Saving Our Secret Ballot – just in time

The AZ Republic called it “anti-union”  and Democrats refused to argue its merits – choosing instead to politicize the state’s prison breaks!  Then, as if reading from the same cue card, Attorney General Terry Goddard joined the chorus.

Opposing workers’  rights to a secret ballot is hard to defend at best – and blatant cow-towing to the unions at worst.  But that’s exactly what all but two Democrats did.

Despite the drama and thanks to quick action by the Governor - for calling the Special Session – voters will be assured the opportunity to vote to Save Our Secret Ballot.  The timing to get it done was critical to getting it on the November ballot. 

What is Card Check? [Read more]

Support for Arizona law reaches Congress

Citizens here and across America aren’t the only ones in support of Arizona’s SB 1070.  Count many in Congress, too. 

Read Congressman Trent Franks’ press briefing: 81 Members of Congress File ‘Friend of the Court’ Brief Supporting Arizona in US v. Arizona

Of course, now we’ve learned that U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton issued an injunction blocking major provisions of the law until the courts further deliberate. 

Read what’s blocked and what’s not in the Arizona Capitol Times report.  For the complete amended version of SB 1070, click  here.

The Obama administration brief argued that “a state may not establish its own immigration policy or enforce state laws in a manner that interferes with the federal immigration laws. The Constitution and the federal immigration laws do not permit the development of a patchwork of state and local immigration policies throughout the country.”

Funny – the Feds don’t seem to find cities, like San Francisco that blatantly violate federal immigration laws  problematic – only states that try to enforce them!  [Read more]

Is Economic Recovery Automatic?

Unfortunately, no.  And with over 300,000 jobs lost in Arizona since the start of the “great recession” – 27% unemployment in one Arizona county  and still hovering near 10% statewide – we’re all feeling the effects.

What’s worse – Congress is adding to economic uncertainty through deficit “stimulus” spending and passing massive new healthcare, business and energy regulations that will raise taxes and consumer costs. 

We know these actions are hampering economic growth.

But what should government be doing?   Should government do anything?   Yes – and the sooner the better.  [Read more]

AZ Border In-security

The story that’s taking over the news these days is the immigration bill – SB 1070. 

As most of you know, most Arizonans support Governor Brewer and the Legislature’s actions  - enabling local police to enforce Federal immigration laws. 

And the rest of the country?  America knows there’s a problem.  In fact, I  receive calls and e-mails daily from people across the country in support of our actions and making  plans to vacation in our state! 

The boycotts, lawsuits and ignorant statements including those by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder – who admitted he hadn’t even read the bill – are drowned out by the truth:  [Read more]

Is YOUR school “performing”?

A better question might be, “What is a PERFORMING school”?  Parents likely don’t know that a “PERFORMING” school falls within the bottom third for academic performance – especially since some schools proudly emblazon the label on their school building or marquee for all to see!  [Read more]

….What’s Happening This Week?

Bio-ethics legislation will be the focus this Wednesday when Sen. Linda Gray and I will hear two groundbreaking bills in our respective Senate and House Committees banning human cloning in Arizona (HB 2652) and ensuring informed consent for human egg donation (HB 2651) .  

Protecting human life and arming women with adequate information is critical as bioscience industries march full steam ahead without clear ethical guidance. 

Tort Reform.  The agenda also includes an important Tort Reform requiring the courts to raise the standard for expert testimony (HB 2492).  The change will lower the rate of frivolous lawsuits by strengthening the integrity of true experts who testify in malpractice cases and keep non-expert witnesses out of the mix. [Read more]

A Strong Economy takes more than TALK

Despite the gloomy budget outlook, Legislators are leading Arizona’s prospects for robust job recovery to a whole new level – upward.  And since Arizona’s  business climate presents more of a steady crosswind than the friendly tax environment businesses seek, it’s not a moment too soon.

Prosperity doesn’t just happen – states need to promote and intentionally plan for growth.  Which is what HB 2250, the Arizona Job Recovery Act , is all about.   It is largely based upon findings from a report commissioned by House Republicans by Elliott D. Pollack and Company, which states in part: [Read more]

The Santa State

….some at the Legislature have great faith  – they believe the State is akin to Santa Claus.  During this week’s fifth Special Session on the budget, analogies that State Government was acting like “Scrooge” and “the Grinch” because we were reducing state spending by $194 million, added some humor to the discussion, but not much reality.

After all, the characters in these fictions are private community members, not governments redistributing wealth through compulsory taxation.

Furthermore – how can government leaders continue spending taxpayer money at a rate  revenues don’t support?  With a $1.6 billion deficit remaining in this year’s budget (with only 6 months to go),  spending is hovering around $10. billion and revenues are only $6.5!  Seems a bit irresponsible, n’est ce pas?  Not to mention unconstitutional. [Read more]

What do you DO when you’re not in Session?

It’s a question I imagine many people wonder of their elected representatives.  Below is an update on a few of the issues/activities keeping me hopping – between Special Sessions, of course. 

 -     A fourth Special Session, addressing this year’s budget, is expected to be called in early November.   Now that the latest revenue numbers are in, revealing a $2 billion deficit in the current budget year many of us are pushing to begin tackling this deficit  before we have to deal with next year’s budget cuts.  But the agencies’ 15% budget cutting exercise will result in nowhere near the real budget cuts we will see next year, ie. prisoners will not be released to the streets!

-     Arizona Healthcare Freedom Act.   People are incensed at Congress’ imminent  move to nationalize health care and are anxious to learn how they can  preserve their fundamental health care freedoms.  Requests for interviews, articles and to speak to groups about the AHCFA continue unabated.  It’s a movement catching fire across the country.  So far 20 other states, Kansas being the latest, plan to follow Arizona’s lead and introduce the legislation next year, if they haven’t already.  [Read more]

1,000 pg. Healthcare Bill – Details Troubling

Congressional Democrats hoped to push through healthcare ”reform” before Americans had a chance to digest the details of the plan.  But every day that Republicans and ”Blue Dog” Democrats stall the vote, questioning the trillion dollar price tag, tax hikes, mandates and morally objectionable policies in this complicated legislation, you and I are learning about the details contained therein, as well, and speaking up in protest. 

Here are just a few that might concern you:  [Read more]

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