As usual, all info gathered from the websites of the relevant political bodies/agencies, except where noted, and subject to change without notice.
...In the halls of Congress, expect developments regarding health care reform, though those could be accelerated/slowed by the results of the special Senate election in Massachusetts.
There are other matters on the agenda, regardless of the outcome in MA.
- - The House agenda has a few items of interest to Arizonans.
- H.R. 725, Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ4). CRS summary here. Heard under "suspension of the rules," so a 2/3 vote is required for passage.
- H.R. 1065, White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ1) and cosponsored by the rest of the Arizona delegation. CRS summary here. Subject to Rules Committee consideration.
- - Over in the Senate, they will be getting back to work on Wednesday. Their committee schedule is here.
Highlights of that list include a Wednesday hearing of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that will look into the failed Christmas Day explosive underwear attack. Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the current Secretary of Homeland Security, is scheduled to appear. There will also be a Thursday meeting of the Armed Services Committee to look at the findings of an independent review of the Fort Hood shootings. An FBI press release on the shootings, dated January 15, 2010, here.
...Back here in Arizona, the legislative session is in full swing; their committee schedule for the week was covered in this post.
...The Arizona Corporation Commission isn't meeting this week. Their hearing schedule is here, however.
...The Board of Directors of the Central Arizona Project isn't formally meeting this week, but their Finance, Audit, and Power Committee will meet on Thursday. In addition, they will be holding a Work/Study session on "ADD Water."
...The Tempe City Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday. The agenda is here. The Council Calendar is here.
...The Scottsdale City Council won't formally meet this week. However, they will be part of a joint meeting and dinner with the Tempe City Council at the District 1 Police Station on McKellips Road. That is scheduled for Tuesday evening. The City's Community Meeting Notice is here.
...Not scheduled to meet this week: Citizens Clean Elections Commission, Arizona Board of Regents, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Board of Directors of the Maricopa Integrated Health System, Governing Board of the Maricopa County Community College District.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The coming week... - Legislative edition
Normally, this is part of a longer and more comprehensive post, but since the lege is in full swing now, they'll rate their own post for a while.
"For a while" will probably last until late March or early April, or until the leadership of one or the other chamber orders that no bills be considered until a budget is passed.
Anyway, the usual disclaimer applies - except where noted, all info gathered from the lege's website and subject to change without notice.
- On the House side, the committee schedule is pretty full. Monday is quiet due to the holiday, after that...
...Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., the Committee on Public Employees, Retirement, and Entitlement Reform will meet in HHR3. That agenda looks pretty sparse right now, with the highlight being a presentation on the financial condition of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
...the Committee on Government will also meet at 2 on Tuesday, but in HHR4. The highlights here: HB2019, a plan by Jerry Weiers (R) to dock the per diems of legislators who miss votes; and HCR2001, a resolution asserting Arizona's sovereignty (in most instances) over the federal government, citing the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (basically, they want the feds to keep sending money to AZ, but without any strings attached). Sponsored by 47 out of the 53 Rs in both chambers of the lege.
Weiers' bill may actually violate the AZ Constitution, as it is phrased in such a way as to dock legislators a day's pay per missed vote, and if their daily per diem isn't enough to cover that amount, future per diems will be forfeited until the amount is reached. The problem with that is that only the voters can change legislators' pay. Some lawyers will need to look at this one to properly evaluate it.
...Banking and Insurance will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR1. The agenda looks quiet thus far.
...Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. The highlight here could be HB2131, a bill relating to the continuation of the Department of Juvenile Corrections. Jan Brewer wants to shutter this department and pawn off its responsibilities onto the state's counties, so this bill could see some serious amending before it is through.
...Health and Human Services will meet Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. The interesting bill here seems to be HB2025, mostly concerning chiropractors and recordkeeping. The interesting part is that it sets forth recordkeeping requirements for chiropractors, but then pretty much exempts all chiropractors from those requirements.
...Commerce will meet at 9 a.m. in HHR5 on Wednesday. Looks quiet thus far.
...Joint Appropriations (the Appropriations Committees of both chambers) will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in HHR1 for a presentation on the Governor's budget proposal. Should be the most colorful and interesting meeting of the week.
...Water and Energy will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. Quiet thus far.
...Transportation and Infrastructure will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. Highlights include HB2034, a bill to direct the AZ Department of Weights and Measures to include a list of all federal and state taxes on a sticker to be placed on gasoline pumps; HB2085, a measure designed to cripple photo traffic enforcement; and HB2213, barring any public agency of the state from entering into or renewing a photo enforcement contract without the express permission of the legislature.
...Judiciary will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m in HHR4. The highlight here is HB2042, a bill to ban the seeking of employment while standing on a road. A John Kavanagh nativist special.
- Over on the Senate side...
...Senate Rules will meet on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Caucus Room 1. John Huppenthal's SB1039, limiting the amount of information that schools have to report to parents, is getting fast-tracked.
...Commerce and Economic Development will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR1. Most of the agenda relates to executive branch nominations.
...On Tuesday, Judiciary will meet at 2 p.m. (or thereabouts) in SHR1. Highlights here include SCR1007, repealing legislative term limits; SCR1009, barring publicly-financed elections; and SCR1013, changing the job title of Secretary of State to Lieutenant Governor.
Note: These SCRs have to be approved by the voters before becoming law.
...On Wednesday at 9 a.m., Public Safety and Human Services will meet in SHR3. Highlights here include SB1070, a Russell Pearce bill to bar "sanctuary city" policies and also to turn every government employee into an immigration enforcement agent; SB1084, a measure to allow charging a fee to folks petitioning a court for relief from harassment arising out of a dating relationship; and SB1087, weakening domestic violence laws.
...Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet in SHR1 at 9 a.m on Wednesday. Quiet.
...Education Accounability and Reform will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1. Highlights here are some executive nominations and consideration of SB1120, a bill to expand the teacher student loan program. Sounds good, right? Well, there is a lot going on in this bill, but the primary purpose of it seems to be to remove language restricting the loan program to schools supervised by the Arizona Board of Regents (which oversees U of A, ASU, and NAU) to schools overseen by the Commission for Post-Secondary Education.
Which oversees things like cosmetology and bartending schools.
...Government Institutions will meet on Thursday at 10:30 a.m in SHR1. Looks quiet, though Russell Pearce's SB1031, relating to voter registration drives, bears watching (as does everything else that Russell Pearce produces.
Later...
"For a while" will probably last until late March or early April, or until the leadership of one or the other chamber orders that no bills be considered until a budget is passed.
Anyway, the usual disclaimer applies - except where noted, all info gathered from the lege's website and subject to change without notice.
- On the House side, the committee schedule is pretty full. Monday is quiet due to the holiday, after that...
...Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., the Committee on Public Employees, Retirement, and Entitlement Reform will meet in HHR3. That agenda looks pretty sparse right now, with the highlight being a presentation on the financial condition of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
...the Committee on Government will also meet at 2 on Tuesday, but in HHR4. The highlights here: HB2019, a plan by Jerry Weiers (R) to dock the per diems of legislators who miss votes; and HCR2001, a resolution asserting Arizona's sovereignty (in most instances) over the federal government, citing the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (basically, they want the feds to keep sending money to AZ, but without any strings attached). Sponsored by 47 out of the 53 Rs in both chambers of the lege.
Weiers' bill may actually violate the AZ Constitution, as it is phrased in such a way as to dock legislators a day's pay per missed vote, and if their daily per diem isn't enough to cover that amount, future per diems will be forfeited until the amount is reached. The problem with that is that only the voters can change legislators' pay. Some lawyers will need to look at this one to properly evaluate it.
...Banking and Insurance will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in HHR1. The agenda looks quiet thus far.
...Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. The highlight here could be HB2131, a bill relating to the continuation of the Department of Juvenile Corrections. Jan Brewer wants to shutter this department and pawn off its responsibilities onto the state's counties, so this bill could see some serious amending before it is through.
...Health and Human Services will meet Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. The interesting bill here seems to be HB2025, mostly concerning chiropractors and recordkeeping. The interesting part is that it sets forth recordkeeping requirements for chiropractors, but then pretty much exempts all chiropractors from those requirements.
...Commerce will meet at 9 a.m. in HHR5 on Wednesday. Looks quiet thus far.
...Joint Appropriations (the Appropriations Committees of both chambers) will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in HHR1 for a presentation on the Governor's budget proposal. Should be the most colorful and interesting meeting of the week.
...Water and Energy will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. Quiet thus far.
...Transportation and Infrastructure will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. Highlights include HB2034, a bill to direct the AZ Department of Weights and Measures to include a list of all federal and state taxes on a sticker to be placed on gasoline pumps; HB2085, a measure designed to cripple photo traffic enforcement; and HB2213, barring any public agency of the state from entering into or renewing a photo enforcement contract without the express permission of the legislature.
...Judiciary will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m in HHR4. The highlight here is HB2042, a bill to ban the seeking of employment while standing on a road. A John Kavanagh nativist special.
- Over on the Senate side...
...Senate Rules will meet on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Caucus Room 1. John Huppenthal's SB1039, limiting the amount of information that schools have to report to parents, is getting fast-tracked.
...Commerce and Economic Development will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in SHR1. Most of the agenda relates to executive branch nominations.
...On Tuesday, Judiciary will meet at 2 p.m. (or thereabouts) in SHR1. Highlights here include SCR1007, repealing legislative term limits; SCR1009, barring publicly-financed elections; and SCR1013, changing the job title of Secretary of State to Lieutenant Governor.
Note: These SCRs have to be approved by the voters before becoming law.
...On Wednesday at 9 a.m., Public Safety and Human Services will meet in SHR3. Highlights here include SB1070, a Russell Pearce bill to bar "sanctuary city" policies and also to turn every government employee into an immigration enforcement agent; SB1084, a measure to allow charging a fee to folks petitioning a court for relief from harassment arising out of a dating relationship; and SB1087, weakening domestic violence laws.
...Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet in SHR1 at 9 a.m on Wednesday. Quiet.
...Education Accounability and Reform will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in SHR1. Highlights here are some executive nominations and consideration of SB1120, a bill to expand the teacher student loan program. Sounds good, right? Well, there is a lot going on in this bill, but the primary purpose of it seems to be to remove language restricting the loan program to schools supervised by the Arizona Board of Regents (which oversees U of A, ASU, and NAU) to schools overseen by the Commission for Post-Secondary Education.
Which oversees things like cosmetology and bartending schools.
...Government Institutions will meet on Thursday at 10:30 a.m in SHR1. Looks quiet, though Russell Pearce's SB1031, relating to voter registration drives, bears watching (as does everything else that Russell Pearce produces.
Later...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Shadegg retires...again
Congressman John Shadegg (R-CD3) has announced that he will not seek reelection this year. He made the same announcement two years ago, then reneged on it.
This time he reallyreallyreally means it, honest.
Note: any speculation about possible Republican candidates is just that - speculation. In case you couldn't tell (because my writing is *so* subtle :) ), I am NOT a Republican and have few, if any, sources among the Rs.
A quick rundown of some possible candidates to replace him (announced and speculated about):
Jon Hulburd, Democrat, is the only announced candidate thus far. He was gearing up to challenge Shadegg; now he has to shift gears slightly and adjust to running for an open seat.
Phil Gordon, Democrat. He's currently the Mayor of Phoenix and is termed limited next year, so he wants to move onward and upward. If he gets in and gains any traction in this race, it will be on the strength of his fundraising and campaign machine. Grassroots Dems do NOT like Gordon - he's endorsed too many really bad Rs (Jim Weiers, Andrew Thomas) to endear himself to neighborhood Democratic activists. Has the ego to jump in anyway.
Jim Waring, Republican. Currently a state senator. Was rumored to be interested two years ago, but backed off when Shadegg unretired. Currently "exploring" a run at State Treasurer, but may forego that for a shot at DC. If he goes for it, State Sen. Thayer Verschoor will probably go for the Treasurer's job. Of the R names listed here, he may be the best of a very bad lot. Very conservative, but not a knuckledragger.
Pam Gorman, Republican. Currently a state senator, and like Waring, was rumored to be interested two years ago. Currently on the outs with Senate leadership for her "more conservative than thou" grandstanding on the state budget last year, so she may be very interested this time around.
Sean Noble, Republican. Formerly Shadegg's chief of staff and has long been considered Shadegg's heir apparent. Writes the blog Noble Thinking.
Steve May, Republican. Former state legislator. Actually formed a committee in 2008 and briefly ran against Shadegg, but backed off when the support wasn't there. Very conservative, strong military background, but with one big flaw by Republican standards - he's openly gay. If he runs for office again, any office, he will have a tough row to hoe in any R primary. I don't think that he lives in the district, but that is a minor detail in AZ. Just ask Virginian Rick Renzi.
Sam Crump, Republican. Currently a state representative. Very conservative, very ambitious, not known for playing well with others - threatened to challenge House Speaker Kirk Adams on the budget, and like Gorman, got slapped down for his trouble (but only temporarily). Also started to mount a campaign for AG, trying to bump more established Rs Tom Horne and Andrew Thomas from the race. Recently backed away from that to run for reelection to the state House. Very likely to jump in here, regardless of who else jumps in.
Any teabagger (pick one, any one.) Don't know which one, but given the state of the current GOP, at least one will jump in.
Other possible but less likely candidates:
Perennial candidate Susan Bitter Smith (R), an industry lobbyist and currently president of the governing board of the Central Arizona Project. She doesn't live in the district, but may view an open seat as an easier target than Harry Mitchell in CD5.
The aforementioned Tom Horne (R), currently State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a candidate for Attorney General. Possible, but not likely - Andrew Thomas' travails (a polite word for "expected federal indictment") leave him a clear path at the R nod for AG. A CD3 primary would be far less of a good bet for him.
Bob Lord (D), who mounted a strong challenge to Shadegg in 2008. Word is that he has been advising fellow D Hulburd. Expended a lot of energy in 2008, and may not have another run in him. Yet.
Vernon Parker (R), Mayor of Paradise Valley and an announced candidate for Governor. Has an uphill battle in a statewide race with his low name recognition, but is one of the bigger names in the district. Pure speculation on my part, but I wanted to toss out a name that no one else has so far. :)
Tedski's take and speculations at Rum, Romanism, Rebellion, here.
Anybody have their own guesses? Feel free to leave them in a comment...
This time he reallyreallyreally means it, honest.
Note: any speculation about possible Republican candidates is just that - speculation. In case you couldn't tell (because my writing is *so* subtle :) ), I am NOT a Republican and have few, if any, sources among the Rs.
A quick rundown of some possible candidates to replace him (announced and speculated about):
Jon Hulburd, Democrat, is the only announced candidate thus far. He was gearing up to challenge Shadegg; now he has to shift gears slightly and adjust to running for an open seat.
Phil Gordon, Democrat. He's currently the Mayor of Phoenix and is termed limited next year, so he wants to move onward and upward. If he gets in and gains any traction in this race, it will be on the strength of his fundraising and campaign machine. Grassroots Dems do NOT like Gordon - he's endorsed too many really bad Rs (Jim Weiers, Andrew Thomas) to endear himself to neighborhood Democratic activists. Has the ego to jump in anyway.
Jim Waring, Republican. Currently a state senator. Was rumored to be interested two years ago, but backed off when Shadegg unretired. Currently "exploring" a run at State Treasurer, but may forego that for a shot at DC. If he goes for it, State Sen. Thayer Verschoor will probably go for the Treasurer's job. Of the R names listed here, he may be the best of a very bad lot. Very conservative, but not a knuckledragger.
Pam Gorman, Republican. Currently a state senator, and like Waring, was rumored to be interested two years ago. Currently on the outs with Senate leadership for her "more conservative than thou" grandstanding on the state budget last year, so she may be very interested this time around.
Sean Noble, Republican. Formerly Shadegg's chief of staff and has long been considered Shadegg's heir apparent. Writes the blog Noble Thinking.
Steve May, Republican. Former state legislator. Actually formed a committee in 2008 and briefly ran against Shadegg, but backed off when the support wasn't there. Very conservative, strong military background, but with one big flaw by Republican standards - he's openly gay. If he runs for office again, any office, he will have a tough row to hoe in any R primary. I don't think that he lives in the district, but that is a minor detail in AZ. Just ask Virginian Rick Renzi.
Sam Crump, Republican. Currently a state representative. Very conservative, very ambitious, not known for playing well with others - threatened to challenge House Speaker Kirk Adams on the budget, and like Gorman, got slapped down for his trouble (but only temporarily). Also started to mount a campaign for AG, trying to bump more established Rs Tom Horne and Andrew Thomas from the race. Recently backed away from that to run for reelection to the state House. Very likely to jump in here, regardless of who else jumps in.
Any teabagger (pick one, any one.) Don't know which one, but given the state of the current GOP, at least one will jump in.
Other possible but less likely candidates:
Perennial candidate Susan Bitter Smith (R), an industry lobbyist and currently president of the governing board of the Central Arizona Project. She doesn't live in the district, but may view an open seat as an easier target than Harry Mitchell in CD5.
The aforementioned Tom Horne (R), currently State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a candidate for Attorney General. Possible, but not likely - Andrew Thomas' travails (a polite word for "expected federal indictment") leave him a clear path at the R nod for AG. A CD3 primary would be far less of a good bet for him.
Bob Lord (D), who mounted a strong challenge to Shadegg in 2008. Word is that he has been advising fellow D Hulburd. Expended a lot of energy in 2008, and may not have another run in him. Yet.
Vernon Parker (R), Mayor of Paradise Valley and an announced candidate for Governor. Has an uphill battle in a statewide race with his low name recognition, but is one of the bigger names in the district. Pure speculation on my part, but I wanted to toss out a name that no one else has so far. :)
Tedski's take and speculations at Rum, Romanism, Rebellion, here.
Anybody have their own guesses? Feel free to leave them in a comment...
Haiti Relief Efforts: Congressman Harry Mitchell
From an email to his constituents -
The news reports of the destruction and devastation that continue to come out of Haiti have been sobering. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the victims of this catastrophe that has toppled homes and building, split up families, left countless injured and taken untold lives.
Many people have asked me how they can help with the recovery efforts. I am proud that so many people in our community have recgonized the need to pull together and reach out in critical times like these.
There are a variety of ways Arizonans can provide assistance. Working together, we can help aid the recovery and rebuilding of Haiti. If you want to help take part in the earthquake relief effort I encourage you to visit the State Department's website, http://www.state.gov, or InterAction at www.interaction.org to find a list of verified and secure charities and organizations to learn what steps you can take. While Many agencies are accepting donations for the relief effort, InterAction’s website also outlines other ways to help the relief effort, such as volunteering, as well as what material donations are currently being accepted.
The State Department is also encouraging individuals wishing to help with relief efforts to use their mobile phones to text “Haiti” to 90999, which will send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, charged to the mobile phone user’s bill. Additionally, the American Red Cross is currently sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to support earthquake relief efforts. The Red Cross is accepting donations to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In Arizona, local businesses are doing their part. The Phoenix Business Journal is reporting that the Scottsdale Jean Company is collecting non-perishable food donations at its store and will match every donation collected. The store is located at14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 106 in Scottsdale. The Phoenix Mercury, along with Carl Hayden High School, are also holding a canned food drive at the US Airways Center.
It is also important to beware of potential fraud from people looking to take advantage of your generosity. Forbes Magazine recommends that when donating, you:
--Avoid charities you've never heard of.
--Ignore unsolicited e-mail solicitation.
--Go to the charity, not the other way around.
--Ignore telemarketers.
--Do not send money to a foreign bank account.
--Stick to established brand names, such those listed on the State Department’s website, www.state.gov.
--Make sure the charity applies your donation to the specific cause.
--Do your own due diligence and research the charity.
The State Department has also set up the following phone number for missing U.S. citizen family members, 1-888-407-4747 and asks for you continued patience, as the line has been experiencing a high volume of calls.
For up to date information about the relief efforts visit: www.state.gov.
Sincerely,
Harry
The news reports of the destruction and devastation that continue to come out of Haiti have been sobering. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the victims of this catastrophe that has toppled homes and building, split up families, left countless injured and taken untold lives.
Many people have asked me how they can help with the recovery efforts. I am proud that so many people in our community have recgonized the need to pull together and reach out in critical times like these.
There are a variety of ways Arizonans can provide assistance. Working together, we can help aid the recovery and rebuilding of Haiti. If you want to help take part in the earthquake relief effort I encourage you to visit the State Department's website, http://www.state.gov, or InterAction at www.interaction.org to find a list of verified and secure charities and organizations to learn what steps you can take. While Many agencies are accepting donations for the relief effort, InterAction’s website also outlines other ways to help the relief effort, such as volunteering, as well as what material donations are currently being accepted.
The State Department is also encouraging individuals wishing to help with relief efforts to use their mobile phones to text “Haiti” to 90999, which will send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, charged to the mobile phone user’s bill. Additionally, the American Red Cross is currently sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to support earthquake relief efforts. The Red Cross is accepting donations to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In Arizona, local businesses are doing their part. The Phoenix Business Journal is reporting that the Scottsdale Jean Company is collecting non-perishable food donations at its store and will match every donation collected. The store is located at14747 N. Northsight Blvd. Suite 106 in Scottsdale. The Phoenix Mercury, along with Carl Hayden High School, are also holding a canned food drive at the US Airways Center.
It is also important to beware of potential fraud from people looking to take advantage of your generosity. Forbes Magazine recommends that when donating, you:
--Avoid charities you've never heard of.
--Ignore unsolicited e-mail solicitation.
--Go to the charity, not the other way around.
--Ignore telemarketers.
--Do not send money to a foreign bank account.
--Stick to established brand names, such those listed on the State Department’s website, www.state.gov.
--Make sure the charity applies your donation to the specific cause.
--Do your own due diligence and research the charity.
The State Department has also set up the following phone number for missing U.S. citizen family members, 1-888-407-4747 and asks for you continued patience, as the line has been experiencing a high volume of calls.
For up to date information about the relief efforts visit: www.state.gov.
Sincerely,
Harry
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Indications are that State Sen. John Huppenthal doesn't appreciate irony
Cross-posted at Blog for Arizona...
Wednesday afternoon, State Sen. John Huppenthal chaired a meeting of the Senate Education Committee.
Much of the meeting was an exercise in campaign positioning (he's running for state superintendant of public instruction this year). That positioning included inviting Matthew Ladner of the Goldwater Institute to give a presentation on the "wonderful" statistical results of education reform in Florida.
After that, the committee considered a couple of bills, proposed by Huppenthal himself. One of those was SB1039, a bill to remove certain info from the "report cards" that public schools have to issue about themselves to the public. The info he wants removed from public scrutiny includes (from the lege summary sheet) per pupil expenditures, available social services, available transportation services, class size, and teacher/student ratios.
His objection is that such info is "self-reported" and not subject to verification. As such, it is suspect and shouldn't be disseminated to the public.
The ironic part is that while Huppenthal was blunt in his criticism of public schools as deceptive, his praise of Ladner and GI, an organization known for fudging numbers and taking shortcuts (apples to oranges comparisons) with statistical analyses, was effusive to the point of being overtly obsequious.
Yes, it's an election year, with all of the expected posturing and preening, but it isn't unreasonable to expect a little intellectual honesty out of someone who want to oversee the state's education apparatus, is it?
Wednesday afternoon, State Sen. John Huppenthal chaired a meeting of the Senate Education Committee.
Much of the meeting was an exercise in campaign positioning (he's running for state superintendant of public instruction this year). That positioning included inviting Matthew Ladner of the Goldwater Institute to give a presentation on the "wonderful" statistical results of education reform in Florida.
After that, the committee considered a couple of bills, proposed by Huppenthal himself. One of those was SB1039, a bill to remove certain info from the "report cards" that public schools have to issue about themselves to the public. The info he wants removed from public scrutiny includes (from the lege summary sheet) per pupil expenditures, available social services, available transportation services, class size, and teacher/student ratios.
His objection is that such info is "self-reported" and not subject to verification. As such, it is suspect and shouldn't be disseminated to the public.
The ironic part is that while Huppenthal was blunt in his criticism of public schools as deceptive, his praise of Ladner and GI, an organization known for fudging numbers and taking shortcuts (apples to oranges comparisons) with statistical analyses, was effusive to the point of being overtly obsequious.
Yes, it's an election year, with all of the expected posturing and preening, but it isn't unreasonable to expect a little intellectual honesty out of someone who want to oversee the state's education apparatus, is it?
Harry Mitchell: Pelosi Puppet? Not so much...
I love it when the various Republican contenders/pretenders in AZCD5 try to paint Democratic Congressman Harry Mitchell as an "out of touch DC liberal" or to tie him to Nancy Pelosi or something similarly untrue.
It was with slightly mixed feelings that I read this CQPolitics.com Eye on 2010 blog post (emphasis mine) -
It was with slightly mixed feelings that I read this CQPolitics.com Eye on 2010 blog post (emphasis mine) -
During his year in Congress as a Democrat, party-switching Rep. Parker Griffith (R-Ala.) posted a 70 percent party unity score, according to CQ's 2009 vote study released this week.
That sum is certainly well below the Democratic party average but only good enough for ninth lowest among all Democrats.
{snip}
Other Democrats who ranked lower than Griffith during the 2009 session when it comes to party unity are Reps. Gene Taylor (Miss.) at 59 percent, Harry Mitchell (Ariz.) at 63 percent...
Note: the study by CQPolitics mentioned in their blog post is here.
In other words, Democrat Harry Mitchell votes with the Ds less than Republican Griffith.
As a liberal, one of the things that ticks me off about Harry is that he is nowhere near liberal enough to suit me. I would prefer that his speeches and votes were more like those of Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ7) or Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
However, that is more than counter-balanced by my respect for his loyalty to his constituents and his love of the district. Unlike many of his R colleagues (sadly, like some of the Ds, too), his district is his heart and soul, not just a conduit to a job.
He's not a conservative, at least not in the way that the current GOP (mis)uses the term.
He's just someone who tries his best to do right by his district and his constituents. I may not always agree with his votes, but I've never questioned his motivations.
Yes, I do truly love it when his would-be challengers start pointing fingers at Harry and shout "out of touch liberal!" and the like, because Harry is neither.
So, to all of the Republicans lining for a run at Congressman Mitchell's seat:
Calling him "out of touch" and "liberal" only shows how out of touch with reality that you are.
Legislative invocations are non-political and non-denominational, right?
Gawd, I hate being scooped by Tedski on matters that my own D17 legislators are involved in, but he got to this one before I did. :(
On the other hand, the Republican hypocrisy involved is too juicy to *not* cover it here. :))
One of the traditions at the AZLege is to open each floor session with a brief prayer offered by a member or an invited guest. Such prayers are usually (but not always*) non-political and relatively non-denominational.
*OK, so it isn't exactly unheard of for an R member or invitee to thank God for small government, low taxes or to pray for fewer immigrants...but I digress... :)
While most of those folks offering prayers before the lege are Republicans or present at the behest of a Republican member, on many days, Democrats offer their fair share of invocations.
Tuesday was one such day.
From Tedski's post at Rum, Romanism, Rebellion -
Apparently, prayers offered for the benefit of R and their benefactors like corporations are OK, but prayers offered for the benefit of society are inflammatory rhetoric or something similar.
IOKIYAR is still the rule of the day in Arizona politics. Look for another long year at the lege. The only factor that might make the session shorter will be the desire of members to start campaigning for reelection as soon as possible (it's an election year, in case anyone has forgotten :) ).
Note: the video of Tuesday's House session isn't posted yet, but once it is, it will be available here.
Later...
On the other hand, the Republican hypocrisy involved is too juicy to *not* cover it here. :))
One of the traditions at the AZLege is to open each floor session with a brief prayer offered by a member or an invited guest. Such prayers are usually (but not always*) non-political and relatively non-denominational.
*OK, so it isn't exactly unheard of for an R member or invitee to thank God for small government, low taxes or to pray for fewer immigrants...but I digress... :)
While most of those folks offering prayers before the lege are Republicans or present at the behest of a Republican member, on many days, Democrats offer their fair share of invocations.
Tuesday was one such day.
From Tedski's post at Rum, Romanism, Rebellion -
Ed Ableser invited a guest onto the floor to give a the opening prayer at the House today: Rabbi Andrew Straus who presides at Temple Emanuel, a five hundred member Reform Jewish congregation in Tempe. Straus’s prayer dealt with social justice, and at the end of it it so angered Andrew Tobin that he confronted the Rabbi, questioning its appropriateness. It caused quite a stir among some of the other Republican members as well, who felt it was overly political.Rep. Ableser is a representative from Tempe in D17, and Temple Emanuel is a congregation in Tempe (as noted by Tedski).
Apparently, prayers offered for the benefit of R and their benefactors like corporations are OK, but prayers offered for the benefit of society are inflammatory rhetoric or something similar.
IOKIYAR is still the rule of the day in Arizona politics. Look for another long year at the lege. The only factor that might make the session shorter will be the desire of members to start campaigning for reelection as soon as possible (it's an election year, in case anyone has forgotten :) ).
Note: the video of Tuesday's House session isn't posted yet, but once it is, it will be available here.
Later...
Monday, January 11, 2010
They're not ready
Today's opening of the 2nd Session of the 49th Arizona Legislature was marked by many things that we have seen before -
...House Speaker Kirk Adams promising to listen to Democratic proposals...before standing idly by, watching the Governor snub Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard after her speech...
...Governor Jan Brewer,in her stump speech in the State of the State address, to the resounding cheers of the members of her caucus of the lege, promising to balance the budget on the backs of Arizona's poorest citizens...
...The Governor using her State of the State speech to move to the right, positioning herself as the anti-government (and anti-immigrant, anti-poor people, and anti-fiscal reality) Governor...
...The Governor sounding Presidential...if you consider George W. Bush a good example to follow. She touched upon privatizing government, deregulating industry and funnelling resources to "faith-based" charities. Bush started spouting that stuff in early 2001, and enhanced corporate bottom lines at the expense of effective government and a healthy society for the next eight years...
...The Governor challenging listeners with "if you have a better plan, produce it" while blithely ignoring the fact that the Democrats did "produce" one, nearly a year ago...
...State Senator John Huppenthal using a point of personal privilege to hijack the Senate floor for a speech supporting his run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (when every other senator was introducing friends and family, he introduced Don Covey, the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools, and raved about they work that they had done together)...
...State Treasurer Dean Martin, perhaps in preparation for the announcement of his own run for Governor, using the exterior of the old Capitol building as the backdrop for an "unplanned, candid" run-in with Rep. Frank Antenori (R-Don't say I represent Tucson, even though I do"). The reason for the quotes around "unplanned, candid"? The TV cameraman and the photographer that he kept waiting outside until the crowds passing through the doors thinned out enough for their purposes...
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally take the state's budget issues seriously.
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally engage with their Democratic colleagues to discuss solutions for the state's problems.
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally step away from their ideological talking points and knuckle down to doing some real work to address the state's fiscal crisis.
But it hasn't come to pass yet, and it may never - they're not ready.
They're not ready to be professional government officials and anti-government panderers second.
They're not ready to be public servants first and partisan ideologues second.
They're not ready to be Arizonans first and Republicans second.
They're just not ready.
AZRepublic coverage here and here.
EV Tribune coverage, courtesy Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services, here.
Arizona Capitol Times and Arizona Guardian have coverage behind subscriber firewalls.
...House Speaker Kirk Adams promising to listen to Democratic proposals...before standing idly by, watching the Governor snub Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard after her speech...
...Governor Jan Brewer,
...The Governor using her State of the State speech to move to the right, positioning herself as the anti-government (and anti-immigrant, anti-poor people, and anti-fiscal reality) Governor...
...The Governor sounding Presidential...if you consider George W. Bush a good example to follow. She touched upon privatizing government, deregulating industry and funnelling resources to "faith-based" charities. Bush started spouting that stuff in early 2001, and enhanced corporate bottom lines at the expense of effective government and a healthy society for the next eight years...
...The Governor challenging listeners with "if you have a better plan, produce it" while blithely ignoring the fact that the Democrats did "produce" one, nearly a year ago...
...State Senator John Huppenthal using a point of personal privilege to hijack the Senate floor for a speech supporting his run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (when every other senator was introducing friends and family, he introduced Don Covey, the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools, and raved about they work that they had done together)...
...State Treasurer Dean Martin, perhaps in preparation for the announcement of his own run for Governor, using the exterior of the old Capitol building as the backdrop for an "unplanned, candid" run-in with Rep. Frank Antenori (R-Don't say I represent Tucson, even though I do"). The reason for the quotes around "unplanned, candid"? The TV cameraman and the photographer that he kept waiting outside until the crowds passing through the doors thinned out enough for their purposes...
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally take the state's budget issues seriously.
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally engage with their Democratic colleagues to discuss solutions for the state's problems.
- It may come to pass later this year that the Republicans in the legislature and the Governor will finally step away from their ideological talking points and knuckle down to doing some real work to address the state's fiscal crisis.
But it hasn't come to pass yet, and it may never - they're not ready.
They're not ready to be professional government officials and anti-government panderers second.
They're not ready to be public servants first and partisan ideologues second.
They're not ready to be Arizonans first and Republicans second.
They're just not ready.
AZRepublic coverage here and here.
EV Tribune coverage, courtesy Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services, here.
Arizona Capitol Times and Arizona Guardian have coverage behind subscriber firewalls.
The Governor's State of the State address, 2010 version
The full text of her speech, as prepared for delivery, is here.
Go ahead and read it, but here's my summary -
Her campaign for election is in full flight and she has a stump speech down pat; today she just called it "The State of the State."
Her main campaign plank:
Arizona's mess is not her fault - it's Janet Napolitano's, Terry Goddard's, the federal government's, and the voters' (for approving social spending by referenda).
All can be fixed with corporate tax cuts, fewer regulations, and cuts to social services and education. Oh, and get rid of all of those gosh darn immigrants.
I'll go into more details later, but I'm heading home - turns out that the budget presentation that is scheduled to take place in a committee hearing is the same one that is on the governor's website, and has been for approximately three weeks.
Later...
Go ahead and read it, but here's my summary -
Her campaign for election is in full flight and she has a stump speech down pat; today she just called it "The State of the State."
Her main campaign plank:
Arizona's mess is not her fault - it's Janet Napolitano's, Terry Goddard's, the federal government's, and the voters' (for approving social spending by referenda).
All can be fixed with corporate tax cuts, fewer regulations, and cuts to social services and education. Oh, and get rid of all of those gosh darn immigrants.
I'll go into more details later, but I'm heading home - turns out that the budget presentation that is scheduled to take place in a committee hearing is the same one that is on the governor's website, and has been for approximately three weeks.
Later...
The Dawn Of A New Era
OK, not really - just the start of a new session of the Arizona State Legislature...
Not much going on right now.
I'm sitting on the third floor of the Senate building. It's a lot like a class reunion...of a class that last met last month, which most of these folks did.
There are current and former legislators, family members, friends, and, of course, lobbyists.
Currently, sitting across from me are three lobbyists working the phones and the crowd, trying to get legislators to drop ("drop" is lege-speak for "offer for consideration") their favored bills as soon as possible.
Anyway, waiting for the open of the Senate session. After that, the plan is to attend the Governor's State of the State speech, a Dem press conference immediately after that, and depending on the length of that, attend a committee hearing. The committee meeting includes a presentation on the state's budget situation. Things are pretty dire, even after last month's "fix."
Anyway, time to do some of my own "meeting and greeting" and maybe snap a few pics...
Later
Not much going on right now.
I'm sitting on the third floor of the Senate building. It's a lot like a class reunion...of a class that last met last month, which most of these folks did.
There are current and former legislators, family members, friends, and, of course, lobbyists.
Currently, sitting across from me are three lobbyists working the phones and the crowd, trying to get legislators to drop ("drop" is lege-speak for "offer for consideration") their favored bills as soon as possible.
Anyway, waiting for the open of the Senate session. After that, the plan is to attend the Governor's State of the State speech, a Dem press conference immediately after that, and depending on the length of that, attend a committee hearing. The committee meeting includes a presentation on the state's budget situation. Things are pretty dire, even after last month's "fix."
Anyway, time to do some of my own "meeting and greeting" and maybe snap a few pics...
Later
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Word of the day: Irony
A quick hit, because this was just too good to pass up on...
From AZCentral.com's AZ/DC blog -
This stuff won't help either one in the general election - few Independents and fewer Democrats listen to Hayworth's gabbing, and fewer still are actually influenced by it. Of course, at this point both are focused on just winning the R primary.
Rodney Glassman for Senate. He'll work for the entire state, not just the teabaggers.
From AZCentral.com's AZ/DC blog -
Sen. John McCain this week launched his first re-election radio ads of the 2010 race, declaring that he is "Arizona's last line of defense" in the battle against President Barack Obama's liberal agenda.So who wins the irony war here? McCain because he is using his putative challenger's own soapbox to get out his message? Or Hayworth because his potential target is providing revenue to his radio show and by doing so, creating even more buzz about the possible race than there had be previously?
{snip}
Not lost on any observers is the fact that McCain's paid political announcements inject his point of view onto the airwaves of conservative Phoenix radio station KFYI
(550 AM), where former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., attacks him on a seemingly constant basis. Hayworth, who hosts an afternoon drive-time program, repeatedly has said he is considering a challenge to McCain in the Aug. 24 Republican primary.
This stuff won't help either one in the general election - few Independents and fewer Democrats listen to Hayworth's gabbing, and fewer still are actually influenced by it. Of course, at this point both are focused on just winning the R primary.
Rodney Glassman for Senate. He'll work for the entire state, not just the teabaggers.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
The word today: Focus
Judging from the "output" of Russell Pearce's mind, during the coming session of the lege, he and his caucus won't be putting forth any more real effort to address the state's fiscal crisis than they did during the last session.
From Pearce's SB1028, cosponsored by his fellow travelers Sen. Chuck Gray and Rep. Judy Burges:
Umm...perhaps one of Sen. Pearce's friends should remind him that the is chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Arizona State Senate, and that under his leadership of that committee (and House Approps before he started his current gig), Arizona has turned into the fiscal laughingstock of the country.
As is the case with the legislature, the salaries of local and other elected officials are set by the voters. When they think that their elected officials deserve a raise, they can grant one; when they think that their elected officials don't deserve one, they can deny a raise.
It isn't Sen. Pearce's place to usurp local control of local organs of government.
His focus should be and needs to be on state-level issues. Local voters don't need his help, and in fact, his history of contempt for the constituents even in his own west Mesa district proves that no one should expect his help.
However, he should show enough courtesy to at least stay out of the way.
From Pearce's SB1028, cosponsored by his fellow travelers Sen. Chuck Gray and Rep. Judy Burges:
Notwithstanding any other law, beginning on the effective date of this act, a city, town, county, school district or special taxing district in this state shall not spend public monies to increase the salary of any of its elected public officials during fiscal year 2009-2010 and fiscal year 2010-2011 until after this state has enacted a balanced budget for those fiscal years.
Umm...perhaps one of Sen. Pearce's friends should remind him that the is chair of the Appropriations Committee of the Arizona State Senate, and that under his leadership of that committee (and House Approps before he started his current gig), Arizona has turned into the fiscal laughingstock of the country.
As is the case with the legislature, the salaries of local and other elected officials are set by the voters. When they think that their elected officials deserve a raise, they can grant one; when they think that their elected officials don't deserve one, they can deny a raise.
It isn't Sen. Pearce's place to usurp local control of local organs of government.
His focus should be and needs to be on state-level issues. Local voters don't need his help, and in fact, his history of contempt for the constituents even in his own west Mesa district proves that no one should expect his help.
However, he should show enough courtesy to at least stay out of the way.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Priceless...
Non-political spleen vent ahead...continue reading at your own risk... :)
...Ride to the airport via Supershuttle: $20 (Good price because I live close to Sky Harbor)
...Flight to New York for father's funeral service: $450 (Decent price. Doesn't make up for the reason for the trip, but you find the silver linings where you can...)
...Departing Phoenix one hour late because a flight attendant missed the van ride from the hotel (bad), arriving in Philly just after my connection to Albany had taken off (really bad), getting booked on the next flight to Albany without any hassles (actually getting better), and then arriving in Albany only to find out that my luggage had never left Philly:
Freakin' priceless.
I'm never flying on U.S. Airways again. Let me be clear - all of the rank-and-file airline personnel that I dealt with today were uniformly polite and friendly (though that tardy flight attendant is *not* on my Christmas card list :) ), but US Air has a bad reputation for things like lateness and lost luggage and it lived right down to that reputation. I ignored it this time because the flight worked for me (not a red-eye, but the original itinerary had me getting into Albany at a decent hour), but I won't repeat that mistake.
They have systemic issues that are rooted in a management culture that sacrifices customers and employees on the altar of higher profits and executive bonuses.
So to sum up -
Arrgghhh!
Ahhhh...I feel better now. Time to go over to US Air's lost luggage website to give them the address to deliver the bag to later today...otherwise, I am going to be woefully underdressed at the service.
Later...
Edit on 1/6: A number of typos have been corrected without notation to maintain readability. I should know better than to write while I'm both utterly ticked off and exhausted. :(
...End edit...
...Ride to the airport via Supershuttle: $20 (Good price because I live close to Sky Harbor)
...Flight to New York for father's funeral service: $450 (Decent price. Doesn't make up for the reason for the trip, but you find the silver linings where you can...)
...Departing Phoenix one hour late because a flight attendant missed the van ride from the hotel (bad), arriving in Philly just after my connection to Albany had taken off (really bad), getting booked on the next flight to Albany without any hassles (actually getting better), and then arriving in Albany only to find out that my luggage had never left Philly:
Freakin' priceless.
I'm never flying on U.S. Airways again. Let me be clear - all of the rank-and-file airline personnel that I dealt with today were uniformly polite and friendly (though that tardy flight attendant is *not* on my Christmas card list :) ), but US Air has a bad reputation for things like lateness and lost luggage and it lived right down to that reputation. I ignored it this time because the flight worked for me (not a red-eye, but the original itinerary had me getting into Albany at a decent hour), but I won't repeat that mistake.
They have systemic issues that are rooted in a management culture that sacrifices customers and employees on the altar of higher profits and executive bonuses.
So to sum up -
Arrgghhh!
Ahhhh...I feel better now. Time to go over to US Air's lost luggage website to give them the address to deliver the bag to later today...otherwise, I am going to be woefully underdressed at the service.
Later...
Edit on 1/6: A number of typos have been corrected without notation to maintain readability. I should know better than to write while I'm both utterly ticked off and exhausted. :(
...End edit...
Monday, January 04, 2010
State Lege sweeps bequest to State Parks system
...But so long as Pinnacle West, the homebuilder associations and the other corporations that hire Republican lobbyists get their tax gifts cuts, who cares about the dying wishes of a generous woman?
From AZCentral.com -
"Shameless."
Mr. Travous is far kinder and more tactful than I am when it comes to describing the leaders of the lege.
The new session of the lege is schedule to start in a week, and according to Mary Reinhart of The Arizona Guardian (subscription required to read the story), they have looked at the gaping maw of a deficit remaining in this year's budget and the absolute fiscal abyss projected for next year's budget and are working on a package of tax cuts to further reduce the state's revenues.
Welcome to Arizona, where the Republicans have never seen a hole that they didn't want to make deeper...
From AZCentral.com -
In their latest effort to solve Arizona's budget crisis with cuts, lawmakers turned to a woman who couldn't make a fuss. After all, she has been dead for eight years.
Asta Forrest, a Danish immigrant who fell in love with Arizona after moving to Fountain Hills with her husband, left nearly $250,000 to the Arizona State Parks Board when she died of cancer at age 82.
{snip}
While parks officials considered what to do with the money, Arizona's budget deficit ballooned into the billions. Last month, when the Republican-led Legislature met in special session to cut $140 million from the budget, it swept up half the money in the parks system's donations fund, which included most of Forrest's donation.
"It was like they had kicked me in the stomach," [Former State Parks Director Ken] Travous said. "Surely, I thought, they have some shame. But they're shameless."
"Shameless."
Mr. Travous is far kinder and more tactful than I am when it comes to describing the leaders of the lege.
The new session of the lege is schedule to start in a week, and according to Mary Reinhart of The Arizona Guardian (subscription required to read the story), they have looked at the gaping maw of a deficit remaining in this year's budget and the absolute fiscal abyss projected for next year's budget and are working on a package of tax cuts to further reduce the state's revenues.
Welcome to Arizona, where the Republicans have never seen a hole that they didn't want to make deeper...
Sunday, January 03, 2010
The coming week...
...Due to some sad and sudden family issues, there won't be much blogging this week.
As far as this weekly calendar post goes, there isn't much to write about anyway - it seems that Congress is still not in session, the Arizona lege has only a couple of intersession makework committees meeting (the new session of the lege starts next week), the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a special meeting on Thursday and the City Councils of Scottsdale and Tempe have meetings this week.
Other than that, most political bodies/agencies seem to be quiet this week.
Talk to you next week!
As far as this weekly calendar post goes, there isn't much to write about anyway - it seems that Congress is still not in session, the Arizona lege has only a couple of intersession makework committees meeting (the new session of the lege starts next week), the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has a special meeting on Thursday and the City Councils of Scottsdale and Tempe have meetings this week.
Other than that, most political bodies/agencies seem to be quiet this week.
Talk to you next week!
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