For those readers who are unfamiliar with the name, Mr. Hartdegen was a state representative in the 1980s and early 1990s, rising to chair the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
He was also one of the politicos caught up in the AZScam scandal and was indicted in 1991. He later took a plea deal and was sentenced to probation. More background here, courtesy the Phoenix New Times.
Other familiar names recently considered by one or another Senate committee -
- Randy Pullen, now former chair of the AZGOP, whose nomination to the Arizona Housing Finance Authority, was considered by Senate Commerce and Energy on Wednesday ("today", as I'm writing this). Pullen was also an officer of the national Republican Party. They're now $23 million in debt (relevant because Pullen is nominated to the Housing Finance Authority).
- Robert Dalager, an attorney who used to be a senior Senate staffer, was the subject January 24 of a Senate Judiciary hearing on his nomination to the Commission on Trial Court Appointments, Maricopa County.
- Kevin Tyne, formerly Jan Brewer's Chief of Staff, had a Senate Natural Resources and Transportation hearing on his nomination to the directorship of Arizona Department of Weights and Measures (January 24).
A complete list of boards and commission with gubernortorial appointments here. List of current vacancies here.
Many, but not all, appointments are subject to Senate approval.
Later...
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Redistricting Update: Second appointment - Jose Herrera
Earlier today, State Rep. Chad Campbell announced via a Facebook posting, that he has selected Jose Herrera of Maricopa County as his appointment to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).
Because House Speaker Kirk Adams also selected someone from Maricopa County, both Senate President Russell Pearce and House Democratic Leader David Schapira must select from candidates who reside outside of Maricopa County.
The list of available candidates is here, with an update here.
Pearce has to select either Benny White or Richard Stertz, both of Pima County.
Schapira has seven potential selections - Eric B. Henderson (Navajo County), Linda C. McNulty (Pima County), Lawrence C. Mohrweis (Coconino County), William G. Roe (Pima County), Mark D. Rubin (Pima County), Jimmie D. Smith (Yuma County), and Marshall A. Worden (Pima County).
Both can select a nominee from the pool of Independent candidates, but neither is expected to do so. It should be noted that the "geographical diversity" requirement applies to the first four selections, regardless of partisan affiliation (or non-affiliation). Four of the five Independents are from Maricopa County, while only one is from another county, specifically Pima.
As such, only one Independent nominee could be selected by one of the legislative leaders, even in the unlikely event that one of them was inclined to think "out of the box" with their choice.
The applications of all of the applicants to the AIRC, not just the nominees, can be found here.
Russell Pearce is now on the clock...
Because House Speaker Kirk Adams also selected someone from Maricopa County, both Senate President Russell Pearce and House Democratic Leader David Schapira must select from candidates who reside outside of Maricopa County.
The list of available candidates is here, with an update here.
Pearce has to select either Benny White or Richard Stertz, both of Pima County.
Schapira has seven potential selections - Eric B. Henderson (Navajo County), Linda C. McNulty (Pima County), Lawrence C. Mohrweis (Coconino County), William G. Roe (Pima County), Mark D. Rubin (Pima County), Jimmie D. Smith (Yuma County), and Marshall A. Worden (Pima County).
Both can select a nominee from the pool of Independent candidates, but neither is expected to do so. It should be noted that the "geographical diversity" requirement applies to the first four selections, regardless of partisan affiliation (or non-affiliation). Four of the five Independents are from Maricopa County, while only one is from another county, specifically Pima.
As such, only one Independent nominee could be selected by one of the legislative leaders, even in the unlikely event that one of them was inclined to think "out of the box" with their choice.
The applications of all of the applicants to the AIRC, not just the nominees, can be found here.
Russell Pearce is now on the clock...
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
"A cult didn't sever my spine"
In the wake of the revelation that people who admit that they can't pass a background check yet can still walk into a gun show in Arizona and buy the same gun and clip that was used in the Tucson mass shooting, Sen. Steve Gallardo introduced SB1586, closing the infamous "gun show loophole."
Today, victims and families of victims of gun violence gathered with Gallardo at the State Capitol to support Sen. Gallardo and his proposal.
Clockwise from top left: Sen. Steve Gallardo, Gerry Hills, Jennifer Longdon, and Jose and Guadalupe Guzman
The numbers presented by Sen. Gallardo and Hildy Saizow, President of Arizonans for Gun Safety, are frightening (AZ is 10th in number of firearms exported to other states that were later used in crimes, and 13th in rate per 100K population; AZ is 7th in gun-related deaths, and 6th in gun related killings).
However, as frightening as the numbers may be, that fright is dwarfed by the heartbreak of the tragedy of gun violence -
Jennifer Longdon told of how she was paralyzed by random gunfire in 2004, during an incident that also left her fiancee with brain damage.
Jose and Guadalupe Guzman told the story of their son, Guillermo Rodriguez, killed in 2005 during a robbery at a Subway in Phoenix.
Gerry Hills, a Republican and a board member of Arizonans for Gun Safety, whose brother, a Michigan police officer, was killed by someone who obtained guns despite a having documented history of mental illness.
James Hinckley, shot and paralyzed during an argument when he was 17 with another teenager.
Erica Sander, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona, shot multiple times and paralyzed in 2003.
I was going to go with one of Sen. Gallardo's quotes as the title of this post, but when one of the reporters present asked the group how they would respond to critics of their position when those critics say that the threat posed by guns is no greater than the threats that are posed by certain ideas, books or even cults, a better option presented itself.
As gun violence survivor Jennifer Longdon pointed out,
"A cult didn't sever my spine."
Arizona Republic coverage, written by Alia Beard Rau, here.
KPHO (Phoenix Channel 5) coverage, from Elizabeth Erwin, here.
KSAZ (Phoenix Channel 10) coverage here (it's a Fox affiliate, and I hate to link to anything Fox, but it's got video, slanted though the story may be)
Pics from the day -
Jennifer Longdon
Gallardo and Hills
James Hinkley and Erica Sander
Saizow, Jose Guzman, Guadalupe Guzman, Hills, Longdon
Today, victims and families of victims of gun violence gathered with Gallardo at the State Capitol to support Sen. Gallardo and his proposal.
Clockwise from top left: Sen. Steve Gallardo, Gerry Hills, Jennifer Longdon, and Jose and Guadalupe Guzman
The numbers presented by Sen. Gallardo and Hildy Saizow, President of Arizonans for Gun Safety, are frightening (AZ is 10th in number of firearms exported to other states that were later used in crimes, and 13th in rate per 100K population; AZ is 7th in gun-related deaths, and 6th in gun related killings).
However, as frightening as the numbers may be, that fright is dwarfed by the heartbreak of the tragedy of gun violence -
Jennifer Longdon told of how she was paralyzed by random gunfire in 2004, during an incident that also left her fiancee with brain damage.
Jose and Guadalupe Guzman told the story of their son, Guillermo Rodriguez, killed in 2005 during a robbery at a Subway in Phoenix.
Gerry Hills, a Republican and a board member of Arizonans for Gun Safety, whose brother, a Michigan police officer, was killed by someone who obtained guns despite a having documented history of mental illness.
James Hinckley, shot and paralyzed during an argument when he was 17 with another teenager.
Erica Sander, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona, shot multiple times and paralyzed in 2003.
I was going to go with one of Sen. Gallardo's quotes as the title of this post, but when one of the reporters present asked the group how they would respond to critics of their position when those critics say that the threat posed by guns is no greater than the threats that are posed by certain ideas, books or even cults, a better option presented itself.
As gun violence survivor Jennifer Longdon pointed out,
"A cult didn't sever my spine."
Arizona Republic coverage, written by Alia Beard Rau, here.
KPHO (Phoenix Channel 5) coverage, from Elizabeth Erwin, here.
KSAZ (Phoenix Channel 10) coverage here (it's a Fox affiliate, and I hate to link to anything Fox, but it's got video, slanted though the story may be)
Pics from the day -
James Hinkley and Erica Sander
Monday, January 31, 2011
The newest plank in the platform for Arizona Republicans: Disdain.
The Republicans of Arizona inhabit such a rarified area of our mortal coil, that they've developed a curious attitude toward those of us who have to deal with day-to-day issues that are rather more "mundane."
Some might call that attitude "detached", but I would call it "disdainful."
- They've got nothing but disdain for voters, seeking authorization to override Prop 204 and the requirement to provide AHCCCS coverage for Arizonans with income up to 100% of the federal poverty level...
- They've got nothing but disdain for poor, sick people (somewhat related to the above, and thanks to Donna at Democratic Diva for spotting and highlighting this).
Speaking on KJZZ's (NPR) Here And Now, Eileen Klein, Governor Jan Brewer's Chief of Staff (starting at approximately the 6:45 mark of the audio archive) -
- They've got nothing but disdain for those, like Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of the City of New York, who have criticized Arizona for making it so easy for people like Jared Loughner to obtain semi-automatic pistols with high-capacity magazines.
Video of how easy it is -
Republican Governor Jan Brewer's response (from Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services, via the Arizona Daily Sun)?
Welcome to Arizona, the place where many residents want to build a wall to keep Mexican out, but may soon be the place where neighbors want to build a wall to keep Arizonans in.
Some might call that attitude "detached", but I would call it "disdainful."
- They've got nothing but disdain for voters, seeking authorization to override Prop 204 and the requirement to provide AHCCCS coverage for Arizonans with income up to 100% of the federal poverty level...
- They've got nothing but disdain for poor, sick people (somewhat related to the above, and thanks to Donna at Democratic Diva for spotting and highlighting this).
Speaking on KJZZ's (NPR) Here And Now, Eileen Klein, Governor Jan Brewer's Chief of Staff (starting at approximately the 6:45 mark of the audio archive) -
...we need to be using our resources in areas like education and other areas that can help build and grow our state, to make our state more competitive for the long run and unfortunately, while those services are helpful to people in areas like medicaid, they aren't doing anything to help contribute to the growth of the state...Poor people dying for lack of appropriate medical care, like transplants, aren't worthy of consideration; corporations holding their hands out for targeted tax cuts, well, they aren't just supported, they're fast-tracked.
- They've got nothing but disdain for those, like Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of the City of New York, who have criticized Arizona for making it so easy for people like Jared Loughner to obtain semi-automatic pistols with high-capacity magazines.
Video of how easy it is -
Republican Governor Jan Brewer's response (from Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services, via the Arizona Daily Sun)?
Gov. Jan Brewer is defending Arizona laws that allow the sale of firearms at gun shows without a background check and forbid cities from imposing such requirements.Apparently, she is such "strong proponent" of guns, that she doesn't let a few dead bodies outside Tucson Safeway get in the way of her slavish devotion to the NRA's blind dogma.
"We believe our laws are fair and just in the state of Arizona,'' the governor said Monday.
Her comments come on the heels of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg releasing videos Monday taken by undercover agents at a Phoenix gun show just 15 days after the Tucson shootings. There, Arizona private investigators hired by New York City were able to purchase weapons not only without a background check but, at least twice, after admitting to sellers they probably would not pass.
Brewer said she had not seen the videos. Nor had she seen Bloomberg's comments.
But the governor said the laws are "something that the Legislature and I decide.''
Last year Brewer signed legislation making Arizona only the third state in the nation to let anyone carry a concealed weapon without a state permit, training and a background check. But Brewer said Monday she remains open to further liberalizing of the state's gun laws.
"I am a strong proponent of the Second Amendment,'' she said.
Welcome to Arizona, the place where many residents want to build a wall to keep Mexican out, but may soon be the place where neighbors want to build a wall to keep Arizonans in.
First member named to the new Independent Redistricting Commission: Scott Freeman
From an announcment from Kirk Adams, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives -
Freeman's application for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is here.
Now on the clock: House Democratic Leader, Rep. Chad Campbell. After his choice is named, Senate President Russell Pearce and Senate Democratic Leader David Schapira will make their selections.
House Speaker Kirk Adams announced today his selection of Scott Freeman to serve on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.
“Mr. Freeman is exceptionally qualified for this important role. I am confident he will execute his responsibilities honestly, fairly and with the input of the public in mind,” Adams said.
Freeman, a Phoenix resident and a director at Fennemore Craig, holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from Arizona State University. Freeman focuses his practice on litigation matters, including complex products liability, personal injury, and commercial cases. Among other clients, he has represented manufacturers of light truck and passenger tires as well as manufacturers of after-market alternators and starter motors in several state and federal trial and appellate courts. He has appeared in trial courts in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, New York, and Illinois.
“I am honored that Speaker Adams has entrusted me with the great honor of serving on the Independent Redistricting Commission,” Mr. Freeman said. “The work of this commission is vital to our democracy, and I promise to serve the people of Arizona with dedication and fairness in all of my work and decisions. I look forward to working with other members of the commission as we get about this important task.”
Freeman's application for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is here.
Now on the clock: House Democratic Leader, Rep. Chad Campbell. After his choice is named, Senate President Russell Pearce and Senate Democratic Leader David Schapira will make their selections.
If you've got brown skin in Arizona, don't get injured or sick.
...Last week, in their war on brown people, the nativists in the AZ lege opened up a new front, targeting children. Now, they're going after the sick and injured...
During the 17th, 18th, and even 19th centuries, when the British Navy ran short on recruits to man their ships, they would send out "press gangs" to scoop up the able-bodied but unwary off the streets and even off of merchant ships to meet their quota of new "recruits."
Well, the nativists of Arizona are following the British practice, only instead of having press gangs roam the streets, countryside, and decks of private ships, they have the Arizona Legislature at their disposal.
Their latest effort to drag unwilling participants into their war on brown people is SB1405 -
I've also got a call out to the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association seeking comment. The bill is new enough that they don't have one yet, but promised to look at the measure and get back to me shortly.
Later...
During the 17th, 18th, and even 19th centuries, when the British Navy ran short on recruits to man their ships, they would send out "press gangs" to scoop up the able-bodied but unwary off the streets and even off of merchant ships to meet their quota of new "recruits."
Well, the nativists of Arizona are following the British practice, only instead of having press gangs roam the streets, countryside, and decks of private ships, they have the Arizona Legislature at their disposal.
Their latest effort to drag unwilling participants into their war on brown people is SB1405 -
36-415. Hospital admissions; proof of citizenship, legal residence or lawful presence; immunity
A. Before a hospital admits a person for nonemergency care, a hospital admissions officer must confirm that the person is a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of the United States or lawfully present in the United States. The admissions officer may use any method prescribed in section 1-501 to verify citizenship or legal status.Jennifer Bonnett, Executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association (AZPHA), says that the AZPHA doesn't have a position on this particular bill as yet, but noted that they have a "longstanding tradition" of opposition to measures that raise barriers to health care.
B. If the admissions officer determines that the person does not meet the requirements of subsection A of this section, the admissions officer must contact the local federal immigration office.
C. If the hospital provides emergency medical care pursuant to federal requirements to a person who does not meet the requirements of subsection A of this section, on successful treatment of the patient the admissions officer must contact the local federal immigration office.
D. A hospital that complies with the requirements of this section is not subject to civil liability.
I've also got a call out to the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association seeking comment. The bill is new enough that they don't have one yet, but promised to look at the measure and get back to me shortly.
Later...
Sunday, January 30, 2011
North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Area: Community Involvement Group Meeting
The Community Involvement Group (CIG) for the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Site (NIBW) will hold a meeting next week in Scottsdale to discuss ongoing cleanup activities related to the groundwater contamination in the NIBW (roughly, the borders are the Salt River on the south, Chaparral Road on the north, Pima Road on the east, and Scottsdale Road on the west).
Participants will include representatives of the EPA, ADEQ, City of Scottsdale, SRP, Arizona American Water, the "participating" companies (aka - the companies responsible for the contamination and its clean up) and concerned members of the community.
Meeting details:
Background on the NIBW can be found here and here.
Later!
Participants will include representatives of the EPA, ADEQ, City of Scottsdale, SRP, Arizona American Water, the "participating" companies (aka - the companies responsible for the contamination and its clean up) and concerned members of the community.
Meeting details:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Stage 2 – Main Floor)
7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale
Agenda:
Indian Bend Wash Five-Year Review Status
Overview of NIBW Groundwater Data
Miller Road Treatment Facility Long-Term Measures Workplan & Schedule
Questions & Answers
For more information contact
Vicki Rosen, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
(415) 972-3244 or rosen.vicki@epa.gov
Or
Felicia Calderon, ADEQ Community Involvement Coordinator
(602) 771-4167 or calderon.felicia@adeq.gov
Background on the NIBW can be found here and here.
Later!
The coming week - legislative edition
As usual, all info gathered from the online sources (mostly the website of the Arizona Legislature) and subject to change without notice.
Note: calling an agenda "quiet" doesn't mean that there aren't any bills on the agenda, only that there aren't any that twig the partisan radar. If a committee covers areas of concern to you, check out the agenda and the bills on it, for they may actually be important to you.
Note2: "SHR" indicates the the meeting will take place in a Senate hearing room; "HHR" indicates a House hearing room.
Committee hearings this week:
On the House side of the Capitol -
- Energy and Natural Resources will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday in the ASU Decision Center, 21 East 6th Street, Suite 126A, Tempe. They will be receiving a presentation titled "Energy 102 for State Legislators."
- Rules will meet at 1 p.m. on Monday in HHR4.
- Ways and Means will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR1. Most interesting measure on the agenda: HCR2006, something from Rep. Jack Harper to drastically increase the value of business personal property that is exempt from taxation.
- Energy and Natural Resources will hold its regular meeting at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR4. Looks fairly quiet to me, but folks interested in state parks, game and fish, or other outdoor activities may want to take a look at the agenda to see if there is anything of interest to them.
- Education will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR3. One bill on the agenda right now: HB2421, mandating increased financial reporting requirements for school districts.
- Banking and Insurance will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR5. Looks quiet so far.
- Government will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR4. On the agenda: HB2152, reducing county-level recordkeeping (not sure what this one is really about); HB2471, demanding documentation that a federal mandate doesn't violate the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution before the state legislature will appropriate any money to comply with it; HB2537, giving the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate the authority to use legislative resources to fight legal challenges to last year's SB1070.
- Environment will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR5. The single bill on the agenda looks harmless, but the committee will receive a presentation from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on "Arizona Border Trash Impact."
- Employment and Regulatory Affairs will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2478, mandating to Pima and Maricopa counties how much they will pay for health care for children and prisoners in the custody of the county.
- Higher Education, Innovation, and Reform will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR2. No bills on the agenda at this time; one presentation scheduled.
- Health and Human Services will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR4. This may be the big hearing of the week. The agenda contains HB2416, the first big anti-choice bill of the session (but probably not the last). Also up this week: HB2443, nibbling away around the edges of a woman's right to choose an abortion by outlawing the nonexistent practice of race or sex-selection abortions.
- Commerce will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR5. Looks quiet so far.
- Appropriations will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in HHR1. Highlight of the agenda (and it may actually be a "highlight"): HB2227, specifying that money donated to an agency isn't subject to reversion to the state's general fund. This one may be rooted in the minor scandal that erupted when the lege swept all available funds from the state parks system, including a $250K bequest from a Danish immigrant. It would serve to prevent similar sweeps in the future, unless the giver specifically authorizes its general use by the state.
- Transportation will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR3. Looks quiet thus far.
- Judiciary will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR4. Looks quiet thus far.
- Agriculture and Water will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR5. Looks quiet thus far.
On the Senate side -
- Rules will meet upon adjournment of the Senate floor session on Monday in Caucus Room 1.
- Natural Resources and Transportation will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR109. Looks quiet thus far.
- Judiciary will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR1. Looks quiet so far.
- Education will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR3. The only bill on the agenda is SB1263. It has the innocuous title of "schools; administrative tasks; reduction" but it's far more than that. It reads like an "omnibus" measure. One of the big clauses would be to allow a school district to have a school year that is shorter than the current 180 days if the district schedules daily sessions so that the new school year has the same number of minutes as the 180-day year. Which doesn't sound *too* bad, until further research turns up a proposed amendment from the originator of the underlying bill, Sen. Rich Crandall, that would delete the entire section of the law that defines the length of the school year, including the new definition.
EDIT TO CLARIFY: Upon further reflection, I may be misinterpreting the meaning of the proposed amendment referenced above. It seems more likely that its purpose is to remove the proposed changes from the bill, not to removed the affected section of the law from the law entirely. Later today, I'll make a couple of phone calls seeking more info on this.
End Edit...
- Veterans and Military Affairs will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Banking and Insurance will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Appropriations will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR109. Quiet, except for budget hearings for AHCCCS and the state's universities.
- Public Safety and Human Services will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR3. Two bills pushed by the Center for ArizonaTheocracy Policy on the agenda: SB1187, mandating an "education" program designed to delay and discourage couples from divorcing (nothing in it that encourages healthy marriages, only longer bad marriages), and SB1188, mandating that married couples (only a man and a woman) have priority over all other domestic arrangements in adoptions.
- Government Reform will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR1. On the agenda: SB1222. This one would remove from AZ law any identification/immigration status requirements for public assistance that conform to federal law, instead mandating that recipients of federal public assistance in AZ adhere to AZ standard of proof of immigration status.
- Commerce and Energy will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR109. On the agenda: SB1178, proclaiming that the federal government has no regulatory or legal jurisdiction over Arizona commerce, and criminalizes the enforcement of federal laws and regulations upon such commerce. Oh, and they'll be considering the executive nomination of Randy Pullen, former chair of the AZGOP, for another term on the Arizona Housing Finance Authority.
- Water, Land Use, and Rural Development will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR3. Agenda contains SCR1015 and SCR1024, two measures asserting that the federal government has no jurisdiction over water Arizona-located water.
- Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR1. Looks quiet thus far, though a presentation from Dr. Peter Rhee of the University Medical Center in Tucson is also on the agenda. Dr. Rhee was one of the doctors, perhaps the highest-profile one, who work on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other survivors of the recent mass shooting in Tucson.
- Economic Development and Job Creation will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR109. Looks quiet so far.
- Finance will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in SHR1. 6 bills on the agenda; 5 are for business/corporate tax cuts. Perhaps this committee should be renamed as "De-finance."
- Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in SHR109. On the agenda: SB1214, authorizing and directing the governor to enter into alliances with other states that oppose health care reform, and SCR1016, calling for a federal Constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to require that any increase in the federal debt requires approval from a majority of state legislatures.
- Various subcommittees of Appropriations will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday for budget hearings. Agendas here, here, and here.
Events at the Capitol (and environs) this week here and here (courtesy the AZ Capitol Times)
Note: calling an agenda "quiet" doesn't mean that there aren't any bills on the agenda, only that there aren't any that twig the partisan radar. If a committee covers areas of concern to you, check out the agenda and the bills on it, for they may actually be important to you.
Note2: "SHR" indicates the the meeting will take place in a Senate hearing room; "HHR" indicates a House hearing room.
Committee hearings this week:
On the House side of the Capitol -
- Energy and Natural Resources will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday in the ASU Decision Center, 21 East 6th Street, Suite 126A, Tempe. They will be receiving a presentation titled "Energy 102 for State Legislators."
- Rules will meet at 1 p.m. on Monday in HHR4.
- Ways and Means will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR1. Most interesting measure on the agenda: HCR2006, something from Rep. Jack Harper to drastically increase the value of business personal property that is exempt from taxation.
- Energy and Natural Resources will hold its regular meeting at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR4. Looks fairly quiet to me, but folks interested in state parks, game and fish, or other outdoor activities may want to take a look at the agenda to see if there is anything of interest to them.
- Education will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR3. One bill on the agenda right now: HB2421, mandating increased financial reporting requirements for school districts.
- Banking and Insurance will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday in HHR5. Looks quiet so far.
- Government will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR4. On the agenda: HB2152, reducing county-level recordkeeping (not sure what this one is really about); HB2471, demanding documentation that a federal mandate doesn't violate the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution before the state legislature will appropriate any money to comply with it; HB2537, giving the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate the authority to use legislative resources to fight legal challenges to last year's SB1070.
- Environment will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR5. The single bill on the agenda looks harmless, but the committee will receive a presentation from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on "Arizona Border Trash Impact."
- Employment and Regulatory Affairs will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2478, mandating to Pima and Maricopa counties how much they will pay for health care for children and prisoners in the custody of the county.
- Higher Education, Innovation, and Reform will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR2. No bills on the agenda at this time; one presentation scheduled.
- Health and Human Services will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR4. This may be the big hearing of the week. The agenda contains HB2416, the first big anti-choice bill of the session (but probably not the last). Also up this week: HB2443, nibbling away around the edges of a woman's right to choose an abortion by outlawing the nonexistent practice of race or sex-selection abortions.
- Commerce will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in HHR5. Looks quiet so far.
- Appropriations will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in HHR1. Highlight of the agenda (and it may actually be a "highlight"): HB2227, specifying that money donated to an agency isn't subject to reversion to the state's general fund. This one may be rooted in the minor scandal that erupted when the lege swept all available funds from the state parks system, including a $250K bequest from a Danish immigrant. It would serve to prevent similar sweeps in the future, unless the giver specifically authorizes its general use by the state.
- Transportation will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR3. Looks quiet thus far.
- Judiciary will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR4. Looks quiet thus far.
- Agriculture and Water will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in HHR5. Looks quiet thus far.
On the Senate side -
- Rules will meet upon adjournment of the Senate floor session on Monday in Caucus Room 1.
- Natural Resources and Transportation will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR109. Looks quiet thus far.
- Judiciary will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR1. Looks quiet so far.
- Education will meet upon adjournment of Rules on Monday in SHR3. The only bill on the agenda is SB1263. It has the innocuous title of "schools; administrative tasks; reduction" but it's far more than that. It reads like an "omnibus" measure. One of the big clauses would be to allow a school district to have a school year that is shorter than the current 180 days if the district schedules daily sessions so that the new school year has the same number of minutes as the 180-day year. Which doesn't sound *too* bad, until further research turns up a proposed amendment from the originator of the underlying bill, Sen. Rich Crandall, that would delete the entire section of the law that defines the length of the school year, including the new definition.
EDIT TO CLARIFY: Upon further reflection, I may be misinterpreting the meaning of the proposed amendment referenced above. It seems more likely that its purpose is to remove the proposed changes from the bill, not to removed the affected section of the law from the law entirely. Later today, I'll make a couple of phone calls seeking more info on this.
End Edit...
- Veterans and Military Affairs will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Banking and Insurance will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Appropriations will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR109. Quiet, except for budget hearings for AHCCCS and the state's universities.
- Public Safety and Human Services will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR3. Two bills pushed by the Center for Arizona
- Government Reform will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR1. On the agenda: SB1222. This one would remove from AZ law any identification/immigration status requirements for public assistance that conform to federal law, instead mandating that recipients of federal public assistance in AZ adhere to AZ standard of proof of immigration status.
- Commerce and Energy will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in SHR109. On the agenda: SB1178, proclaiming that the federal government has no regulatory or legal jurisdiction over Arizona commerce, and criminalizes the enforcement of federal laws and regulations upon such commerce. Oh, and they'll be considering the executive nomination of Randy Pullen, former chair of the AZGOP, for another term on the Arizona Housing Finance Authority.
- Water, Land Use, and Rural Development will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR3. Agenda contains SCR1015 and SCR1024, two measures asserting that the federal government has no jurisdiction over water Arizona-located water.
- Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR1. Looks quiet thus far, though a presentation from Dr. Peter Rhee of the University Medical Center in Tucson is also on the agenda. Dr. Rhee was one of the doctors, perhaps the highest-profile one, who work on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other survivors of the recent mass shooting in Tucson.
- Economic Development and Job Creation will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in SHR109. Looks quiet so far.
- Finance will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in SHR1. 6 bills on the agenda; 5 are for business/corporate tax cuts. Perhaps this committee should be renamed as "De-finance."
- Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday in SHR109. On the agenda: SB1214, authorizing and directing the governor to enter into alliances with other states that oppose health care reform, and SCR1016, calling for a federal Constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to require that any increase in the federal debt requires approval from a majority of state legislatures.
- Various subcommittees of Appropriations will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday for budget hearings. Agendas here, here, and here.
Events at the Capitol (and environs) this week here and here (courtesy the AZ Capitol Times)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
It may be time to start a 'secession bill' pool* for the Arizona Legislature
I've written a few posts listing some of the nuttier bills proposed by the legislature, and this one is going to be similar. I'd feel like I was in a rut, but they keep on serving up new material to work with.
Unfortunately.
This was something I noticed while writing this earlier post. It seems to be all the rage this session for Republican legislators to propose one or more anti-federal government/pro-new Confederacy bills.
To whit (with numbers of sponsors/cosponsors signed on to the bills as introduced, and where the bill is in the process, and, once assigned to committee, all bills are assigned to the Rules Committee of their respective chambers, so that hasn't been included in the status summary):
HCR2015, pushing for a U.S. Constitutional convention for an amendment to require a vote of a majority of state legislatures to raise the federal debt limit. 35 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, and assigned to House Judiciary.
SCR1016, same as above. 13 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty, Second Read.
HB2561, denying citizenship to children of non-U.S. citizens, in violation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 27 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1309, same as above. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
HB2562, directing the governor to enter into compacts/alliances with other states that create the second-class, separate-but-unequal, sort of citizenship/birth certificates that intend to go around/violate the 14th Amendment. 28 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced. Lots of "/"s in this description. :)
SB1308, another 2nd class birth certificates/citizenship interstate compact/new Confederacy bill. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1214. similarly directing the governor to enter into compacts with other states to ally with them over fighting health care reform and access to health care coverage for all citizens. 9 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty, Second Read.
SB1391, a "firearms freedom" compact bill, for forging alliances with states with firearms laws that are just as gun fetishist as Arizona's. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1392, an interstate compact bill for gray wolf management. 7 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced. Possibly the least bad of the "new Confederacy" bills, but it will probably be amended if it ever gets a committee hearing. Not that I'm a cynic or anything. :)
SB1394, an interstate compact/new Confederacy bill to allow alliances with other states with "freedom to breathe [polluted air]" laws (see SB1393 below). 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1395, an interstate compact bill attempting to create an multistate organization separate from the federal Endangered Species Act to handle wildlife management. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1406, an interstate compact/new Confederacy bill to create an alliance of states for the purpose of constructing a fence along the border with Mexico. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
HB2472, allowing for the taking of federal land under eminent domain. 3 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary and Government committees.
HB2313, another eminent domain taking of federal land bill. 2 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary, Second Read.
HB2471, saying that any federal mandate *must* have a statement of how that mandate is a federal responsibility and will pass any Constitutional challenge before the legislature is allowed to enact a law or appropriate funds to further that mandate. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. First Read, assigned to House Government and Appropriations, Second Read.
HB2459, creating a special "Don't Tread On Me" commemorative license plate for tea party types. 2 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Transportation and Appropriations, Second Read. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary, Second Read.
HB2288, mandating that all of the states airports abandon the Transportation Security Administration and contract with private companies to handle all airport security operations. 15 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Transportation, Second Read.
HB2070, creating a state-sanctioned and -armed military force that is separate and outside of the national command authority. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety and Appropriations, Second Read.
SB1178, stating that all Arizona-centered commerce is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and making is a criminal act for a federal agent/employee (class 6 felony) or state agent/employee (class 1 misdemeanor) to enforce any federal law, regulation, rule, etc. in violation of SB1178. 10 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty (passed 5 - 2) and Commerce and Energy, Second Read.
SB1328, stating that if a federal employee or elected doesn't have to comply with a particular federal law or rule, no Arizona citizen has to comply with that law or rule. 1 sponsor (Antenori). Introduced.
SB1393, stating that the state legislature's authority to regulate greenhouse gases supercedes federal authority. The authors call this the "freedom to breath" law. I call it the "freedom to breathe [polluted air]" law. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SCR1015, declaring that Arizona has the sole authority to enact any law or regulation over "non-navigable" waters in the state. 7 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Water, Land Use, and Rural Development, Second Read.
SCR1024, similar to above. 1 sponsor (Griffin). Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Water, Land Use, and Rural Development.
SCR1034, a postcard to to the feds demanding that they stop enacting laws and regulations that certain members of state legislatures don't approve of. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
A lot of the above measures look to be inspired/directly drawn from model legislation crafted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a right-wing industry front group (login required to view specifics, and I don't have such a login) or some other front group. Others looked to be pulled directly from the head (or some other body part) of one or another legislator.
Here are the opening odds on selected particular legislators introducing a secession bill sometime during the 50th Arizona Legislature (meaning this year or next year):
Sen. Sylvia Allen: 5-2
Sen. Ron Gould: 3-1
Rep. Carl Seel: 3-1
Sen. Russell Pearce: 7-2
Rep. Jack Harper:4-1
Sen. Andy Biggs: 5-1
Rep. Judy Burges: 5-1
Sen. Frank Antenori: 7-1
Other Senate leadership Rs: 7-1
Other rank-and-file R House members: 10-1
Other rank-and-file R Senate members: 11-1
Other House leadership Rs:25-1
House Speaker Kirk Adams: 50-1 (he's one of the few down there who is acting like the adult in the room, and the other members of House R leadership are mostly following his lead, or are at least quieter about their nuttiness)
Any Democrat in either chamber: No line, though D Sen. Robert Meza is a cosponsor of one of the "interstate compact" bills (the "border fence" one). I just don't see any D drinking the Kool-Aid, or Meza drinking more than the sip he has already taken.
It's going to be a long and ugly session, and they haven't even gotten to the budget yet.
* - For any law enforcement folks who might be reading this and think that the title is a solicitation for unlawful gaming or something similar, it's just something us writers have in our bag of tricks.
It's called a "metaphor."
It means that I think the political scene in Arizona has declined far enough that the question isn't *if* one of the Republicans in the legislature will call for Arizona's secession from the United States, but *when.*
Unfortunately.
This was something I noticed while writing this earlier post. It seems to be all the rage this session for Republican legislators to propose one or more anti-federal government/pro-new Confederacy bills.
To whit (with numbers of sponsors/cosponsors signed on to the bills as introduced, and where the bill is in the process, and, once assigned to committee, all bills are assigned to the Rules Committee of their respective chambers, so that hasn't been included in the status summary):
HCR2015, pushing for a U.S. Constitutional convention for an amendment to require a vote of a majority of state legislatures to raise the federal debt limit. 35 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, and assigned to House Judiciary.
SCR1016, same as above. 13 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty, Second Read.
HB2561, denying citizenship to children of non-U.S. citizens, in violation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 27 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1309, same as above. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
HB2562, directing the governor to enter into compacts/alliances with other states that create the second-class, separate-but-unequal, sort of citizenship/birth certificates that intend to go around/violate the 14th Amendment. 28 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced. Lots of "/"s in this description. :)
SB1308, another 2nd class birth certificates/citizenship interstate compact/new Confederacy bill. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1214. similarly directing the governor to enter into compacts with other states to ally with them over fighting health care reform and access to health care coverage for all citizens. 9 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty, Second Read.
SB1391, a "firearms freedom" compact bill, for forging alliances with states with firearms laws that are just as gun fetishist as Arizona's. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1392, an interstate compact bill for gray wolf management. 7 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced. Possibly the least bad of the "new Confederacy" bills, but it will probably be amended if it ever gets a committee hearing. Not that I'm a cynic or anything. :)
SB1394, an interstate compact/new Confederacy bill to allow alliances with other states with "freedom to breathe [polluted air]" laws (see SB1393 below). 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1395, an interstate compact bill attempting to create an multistate organization separate from the federal Endangered Species Act to handle wildlife management. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SB1406, an interstate compact/new Confederacy bill to create an alliance of states for the purpose of constructing a fence along the border with Mexico. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
HB2472, allowing for the taking of federal land under eminent domain. 3 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary and Government committees.
HB2313, another eminent domain taking of federal land bill. 2 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary, Second Read.
HB2471, saying that any federal mandate *must* have a statement of how that mandate is a federal responsibility and will pass any Constitutional challenge before the legislature is allowed to enact a law or appropriate funds to further that mandate. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. First Read, assigned to House Government and Appropriations, Second Read.
HB2459, creating a special "Don't Tread On Me" commemorative license plate for tea party types. 2 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Transportation and Appropriations, Second Read. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Judiciary, Second Read.
HB2288, mandating that all of the states airports abandon the Transportation Security Administration and contract with private companies to handle all airport security operations. 15 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Transportation, Second Read.
HB2070, creating a state-sanctioned and -armed military force that is separate and outside of the national command authority. 5 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety and Appropriations, Second Read.
SB1178, stating that all Arizona-centered commerce is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and making is a criminal act for a federal agent/employee (class 6 felony) or state agent/employee (class 1 misdemeanor) to enforce any federal law, regulation, rule, etc. in violation of SB1178. 10 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty (passed 5 - 2) and Commerce and Energy, Second Read.
SB1328, stating that if a federal employee or elected doesn't have to comply with a particular federal law or rule, no Arizona citizen has to comply with that law or rule. 1 sponsor (Antenori). Introduced.
SB1393, stating that the state legislature's authority to regulate greenhouse gases supercedes federal authority. The authors call this the "freedom to breath" law. I call it the "freedom to breathe [polluted air]" law. 11 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
SCR1015, declaring that Arizona has the sole authority to enact any law or regulation over "non-navigable" waters in the state. 7 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Water, Land Use, and Rural Development, Second Read.
SCR1024, similar to above. 1 sponsor (Griffin). Introduced, First Read, assigned to Senate Water, Land Use, and Rural Development.
SCR1034, a postcard to to the feds demanding that they stop enacting laws and regulations that certain members of state legislatures don't approve of. 8 sponsors/cosponsors. Introduced.
A lot of the above measures look to be inspired/directly drawn from model legislation crafted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a right-wing industry front group (login required to view specifics, and I don't have such a login) or some other front group. Others looked to be pulled directly from the head (or some other body part) of one or another legislator.
Here are the opening odds on selected particular legislators introducing a secession bill sometime during the 50th Arizona Legislature (meaning this year or next year):
Sen. Sylvia Allen: 5-2
Sen. Ron Gould: 3-1
Rep. Carl Seel: 3-1
Sen. Russell Pearce: 7-2
Rep. Jack Harper:4-1
Sen. Andy Biggs: 5-1
Rep. Judy Burges: 5-1
Sen. Frank Antenori: 7-1
Other Senate leadership Rs: 7-1
Other rank-and-file R House members: 10-1
Other rank-and-file R Senate members: 11-1
Other House leadership Rs:25-1
House Speaker Kirk Adams: 50-1 (he's one of the few down there who is acting like the adult in the room, and the other members of House R leadership are mostly following his lead, or are at least quieter about their nuttiness)
Any Democrat in either chamber: No line, though D Sen. Robert Meza is a cosponsor of one of the "interstate compact" bills (the "border fence" one). I just don't see any D drinking the Kool-Aid, or Meza drinking more than the sip he has already taken.
It's going to be a long and ugly session, and they haven't even gotten to the budget yet.
* - For any law enforcement folks who might be reading this and think that the title is a solicitation for unlawful gaming or something similar, it's just something us writers have in our bag of tricks.
It's called a "metaphor."
It means that I think the political scene in Arizona has declined far enough that the question isn't *if* one of the Republicans in the legislature will call for Arizona's secession from the United States, but *when.*
Friday, January 28, 2011
AZ Republicans: With all of the state's problems solved, time to move on to the feds, tribes, counties, municipalities and even HOAs
...at least, that's the impression one might get from looking at the list of Sen. Frank Antenori's list of bill sponsorships and cosponsorships.
He, and they, have done such a thorough job ofrunning the state into the ground addressing the fiscal issues facing the state, that he, and they, have time for the following -
- HB2478, mandating how much counties with a "population of more than one million persons" (aka - Maricopa and Pima counties) pay for healthcare of prisoners and children in their custody (cosponsor)
- HB2484, mandating that county supervisors, when selecting a replacement to fill a legislative vacancy, choose the person who received the most votes of the relevant LD's precinct committeemen (PCs). Current law is that the supes select one of the three names forwarded to them by those same PCs (cosponsor)
- HCM2002, a postcard to Congress demanding that it remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List so that the states (like AZ) will have free rein to exterminate the species (cosponsor)
- SB1136, allowing municipalities to annex lands owned by Native American tribes in order to prevent them from possibly operating a casino on them (cosponsor)
- SB1178, telling the federal government to "butt out" of Arizona-located commerce, making it a felony for a federal agent/employee and a misdemeanor for a state agent/employee to enforce a federal law (or order, regulation, etc.) regarding such commerce (cosponsor)
- SB1209, mandating that school districts post the salary of each of its employees on a website (sponsor)
- SB1286, mandating that counties and municipalities approve or deny applications for permits within 60 days, otherwise those applications are deemed approved (cosponsor)
- SB1322, mandating that city services be subject to a competitive bidding process, open to private contractors and city departments (originating sponsor)
- SB1327, making the position of "City Manager" one where the incumbent is subject to removal from office by the voters of a municipality and eliminates severance packages for city managers (originating sponsor)
- SB1330, seeking to minimize participation in early voting by requiring that early ballots be notarized (originating sponsor)
- SB1334, barring, with certain exceptions, municipalities from regulating hunting within city limits (originating sponsor)
- SB1335, reference title: "hunting at night; varmints". OK, I admit, I just wanted to use the word "varmints" in a blog post. :) Antenori is the originating cosponsor, but something tells me that Granny Clampett may also be involved :))
- SB1339, repealing any and all administrative rules that affect any part of the "private sector" (originating sponsor)
- SB1343, specifying how much HOA's can charge for certain things (originating sponsor)
- SB1345, capping the number of municipal employees and compensation in cities with a "population of more than five hundred thousand persons." This would affect Phoenix, and Tucson and possibly Mesa, depending on the outcome of the 2010 Census (originating sponsor)
- SB1347, capping municipal compensation for one year, for the same sized cities as the above measure (originating cosponsor)
- SCR1010, an amendment to the Arizona Constitution barring Arizona courts from considering the laws or precepts of other nations or cultures when rendering their decisions (sponsor)
- SCR1016, calling for a federal Constitutional Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to require approval of a majority of state legislatures before there is an increase in federal debt (cosponsor)
Given that the Arizona's official unemployment rate is 9.4% and the state's budget is still completely out of balance, when are our state legislators going to get to work at their day jobs, you know, running the *state*?
He, and they, have done such a thorough job of
- HB2478, mandating how much counties with a "population of more than one million persons" (aka - Maricopa and Pima counties) pay for healthcare of prisoners and children in their custody (cosponsor)
- HB2484, mandating that county supervisors, when selecting a replacement to fill a legislative vacancy, choose the person who received the most votes of the relevant LD's precinct committeemen (PCs). Current law is that the supes select one of the three names forwarded to them by those same PCs (cosponsor)
- HCM2002, a postcard to Congress demanding that it remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List so that the states (like AZ) will have free rein to exterminate the species (cosponsor)
- SB1136, allowing municipalities to annex lands owned by Native American tribes in order to prevent them from possibly operating a casino on them (cosponsor)
- SB1178, telling the federal government to "butt out" of Arizona-located commerce, making it a felony for a federal agent/employee and a misdemeanor for a state agent/employee to enforce a federal law (or order, regulation, etc.) regarding such commerce (cosponsor)
- SB1209, mandating that school districts post the salary of each of its employees on a website (sponsor)
- SB1286, mandating that counties and municipalities approve or deny applications for permits within 60 days, otherwise those applications are deemed approved (cosponsor)
- SB1322, mandating that city services be subject to a competitive bidding process, open to private contractors and city departments (originating sponsor)
- SB1327, making the position of "City Manager" one where the incumbent is subject to removal from office by the voters of a municipality and eliminates severance packages for city managers (originating sponsor)
- SB1330, seeking to minimize participation in early voting by requiring that early ballots be notarized (originating sponsor)
- SB1334, barring, with certain exceptions, municipalities from regulating hunting within city limits (originating sponsor)
- SB1335, reference title: "hunting at night; varmints". OK, I admit, I just wanted to use the word "varmints" in a blog post. :) Antenori is the originating cosponsor, but something tells me that Granny Clampett may also be involved :))
- SB1339, repealing any and all administrative rules that affect any part of the "private sector" (originating sponsor)
- SB1343, specifying how much HOA's can charge for certain things (originating sponsor)
- SB1345, capping the number of municipal employees and compensation in cities with a "population of more than five hundred thousand persons." This would affect Phoenix, and Tucson and possibly Mesa, depending on the outcome of the 2010 Census (originating sponsor)
- SB1347, capping municipal compensation for one year, for the same sized cities as the above measure (originating cosponsor)
- SCR1010, an amendment to the Arizona Constitution barring Arizona courts from considering the laws or precepts of other nations or cultures when rendering their decisions (sponsor)
- SCR1016, calling for a federal Constitutional Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to require approval of a majority of state legislatures before there is an increase in federal debt (cosponsor)
Given that the Arizona's official unemployment rate is 9.4% and the state's budget is still completely out of balance, when are our state legislators going to get to work at their day jobs, you know, running the *state*?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Next salvo in the Arizona Republicans' war on brown people targets *everybody*
The Republicans in the Arizona Legislature have done as they threatened promised and introduced bills attacking the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship for children born in the United States.
The Senate version is SB1309, introduced by Sen. Ron Gould and sponsored/cosponsored by nine other Republicans, including Senate President Russell Pearce.
The House version is HB2561, introduced by Rep. John Kavanagh, and sponsored/cosponsored by 26 other Republicans, including a number of legislators whose names are on the Senate version (Pearce, Harper, Bundgaard, Klein).
Both contain language that limits citizenship rights for babies that will be discussed at length here and elsewhere, but there is one clause in it that should worry *everybody* -
I'm sure folks will come up with a much longer list of "rights" exclusive to citizens that the above clause would remove, but the first that comes to mind is
Voting.
The Senate version is SB1309, introduced by Sen. Ron Gould and sponsored/cosponsored by nine other Republicans, including Senate President Russell Pearce.
The House version is HB2561, introduced by Rep. John Kavanagh, and sponsored/cosponsored by 26 other Republicans, including a number of legislators whose names are on the Senate version (Pearce, Harper, Bundgaard, Klein).
Both contain language that limits citizenship rights for babies that will be discussed at length here and elsewhere, but there is one clause in it that should worry *everybody* -
D. CITIZENSHIP OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA SHALL NOT CONFER UPON THE HOLDER THEREOF ANY RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, IMMUNITY OR BENEFIT UNDER LAW.Based on that clause alone, if this garbage is enacted, long before it reaches the federal court system over the contradictions with the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, it may not survive a challenge in *Arizona* courts.
I'm sure folks will come up with a much longer list of "rights" exclusive to citizens that the above clause would remove, but the first that comes to mind is
Voting.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Medical Marijuana zoning ordinances - next up: Tempe, Thursday night
On Tuesday, the Scottsdale City Council approved a zoning ordinance for medical marijuana dispensaries by a 4 - 3 vote.
Thursday night, the Tempe City Council will consider a proposed ordinance for their city.
There are some similarities between Scottsdale's recently-enacted ordinance and the proposal up for consideration in Tempe at Thursday night's meeting.
Both require a significant buffer between any dispensary or cultivation site and a multitude of other businesses, buildings and other urban features - other dispensaries, schools, child care centers, churches (of any denomination or faith), parks, public buildings, residences.
Both limit the hours of operation -
- Scottsdale: 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.;
- Tempe: 8 a.m until 6 p.m.
Both place significant hurdles in the way of any medical marijuana dispensary operation -
- Scottsdale: all dispensaries will have to go through the "Conditional Use Permit" process, which means that each dispensary will have to be approved by the City Council before it can begin operation;
- Tempe: the proposed ordinance is designed to isolate the businesses in areas zoned for industrial use.
Tempe's proposal is actually stricter than Scottsdale's. Where Scottsdale will allow cultivation of medical marijuana if the cultivation location, including patient residences, meets certain criteria (not easy, but possible), Tempe's proposal bars cultivation of medical marijuana in the City, even for home-bound patients, if there is a medical marijuana dispensary within 25 miles of the location.
While the agenda can be approved in its entirety by a single motion, but the agenda item for this measure, D4, is marked as a "public discussion" item and can be removed for separate consideration by any member of the public.
I expect it will be so removed.
Bring your munchies. :))
The Tempe City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 31 E. 5th St. in Tempe. Interested folks can send an email to the entire Tempe City Council here. Note: Communications with the Council are considered public records under Arizona law, and subject to public disclosure. In other words, keep it civil and on point (of course, since some of the members of the Council are friends of mine, I'd recommend that anyway :) ).
Later...
Thursday night, the Tempe City Council will consider a proposed ordinance for their city.
There are some similarities between Scottsdale's recently-enacted ordinance and the proposal up for consideration in Tempe at Thursday night's meeting.
Both require a significant buffer between any dispensary or cultivation site and a multitude of other businesses, buildings and other urban features - other dispensaries, schools, child care centers, churches (of any denomination or faith), parks, public buildings, residences.
Both limit the hours of operation -
- Scottsdale: 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.;
- Tempe: 8 a.m until 6 p.m.
Both place significant hurdles in the way of any medical marijuana dispensary operation -
- Scottsdale: all dispensaries will have to go through the "Conditional Use Permit" process, which means that each dispensary will have to be approved by the City Council before it can begin operation;
- Tempe: the proposed ordinance is designed to isolate the businesses in areas zoned for industrial use.
Tempe's proposal is actually stricter than Scottsdale's. Where Scottsdale will allow cultivation of medical marijuana if the cultivation location, including patient residences, meets certain criteria (not easy, but possible), Tempe's proposal bars cultivation of medical marijuana in the City, even for home-bound patients, if there is a medical marijuana dispensary within 25 miles of the location.
While the agenda can be approved in its entirety by a single motion, but the agenda item for this measure, D4, is marked as a "public discussion" item and can be removed for separate consideration by any member of the public.
I expect it will be so removed.
Bring your munchies. :))
The Tempe City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 31 E. 5th St. in Tempe. Interested folks can send an email to the entire Tempe City Council here. Note: Communications with the Council are considered public records under Arizona law, and subject to public disclosure. In other words, keep it civil and on point (of course, since some of the members of the Council are friends of mine, I'd recommend that anyway :) ).
Later...
Russell Pearce, looking for shortcuts, declares himself to be AZ's sole lawmaker
Russell Pearce is well-known as Arizona's preeminent nativist, Senate President, and shadow governor.
What with appearances at neo-Nazi and Tea Party rallies, closed-door conferences with private prison lobbyists, frequent interviews on Fox News, and more, he doesn't have time for his day job as a working legislator.
Not to worry, Pearce has found a way to use his time more efficiently.
He's cutting out the "legislating" part, now crafting and enacting laws by personal fiat.
From an Arizona Republic article, written by Mary K. Reinhart -
Packin' heat? Never mentioned, nor should it be.
There's nothing in the Arizona Constitution that allows the legislature to declare itself above the laws that govern the rest of us, no matter how much Pearce and his follower insist otherwise.
This all does bring to mind one question. Where in the Senate rules of procedure would Pearce try to wedge in his "it's OK for legislators to violate state law" edict?
Personally, I think he should aim for changing the name of Committee of the Whole to "Committee of the Hole." No pronunciation change, and look at all the reduced ink costs from printing one less letter!
Look for lobbyists, journalists, and other Capitol regulars to start buying their suit jackets from Men's Wearhouse's new "Kevlar" line, coming soon to a location near you.
Later...
What with appearances at neo-Nazi and Tea Party rallies, closed-door conferences with private prison lobbyists, frequent interviews on Fox News, and more, he doesn't have time for his day job as a working legislator.
Not to worry, Pearce has found a way to use his time more efficiently.
He's cutting out the "legislating" part, now crafting and enacting laws by personal fiat.
From an Arizona Republic article, written by Mary K. Reinhart -
Just in case there was any doubt, Senate President Russell Pearce on Tuesday sent a memo to lawmakers clarifying his policy on guns in the Senate: Feel free to pack heat.The section of the Arizona Constitution to which Pearce seems to be referring is Article 4, Part 2, Section 8. It states -
Pearce's policy may conflict with the state law that's posted at the entrance to both the Senate and House advising visitors they cannot bring weapons inside. But he says the state Constitution gives him authority to make the rules within the building.
Each house, when assembled, shall choose its own officers, judge of the election and qualification of its own members, and determine its own rules of procedure.The Senate can and has determined its own rules of procedure. Those rules detail legislative minutae, such as the form and structure of bill proposals, casting votes, parliamentary procedures followed by the Senate, record keeping of Senate proceedings, and so on.
Packin' heat? Never mentioned, nor should it be.
There's nothing in the Arizona Constitution that allows the legislature to declare itself above the laws that govern the rest of us, no matter how much Pearce and his follower insist otherwise.
This all does bring to mind one question. Where in the Senate rules of procedure would Pearce try to wedge in his "it's OK for legislators to violate state law" edict?
Personally, I think he should aim for changing the name of Committee of the Whole to "Committee of the Hole." No pronunciation change, and look at all the reduced ink costs from printing one less letter!
Look for lobbyists, journalists, and other Capitol regulars to start buying their suit jackets from Men's Wearhouse's new "Kevlar" line, coming soon to a location near you.
Later...
Gabby Giffords' condition upgraded to "Good"
Some great news today...
From ABC News -
Because of her improving condition, she was able to be moved from a Houston hospital to a Houston long-term rehabilitation facility today to begin what is expected to be a long recovery process.
Pic of Mark Kelly, Congresswoman Giffords' husband, holding her hand while both watched Tuesday's State of the Union address. Pic courtesy MSNBC, who credited Giffords' office for the pic.
From ABC News -
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' doctors upgraded her condition from serious to good late Tuesday night and said she is ready to be transferred to a brain rehabilitation hospital as early as this morning pending a medical review.
Because of her improving condition, she was able to be moved from a Houston hospital to a Houston long-term rehabilitation facility today to begin what is expected to be a long recovery process.
Pic of Mark Kelly, Congresswoman Giffords' husband, holding her hand while both watched Tuesday's State of the Union address. Pic courtesy MSNBC, who credited Giffords' office for the pic.
Quick hit...
Or more precisely, "Quick Hits..."
Last night, after the State of the Union speech, I posted the text of the speech here.
Perhaps illustrating this president's broad appeal, not only did the post get hits from readers all over the country - Maine, Texas, Oregon, D.C. (of course!), California, Florida, and pretty much every state in between - it received hits from *all* over the world.
Some of the countries of origin for the ISPs of world readers -
Pakistan
Ghana
Indonesia
Saudi Arabia
Nigeria
Thailand
Cambodia
Canada
Kenya
Belgium
Korea
Slovenia
Germany
Austria
U.S. State Department (not a non-US reader per se, but still an interesting hit )
Hong Kong
Commission Europeenne (not a country, but still interesting)
Italy
Singapore
India
United Arab Emirates
Israel
Australia
Philippines
France
Monaco
Zambia
Palestinian Territory
Still, while it was gratifying to see the world's interest in what our President had to say, one of the U.S.-based hits was the most intriguing.
At 12:45 a.m. (Arizona time), a reader, using the internet service provider Matanuska Telephone Association, found this blog.
That reader's location?
Wasilla, Alaska.
I don't know that Wasilla's most famous resident was the reader, but since her "reality" TV show was recently cancelled and she doesn't have a day job since she quit on Alaskans almost a year-and-a-half ago, she now has the time for a little late night 'net surfing.
Just sayin'... :)
Last night, after the State of the Union speech, I posted the text of the speech here.
Perhaps illustrating this president's broad appeal, not only did the post get hits from readers all over the country - Maine, Texas, Oregon, D.C. (of course!), California, Florida, and pretty much every state in between - it received hits from *all* over the world.
Some of the countries of origin for the ISPs of world readers -
Pakistan
Ghana
Indonesia
Saudi Arabia
Nigeria
Thailand
Cambodia
Canada
Kenya
Belgium
Korea
Slovenia
Germany
Austria
U.S. State Department (not a non-US reader per se, but still an interesting hit )
Hong Kong
Commission Europeenne (not a country, but still interesting)
Italy
Singapore
India
United Arab Emirates
Israel
Australia
Philippines
France
Monaco
Zambia
Palestinian Territory
Still, while it was gratifying to see the world's interest in what our President had to say, one of the U.S.-based hits was the most intriguing.
At 12:45 a.m. (Arizona time), a reader, using the internet service provider Matanuska Telephone Association, found this blog.
That reader's location?
Wasilla, Alaska.
I don't know that Wasilla's most famous resident was the reader, but since her "reality" TV show was recently cancelled and she doesn't have a day job since she quit on Alaskans almost a year-and-a-half ago, she now has the time for a little late night 'net surfing.
Just sayin'... :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)