Brewer Honored with Achievement Award

Brewer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
By Helaine Chersonsky
　
Congratulations and kudos to Governor Jan Brewer, who will receive the 2009 John F. Long Lifetime Achievement Award on November 5 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa. The Phoenix Business Journal described the award being given to the governor in spite of the recent “nail-biting legislative session.” As I see it, the award is actually an acknowledgment of Governor Brewer’s political courage in the face of the U.S. tanked economy and the reality of lower revenues for states because of the on-going recession-depression.
Governor Brewer has always displayed a combination of political courage and common sense as she has served the state of Arizona in her capacity as Arizona’s Secretary of State. I want to remind the citizens of Arizona about the financial debacle former governor Janet Napolitano left the state of Arizona in when she became head of the Department of Homeland Security under our “dear leader” President Barack Obama.
Napolitano’s spending spree during her years as governor put the state of Arizona on a deficit footing with increased expenditures for the state on a three-year average of 13.25 percent (these figures are taken from the Arizona 10-year budget history from 2000 to 2009). Napolitano was also warned by the treasurer about the budget-busting expenditures. Think about one of Napolitano’s pet projects: day care for children under five years old; now think about how much that one little item cost per year and you will have a small idea of Arizona’s budget deficit and the reason for the budget deficit in 2009.

AZ FACING MORE CUTS

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, a conservative Republican, inherited, as a result of the housing slump and a spending spree by Democrat former Governor, Janet Napolitano, a state government spending more then it was taking in. Hard, responsible, decisions had to be made and Brewer made them. She made the greatest cuts in state spending in Arizona history.

Brewer accepted reality however, budget cuts alone would not solve the budget crisis and let the Republican controlled legislature know that nothing was off the table, including the need for increased revenue to provide government services.

The governor sponsored a plan that was hailed by the Wall Street Journal as a budget breakthrough for state government and an alternative to the California tax and spend model. The plan would have repealed the hated tax on business property, would have provided one of the largest state corporate income tax cuts in the nation, from 6.97% down to 4.86% and cut all individual income tax rates by 6.6%. In exchange, the legislature would allow a one cent temporary sales tax increase to be referred to the voters. The temporary sales tax referral would have given the people of Arizona a say in how much they wanted to spend on government and would have only taken effect if they approved it.

Former U.S. Treasury economist Robert Carroll of the Tax Foundation claims that states with lower corporate tax rates have higher wages and more productivity. Small business also would have benefited from the lower rates, which would have allowed them to reinvest in their business.

Governor Brewer's plan was a, win-win, for Arizona and an agreement was reached with the Republican Caucus of both the House and the Senate to repeal the business property tax and cut the corporate and individual income tax rate in exchange for a referral to the voters of a temporary sales tax increase of one cent.

The Arizona House approved the agreement but two extremist in the Republican controlled Senate, Pamela Gorman and Ron Gould, who both claim to be Republican, broke ranks and voted with the Democrats against the sales tax referral and therefore killed the agreement.

Arizona now faces a $1,5 billion deficit for the FY 2010 and possibly a $3 billion deficit next year unless draconian cuts are made in state spending.

The governor's office has asked state agency directors to submit plans for a possible additional 15% cut in their budgets.

Some state agencies have reported what they would have to cut if budget cuts of 15% were required of their agencies because extremist in the legislature insist on cuts to close the state budget deficit.

According to a report in today's Arizona Republic.

The Arizona Department of Corrections would be forced to reduce its budget by $153 million. which would require;

* Early release of 13,000 prisoners.

* Reducing mandatory time served by 50 percent for most serious felonies,

* Closing the Arizona State Prison Complex at Douglas and the prisons at Globe, Fort Grant, and St. Johns,

* Laying off 1,500 employees.

In his letter to Brewer's budget director, Eileen Klein, DOC Director Charles Ryan explained, "Rewriting the criminal code and releasing thousands of prisoners is neither realistic nor in the best interest of public safety," and that , "Releasing thousands of prisoners because of the budget deficit will place the public at risk and is akin to turning our back on the law-abiding citizens of Arizona."

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality warned of increased noncompliance at landfills and bio-hazardous medical waste treatment facilities and reduced monitoring of pesticides entering the water systems in Arizona.

Arizona's universities, ASU, UofA and NAU, have already cut $231 million, or 21% of their state funding this year and estimate that a 15 % cut would equal an additional $135 million is cuts.

Regents President Ernest Calderon reported that, "We'd have to look at everything." Calderon explained that 15% was the equivalent of $1,300 in additional annual tuition charges per student or the elimination of 2,200 jobs.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, (AHCCCS), would be forced to reduce its budget by $44 million and would have to eliminate its Kids Care program, which currently covers 46,957 children, who would lose their health insurance coverage.

The Department of Public Safety, (DPS), Director, Roger Vanderpool, during a radio interview today said he would have fever officers, resulting in longer response time to emergencies. He estimated 570 to 600 employee cuts.

We may have to suffer further cuts that may turn Arizona into a third world state and seriously hurt the Republican party in future elections for the legislature and the governor's office, but Senator Pamela Gorman, who is eyeing a Congressional seat and Senator Ron Gould, can always say they never voted for a tax increase or referral and are therefore champions of the taxpayer, of course what is good for Gorman and Gould comes first before; country, state, community or party, at least according to Gorman and Gould.


Bob Haran,
American Conservative Republican

A COURAGEOUS GOVERNOR

Bill McCune is a broadcaster, documentary maker and former Arizona legislator. In the Opinions Section of Today's Republic, McCune authored a Special to the Republic titled, "Brewer's Valor Merits Spot in History Books."

There is a difference between today's politicians and yesterday's political leaders. This article shines a light on the problem with today's political community. Too many politicians put themselves first and the good of the country and community last. Politics has become more of a business then a public service. The only concern our current crop of elected officials seem to have is how to get re-elected.. Public policy is being determined by campaign contributions and public opinion polls and not the public good. And powerful special interest have learned who to contribute to and how to manipulate public opinion to get what they want.

Where have all the statesmen gone?

In this last season of the Arizona Legislature, some members have been guided by dogma instead of practicality, theory over reality, and a pledge to a protegee of corrupt political operative Jack Abramoff, Grover Norquist, over doing what Arizona must do to close a devastating budget gap.

What follows is the full article by Bill McCune .


Brewer's Valor Merits Spot in History Books.
by Bill McCune, September 22, 2009.

Other then some political TV reporting, I have not spent time at the Legislature since I left the state Senate in January 1977. My focus has been Arizona history and the 80-odd documentary projects I've produced.

This year, however, the Legislature captured my attention - and not in a good way. It makes my mind wander back and remember others who had qualities quite in contrast:

I was in awe of Sandra Day O'Connor and Burton Barr as they worked to create a school-tax equalization law.

I remember legislators such as David Kret of Scottsdale and John Wettaw of Flagstaff.
Brillant! Tom Goodwin of Tucson made the University of Arizona Medical School happen. And Howard Adams, himself quadriplegic, gave Arizona its emergency-medical services and put paramedics into every fire department.

Every name I mentioned was a "conservative" Republican.

Now, we turn to that sad aggregation of today's legislative leadership. I wonder if any of the landmark legislation mentioned above would have been approved by the current cast. "Too expensive," So much for Arizona's future.

"Gotta get rid of government! What matters is this year's tax bills...and next year's election."

A real conservative takes a different approach:

Today, we struggle. We have to raise more revenue for a year or two perhaps. Revenue means taxes. It's the true conservative approach - balance the damn budget! It's in our Arizona Constitution.

And finally, this; if memory serves, Gov. Jan Brewer's very first political activity was campaigning door to door for my re-election to the House in 1972. Today, Jan and I would probably disagree on many issues. And that's just fine, for more importantly she has turned out to be a profile in courage.

She has stood up for her righteous beliefs - for schoolchildren, for the mentally and physically challenged. And stood up to pay for it! This, in direct opposition to the small-minded powers of her own angry party. Politically, she has everything to lose. And, indeed, may well lose it.

But in producing Arizona history documentaries, I've studied the political career of every Arizona governor. Never before has one so consciously chosen to stand up and be counted, come what may.

We are witnessing a courageous, historic moment in Arizona history.

IRON LADY of ARIZONA TAKES ACTION

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today signed some budget bills to keep state government alive and line-item vetoed others with school funding cuts.

$250 million property tax repeal vetoed, casualty of refusal by a few extremist senators to allow voters to decide question of one cent temporary sales tax increase.

STATEMENT BY ARIZONA GOVERNOR JAN BREWER,
Source, Eye on the 9th Floor.

Good afternoon.

Today I have approved a number of budget bills that will allow state government to continue important operations -- and I have vetoed legislation that needs additional work and compromise.

Just as I said last March – I will NOT give up on the future of our State. I will NOT give up on education, I will NOT give up on the fight for our most vulnerable citizens -- and I will NOT allow the state we all love to fall into the abyss of bankruptcy.

The voters of Arizona don’t want me to give up, and I WILL NOT give up on them.

Right now, Arizona faces a roughly $4 billion deficit. We are spending roughly $11 billion, and we are bringing in roughly $7 billion.

So what can we all do – in addition to my actions today -- to solve this historic problem?

This fall and in the next regular session of the Legislature, legislative leaders and I must work to break the stranglehold that a handful of Republican and Democratic EXTREMISTS have on the Arizona legislature.

We cannot cut our way out of this problem. We cannot tax our way out of this problem. BOTH solutions will be necessary to resolve this crisis, and doing both will take incredible political courage and compromise.

This is a NOT a political game. It is gravely serious. It is a time to set aside political agendas, or personal campaign agendas, and -- for once -- place our State ahead of the tired and uncivil politics of the most extreme in both Parties.

46 Republicans, all but an extreme few, have now courageously trusted the voters on the issue of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

I have always trusted the voters during my 27 years as an elected official, and 46 Republicans have demonstrated – SO DO THEY!

Whether it is now -- or whether it is in the next several weeks -- the handful of extremists on the fringes of the Legislature will see the deeper and more painful cuts that will be necessary because of their delays on resolving the state deficit. Every month that goes by only makes the deficit and the pain more severe.

My actions today -- and the clean-up bill I have proposed -- will allow our State to weather the storm at least until the next regular session of the Legislature.

Until then, the voters of this State can be confident that we will continue to prioritize education, public safety, and protect our state’s most vulnerable.

Let me reiterate once more: I am NOT giving up, I am NOT surrendering, I am NOT abandoning what the people of Arizona want me to do. I am doing what is right, and I believe they know that.

I would be happy to answer a few questions…

For Reference: Senator Gorman's response to E-Mail hit piece.

The e-mail in question was made to appear as if it was sent by District 6, it was not and was never authorized by the District Executive Committee, of which I'm a member. Thou I'm opposed to Senator Gorman's position on this issue, I'm also opposed to the use of trickery to make a communication to anyone appear as if it was sent by someone else.

Saturday, August 22, 2009
SENATOR PAMELA GORMAN RESPONDS....

Yesterday, an e-mail reply was sent to all LD-6 PC's, here is Sen. Gorman's Statement:

In a surreal turn of events, I have been invited to respond to a "hit piece" my own Republican district leadership has used the internal email list to help circulate misinformation to my fellow Precinct Committeemen. This email was designed to get PC's to call and lobby me to vote for a tax increase. In this alternate reality where voting "yes" on a property tax repeal is reported to be voting "no" and stopping a tax increase is reported to be voting against an entire budget, I hardly know where to start to explain...

First, I think a little background is important to understand. For those who were not aware, the "budget" is really a series of bills that move through the system (usually, but not necessarily, together one after the other). The main bill contains the numbers for funding levels and is referred to as the "feed” bill internally. The balance of the budget bills are filled with policy instructions on how the money in the feed bill is to be spent and reforms to be carried out to create savings. Internally, we refer to these companion bills as "BRB's" (pronounced Burbs- stands for Budget Reconciliation Bills).


The tax referral demanded by the governor was always in a
separate bill that was not a regular BRB or the feed bill. It's connection to the actual budget is one of Governor Brewer's invention, but there is no logical connection because the revenue which the tax increase will produce is not affecting the Fiscal Year 2010 budget for planning purposes. It is a stand-alone bill, with only a connection in terms of the psychology of Brewers continued commitment to a tax increase.


One of those budget bills (SB1025) I caused to be amended in a "sit cow" (this means the bill was run through Committee of the Whole an additional time to further amend it). This amendment put the $250 million property tax repeal directly into the budget "BRB" bill, in order to save it from the certain death it faced if left combined with a tax increase bill. I voted FOR this bill and have voted for ALL of the budget bills in every budget all session...
Those that tell you otherwise are trying to invent reality
by playing with words. I did, however, cast a NO vote for the tax increase bill. I make no excuses for voting against a tax increase and to be honest, I don't think I should have to.


You have also possibly heard of the late-entry new idea the tax increase crowd came up with designed to encourage conservatives to become complicit in the sales tax increase's passage. What you haven't heard is the "rest of the story" and, I presume, why Sam Crump, Andy Biggs, Ron Gould, and I all refused to support this trade off. Trust me, it was no "deal" that anyone should take. Unfortunately, several otherwise smart folks have failed to see this from all angles and jumped on board early in a very public way and now that the details are surfacing, their names and logos are being used to suggest they support a tax increase bait and switch scheme of sorts. Here's the basic outline...

In return for getting out of the way of a sales tax increase by throwing our vote onto the referral bill (which we all feel has a very strong chance of passing) there was a DELAYED cut to corporate and personal income taxes offered (the lion's share in terms of percentage being corporate tax cuts).

Here's one BIG problem with this: The delayed cuts would not be scheduled to kick in until 2011. And, until those revenue changes begin to affect the general fund, ALL of our legal advisors have unanimously advised the legislature that these cuts will not be protected by Prop 108 (Prop 108 requires a 2/3 vote for a tax increase to be passed). This means that in a few months we will have a perfect storm of events that will almost certainly crush any hopes we have that those cuts would ever go into effect and begin to “pay back” the billions of dollars the sales tax increase will take from Arizona families. Here is a sketch of what I mean: We will have this same governor (who insists we need more revenue and less cuts to spending), the same legislators (who could not muster the courage to make necessary cuts in a non-election year), at least a $2 billion revenue shortfall, no more federal bailout money coming in, and the looming "potential" of reduced revenue to the tune of $400 million from these "future" cuts. The drop in revenue from the cuts will be seen as a problem that needs to be rectified by repealing them or delaying them with a simply majority vote before they go into effect. No one really doubts that there will be a huge effort to delay or outright repeal those cuts before they ever see the light of day. So, essentially, this is a Popeye cartoon situation where you are told "Give me a burger today and I will pay you on Tuesday." In a word, the cuts are but a fantasy. And, it takes only 12 Democrats (all of whom are against the cuts enacting) and 4 Republicans (I can name 5 of them who would vote to delay or repeal them) to do away with the sweetened part of the pot and leave only the tax increase standing. Some of the folks buying into the “fantasy” do it because they are not well versed in our process, others don’t understand the political dynamics of the personalities currently in public office. Those of us who do are not being fooled. There are others out there (possibly including the authors of the cowardly anonymous YouTube video) who understand this full and well and it is actually part of their overall plan to get more revenue through a tax hike now, knowing they will never lose future revenues to the tax cuts because they will never come to fruition.


Additionally, there is the very real economic issue to contend with in regard to the tax increase itself. When you want to turn an economy around, you try to stimulate it by giving folks money to go out and
spend in the community. By pulling a billion dollars in spending capacity out of the hands of Arizonans, you will be doing the OPPOSITE of stimulating the economy.
You will, in effect, slow it down and prolong the recession and at the same time cripple Arizona families who are desperately just trying to hang on in this economy. They estimate the average family will pay the government an extra $400 if this sales tax passes. Think about it. How many groceries can you buy for $400? Car payment? School fees and books? What will those families choose to live without once they are sending that money to the state instead of infusing the same dollars into our economy? Tax increases are bad. Tax increases during a recession are irresponsible. A tax increase to cover over-spending is un-Republican.

Incidentally, the polling supports this sales tax passing even BEFORE the multi-million dollars in special interest money come pouring in to support a slick ad campaign to make sure it passes. Remember Prop 400? Same crew running this show, but this time they will have even more support from Teacher's Unions, Firefighter's Unions, Hospital Associations, etc. To those that find solace in saying "I will vote to push it forward, but will vote against it at the polls," I think a reality check is in order. It will be like David and Goliath. Heck, look at the professionally produced hit ad they did on me already just to get my ONE vote!

You also have heard a lot about the $250 million property tax permanent repeal.
This is an effort, which I have always supported. It is doing away with the only property tax on your tax bill that comes to the state. We tried to repeal it when times were good, but could only get it suspended under Napolitano. As such, it will come back online next year without action by the legislature and the governor to make it permanent. I have now voted in support of this 3 times. It was my stubborn persistence that got it put into this BRB on the day we voted the budget out of the Senate last Wednesday. It was vetoed twice before (once by Napolitano and once by Brewer) but is now part of the budget bill SB1025 on its way to the governor again. I am hopeful she will hear from all of you and choose to sign it into law, once and for all. While it only represents on average $67 for homeowners, every little bit helps. For business, it is a much larger hit should this tax come back automatically.

Now that you have the background, let me state some basic facts.




1. The proposal is a likely sales tax hike in exchange for"slim chance" tax cuts - but it is still a net tax increase for nearly everyone in our district at least in the next few years.I can’t support hitting the citizens of our district with a tax
increase - both because that is what I promised you andbecause too many Arizonans can't afford it in this recession, which will only be longer and harsher if the sales tax is increased.

2. As much as I believe in cutting corporate taxes to someday entice business to move to our state once the global recession has passed and businesses begin expanding again, the price here – an immediate tax increase on taxpayers- is too much to ask in exchange for a shot-in-the-dark chance at getting those future tax cuts.

3. I believe the tax hike will pass. And, due to the current political situation at the capitol and the economic situation in the state, the tax cuts will never see the light of day.

4. A majority of members, when faced with cutting spending or getting rid of tax cuts would choose ditching the tax cuts to retain that revenue for continued over-spending. Even today, many would rather choose higher taxes over
making the cuts necessary to balance the budget.

4. I have voted FOR the property tax repeal 3 times but the governor vetoed it, presumably holding it hostage in order to extort support for higher taxes. I am not willing to trade a tax hike, that if passes would cost the average family $400 a year, in exchange for a property tax break of $67 (on average) per family. So, I hope Governor Brewer will sign the bill and cease holding that issue in jeopardy as part of a tax hike plan.

5. I have been a consistent and vocal supporter of real tax cuts
for Arizona and no one has stood more firmly in opposition to higher taxes.

6. I did vote FOR the Republican budget, which included the $250 million property tax repeal. I voted AGAINST a $1 billion tax increase.

7. I am very disappointed that paid political operatives have been
allowed to hijack the LD6 email list to encourage you to lobby me
armed with half-truths and, in some cases, patently false information. I not only
welcome, but encourage you to get the facts about the tax plan and remember
that the majority of the LD6 delegation is on record opposing it.

8. Good well-meaning people with very similar ideas will still sometimes disagree. Everyone has their reasons and professional/personal priorities when determining how they will vote. There has been an enormous amount of pressure applied from all sides on this. While I wish my colleagues would use the power of their vote to prevent this harmful tax increase from going to the ballot at their hand, I do not judge.


Sincerely,

Senator Pamela Gorman (R)
Legislative District 6

Wall Street Journal Supports Brewer on Budget

From the Wall Street Journal 8/11/09

Arizona’s Budget Breakthrough

An alternative to California’s tax and spend model.
Perhaps states are starting to learn the right fiscal lessons from the red-ink blowouts in high-tax California and New York. Today, the legislature in Arizona will vote on a tax reform designed to entice more employers and high-income taxpayers to the state. Sponsored by Republican Governor Jan Brewer, the plan would cut state property taxes, the corporate tax and personal income taxes, in exchange for a temporary rise in the sales tax.

Most economic studies agree that states have more jobs and higher income growth when they tax consumption rather than savings, investment and business profits. This explains why most of the nine states with no income tax at all—such as Texas, Florida and Tennessee—have been economic high-flyers in recent decades.

Ms. Brewer’s proposal reflects this economic logic. Effective January 1, 2011, her plan would reduce the state’s corporate income tax rate to 4.86% from 6.97%, which would be one of the largest business tax cuts in the nation in recent years. The proposal also cuts all personal income tax rates by 6.6%, thus lowering the top marginal rate to 4.24% from 4.54%. A hated statewide tax on commercial and residential property would also be abolished.

Arizona has been hit especially hard by the housing slump, and its budget woes were compounded thanks to former Governor Janet Napolitano’s spending spree before she joined the Obama cabinet. On her watch the budget grew by more than 50% in five years—to $10.2 billion from $6.5 billion in 2004. The state now has a $1 billion budget gap, and to close it the legislature will also vote on a one percentage point increase in the sales tax to 6.6% in 2010 and 2011; in the third year the sales tax would fall to 6.1%, and in the fourth year would revert to its current 5.6% rate.

We’d rather see the legislature cut more spending than raise the sales tax, but on the other hand the sales tax would only take effect if it is approved on the November ballot. The political class is giving voters a say in the matter. The sales tax increase also has the advantage of a built-in expiration date, while the tax cuts are permanent.

Democratic opponents are calling this a tax giveaway to big business. But lawmakers needn’t apologize for trying to retain Arizona’s status as a business-friendly state—particularly when jobs are so scarce. Small employers also benefit from the lower property tax rates and the personal income tax reductions. Lower tax payments will enable them to reinvest more in their enterprises.

The opponents should consult a new study of state business taxes by former U.S. Treasury economist Robert Carroll for the Tax Foundation. He examined 50 states and found that states with lower corporate tax rates have higher wage gains and more productivity over time. This tax cut sounds like a high-return investment.

Republicans control both houses of the Arizona legislature, and as we went to press the main obstacle to passing the reform was the Arizona Senate’s anti tax conservatives. They oppose the higher sales tax. These Republicans should look to one of the triumphs of the Reagan Presidency, the 1986 tax reform, which broadened the tax base but substantially lowered tax rates and thus sustained the 1980's expansion.

Arizona has the chance to be the anti-California, closing the budget deficit by growing the economy, not by raising taxes. We hope legislators don’t blow it, because the U.S. desperately needs an alternative to the tax, spend and tax again philosophy of Sacramento and Albany.

Historic Pro-Life Legislation Signed into Law.

From Arizona right to Life.

Governor Brewer Signs Most Pro-Life Legislation in Arizona History


Phoenix, AZ - July 14, 2009 - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer made history late Monday after signing into law the most pro-life legislation ever passed in the state.

The laws take effect on October 12th, following the 90-day constitutional grace period.


HB2400 "Partial Birth Abortion Ban" -- Bans the gruesome practice of killing a baby while he/she is only partially delivered.

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Barto



HB2564 "Abortion Consent Act" -- Establishes informed consent rights of a woman considering an abortion, requires notarized parental notification for minors to obtain a legal abortion, and protects rights of conscience for healthcare professionals not participating in abortion.

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Barto



SB1175 "Prohibition of abortions performed by non-physicians" -- Bans anyone who is not a licensed physician from performing abortions.

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Barto



HB2616 "Jesse's Law, Part 2" -- Protects a patient while any legal issues are being resolved in lieu of an Advanced Medical Directive.

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Rick Murphy

Pullen Wants State Bar to Stop Partisan Game Playing

It's time for the Arizona State Bar to stop playing games

By Randy Pullen,
Chairman,
Arizona Republican Party.

We need fair and impartial jurists, and today I called upon the State Bar of Arizona to stop playing games with Arizona’s judicial selection system and submit a slate of nominees for the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments that actually have a chance of being confirmed by the state Senate. Constitutionally, the Governor is mandated to select one nominee from the list provided by the State Bar and forward the selection to the Senate for consideration. But the State Bar only forwarded one name to Governor Brewer for consideration, forcing the submission of an unacceptable nominee who stands little if any chance of being confirmed.

The people of Arizona expect more from their judicial selection system, and this cast of trial lawyers at the State Bar is making a mockery of the so-called merit selection and retention system. For years, the State Bar has promoted the names of the chosen, liberal few. They should be ashamed of themselves for failing in their constitutionally mandated duties.

According to the Arizona Nominating Commission, there are three judicial nominating commissions in Arizona -- the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments and the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments. Each commission has 16 members: 10 public members and 5 attorneys, plus the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court or a designated Supreme Court justice, who serves as a voting chairperson.

These Commission members are to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Public members may not be judges or practicing attorneys. Attorney members must have practiced law in Arizona for five years and are recommended to the Governor by the State Bar of Arizona.

When Governor Brewer received the selection for the commission, she immediately wrote a letter to the State Bar requesting additional nominees. We all know that the State Bar had a willing partner in pushing a radical, liberal judicial agenda with Governor Napolitano. With Governor Brewer now occupying the 9th Floor, a balanced and impartial court system will hopefully be in order. But I’m not going to hold my breath. As the State Bar did the same thing to former Governor Symington. It is difficult to take the State Bar seriously when they are so obviously partisan in their selections to the judicial nominating committee.

State Budget Furum with Governor on Wednesday

A State Budget Forum w/Governor Jan Brewer

Mayors from the East Valley cordially invite you to take part in a State Budget Forum on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center in Scottsdale. Governor Brewer and community leaders will be taking part in the event. The event is open to the public, but space is limited so be sure to arrive early to guarantee a seat. GRANITE REEF SENIOR CENTER – 1700 N. GRANITE REEF ROAD - Scottdale

Tom Jenny Backs GOP Legislators Refusal to Hike Taxes

Tom Jenny, the director of the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), today applauded the announcement of a plan by Republican leaders of the Arizona Legislature to cover the state's $3.3 billion FY 2010 deficit without raising taxes. Senate President Bob Burns (R-Peoria) and House Speaker Kirk Adams (R-Mesa) outlined the plan yesterday at a meeting of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

Burns and Adams suggested $840 million in new spending reductions, $500 million in continuing reductions from FY 2009, $1.3 billion in federal stimulus funding, $390 million in fund transfers from non-general fund balances, and non-tax revenue of $300 million. The plan may involve some short-term borrowing.

Jenny said "We're not enthused about the debt financing elements, but it's better than raising taxes during a recession."

The Burns-Adams plan stands in contrast to Gov. Jan Brewer's proposal to raise taxes by a billion dollars a year for three years, which would amount to over $300 per Arizona household per year according to AFP AZ..

Recently released economic projections by the Goldwater Institute and the Beacon Hill Institute suggest that a billion-dollar sales tax increase would cost Arizona 14,400 private-sector jobs and a billion-dollar income tax increase would cost 26,000.

AFP AZ announced that Senate President Burns and Speaker Adams are welcomed to speak at the Taxpayer Tea party at the Capitol on April 15. "We welcome participation by all public officials who have not proposed a tax increase this year," Jenny said. Congressman John Shadegg and a number of state legislators are scheduled to speak at the event, which begins at 5:30 PM on the Senate Lawn. Over 2,000 have registered online for the event.

Brewer to Join Community Discussion on Budget

The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) has been conducting Town-Hall meetings around the county to allow GOP legislators to discuss the budget with Arizona taxpayers and now a media advisory from the governors office has announced that Governor Brewer will join leaders in an unprecedented community discussion on Arizona's budget crisis.

Arizona is facing a record deficit that will impact our state's economic future. In response to this critical situation, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council will hold a special summit on April 9 entitled, "Convening the Community."

The goal of the summit is to bring government, business and the public together to frame the budget problem, and its magnitude, in terms the community can understand.

Presentations will include; Gov. Brewer and her top advisors on budget recommendations and, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council on improving Arizona's economic competitiveness.

The summit will take place at the Tempe Center for the Arts at 7000 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe on Thursday, April 9, 2009 from 9 to 11 a.m. (Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.)

Please RSVP to Kristina Justin at 480-286-8933 or email kjustin@gpec.org

CAP Opposed to Gambling Expansion in AZ

From Cathi Herrod, Center for Arizona Policy.


CAP Asks Governor and Arizona Legislature to Oppose Gambling Expansion


Today, Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) asked Governor Jan Brewer and state legislators to oppose any expansion of gambling in Arizona. Expanding gambling would have harmful consequences for Arizona families and communities, while doing nothing to help the ailing state economy. Two major new gambling enterprises are being considered by elected officials.

First, gambling proponents at state dog and horse racetracks and some state legislators have suggested expanding gambling to solve our state budget deficit. The proposed expansion apparently would allow racetracks to build casinos or to have slot machines and table games. Because many of these discussions have been brewing behind closed doors at the Capitol, gambling expansion could slip into the budget under the radar. That is why CAP is speaking out now to oppose any such proposals.

Expanding off-reservation gambling would break the agreements that Arizona currently has with the Indian tribes. As a result, the tribes could expand their gambling operations all across the state with no limits - making Arizona far worse than Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Gambling will not help our economy, our families, or our communities. Studies repeatedly show that the costs of gambling outweigh the benefits by at least a 3:1 ratio.

Additionally, the Tohono O'odham tribe has announced plans to build a casino in the heart of Glendale's major economic development area and directly across the street from a local high school. CAP is urging state legislators and Gov. Brewer to voice opposition to this new casino. For the casino to become a reality, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior must authorize the tribe's land to be placed in trust.

Voters Oppose Tax Increase, Cuts, Support Sending Limits

AFP Arizona Releases Poll Results:
Likely Voters Oppose Tax Increases

Respondents Reject Deficit-Reducing Options,
Support Constitutional Spending Limit

PHOENIX – Likely voters in Phoenix and Glendale rejected sales and income tax increases by large majorities, in poll results released today by the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP Arizona), a taxpayer watchdog group committed to fiscal responsibility and limited government.

Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposed billion-dollar-a-year tax increase fared badly in the poll, with 62 percent of respondents in Phoenix opposed, and 64 percent in Glendale. Opposition to tax increases crossed party lines, with 47 percent of self-identified “strong Democrats” in Phoenix opposed, and 52 percent in Glendale.

Respondents also rejected by wide margins a ballot proposition that would allow the state Legislature to make cuts to areas of the state budget that are currently protected from cuts, including parts of K-12 education and state health care programs for the poor.

“The poll results suggest that there’s no point in the Legislature trying to fix Prop 105 at the ballot,” said AFP Arizona director Tom Jenney, referring to the constitutional provision that makes it nearly impossible for the Legislature to make reductions to voter-mandated spending programs.

The least unpopular of the short-term deficit fixes was a proposal to sell state assets, including public lands, and privatize state functions. Fifty-five percent of respondents in Phoenix opposed the proposal, as did 52 percent in Glendale. The only short-term deficit fix that won approval of majorities of respondents was a proposal to allow gaming at horse and dog racing tracks to generate new revenues for the state.

“Nearly all of the deficit-reducing options are unpopular,” Jenney said, “so our elected officials may as well vote on principle.” AFP Arizona has urged the governor and legislators to hold fast to conservative principles and balance the budget by reducing spending, privatizing state functions, and selling state assets.

For a long-run solution to the state’s recurring budget woes, the poll asked likely voters how they felt about a constitutional amendment that would keep the state government from increasing its budget faster than the rate of growth of the state economy. Seventy percent of respondents in Phoenix and 78 percent in Glendale supported the proposal.

“The spending limit reform won’t fix our current problems,” Jenney said, “but it would go a long way toward preventing a budget deficit crisis in the next recession. At some point, the state of Arizona needs to get off the fiscal rollercoaster.”

Completed Monday night, March 23rd, the polling effort surveyed 300 likely voters in both Phoenix and Glendale on local and state-level tax and budget issues. The poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, a firm with extensive experience in polling Arizona citizens. AFP Arizona released the survey results for local issues yesterday.

For the complete list of polling questions, visit www.aztaxpayers.org.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
# # #

Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
www.aztaxpayers.org
tjenney@afphq.org

Governor Appoints Chad Kirkpatrick as Agency Head.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Chad Kirkpatrick a the Director of the Government Information Technology Agency ( GITA).

The conservative community is familiar with Kirkpatrick, he served as Chairman of the Americans for Prosperity Arizona, a group he helped grow into one of Arizona's largest grassroots organizations.

Mr. Kirkpatrick's appointment as Director of GITA, places him at the helm of an agency created in 1996 to serve as Arizona's official entity for strategic planning and coordination of all state information technology. He will oversee day-to-day operations of: IT coordination and planning, IT project review and monitoring, and maintenance of e-government.

Kirkpatrick comes to state government service from Wells Fargo, where he has served since 2003, most recently as Vice President and Business Systems Manager of Compliance Services MIS (Management Information Services). While with Wells Fargo, he created the "MIS Roadmap" to assess the current MIS environment, identify MIS goals and develop an action plan to align technology and business needs. He was also responsible for: fully automating the business process for regulatory compliance testing, managing the Information Security process for the Phoenix location; developing an innovative data analysis program to proactively identify potential regulatory issues, tracking corrective action and delivering critical information to the compliance team; working with the finance, operations and marketing teams to develop the next generation of reporting and leading corporate efforts to create common data definitions and corporate reporting standards. He has won two Leadership Excellence Awards: Team Leadership and the annual Excellence in Action Award as well as the 19 Legendary Service awards.

Mr. Kirkpatrick received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from George Washington University and his Master of Arts in Applied Economics from American University.

Governor Brewer said, "Mr. Kirkpatrick is widely respected and recognized in his field and possesses a unique blend and broad range of technical and leadership skills,"

Chad Kirkpatrick is currently a GOP Precinct Committeemen in LD 6.

Obama to Protect Mexico from America.

Smuggle addictive drugs into the U.S. and destroy the lives of Americans, no problem.

Millions of Mexicans invade the U.S. and take jobs from our citizens and lower American wages, no problem.

Violate American sovereignty, no problem.

Murder American citizens, no problem.

Allow illegal immigration to cost state and local government and U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars, no problem.

Trespass and violate the property rights of Americans living near the border, no problem.

Expose Americans to contagious disease, no problem.

Overburden American schools and provide bi-lingual education for the children of illegal aliens at taxpayer expense, no problem.

U.S. guns in Mexico, now that's a problem the U.S. government must take care of immediately by securing our border with Mexico from those troublesome Americans.

In response to the deteriorating situation in Mexico, mostly caused by the corruption of the Mexican government, the United States government has finally decided to get serious about securing the border.

The U.S. will be redeploying over 360 people from various government agencies to the Mexican border. And as part of a $184 million plan, we will be sending more biometric technology equipment, mobile X-Ray machines, license plate readers and other high tech inspection equipment to the border. Not to stop; terrorist, illegal drugs and, illegal aliens from entering the United States, however, but to inspect traffic entering Mexico.

President Barack Obama of the United States, who is responsible for the national security of the United States, told the American people during a televised news conference that , "The steps that we've taken are designed to make sure that the border communities in the United States are protected, and you're not seeing the spillover of violence, and that we are helping the Mexican government deal with a very challenging situation." Obama further said that, "We are going to continue to monitor the situation, and if the steps we've taken do not get the job done, then we will do more."

Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said that, "These are important actions of support for the fight that President Felipe Calderon's government is carrying out."

U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva, who does a better job of representing Mexico then American citizens said, "the long-term issue is to reconnect and redefine our relationship with the country of Mexico, our neighbor, and begin working with that country in order to deal with economic-development issues, health issues, education issues, so that Mexico can sustain its own people and its own workforce."

Gabrielle Giffords, who represents Arizona's Eighth Congressional, blames America first and says, "The money flows south and the guns are flowing south and the drugs flow north because of the big demand that we have." Giffords complained that, "Ninety percent of the weapons seized from Mexican organized crime comes from the United States."

The American Conservative Republican can only pray that some day the demands of the American people for a secure border to protect us from; terrorism, illegal drugs and illegal aliens, will have nearly as much influence with the U.S. government as protecting Mexico from American guns.

The American people shouldn't worry however, the Obama administration is still considering a request from Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Texas Governor Rick Perry to boost the number of National Guard troops on the border, to protect American citizens from; terrorist, drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

BREWER: Those Opposing Tax-Hike "in Denial."

The Arizona Republic today reported that Gov. Jan Brewer said lawmakers opposing a tax hike are in denial of the severity of the state's fiscal crisis, she urged legislators from both parties to rally behind her "budget-rescue plan."


The American Conservative Republican respectfully disagrees with the governor, lawmakers are not "in denial" of the severity of the fiscal crisis, they just disagree with the governor's solution of a temporary tax hike.


There are some very good reasons why members of the legislature may disagree with Brewer. The state government of Arizona may be hurting and in a financial crisis because of the recession , however, the taxpayer is also hurting and many are themselves suffering a financial crisis caused by the recession.


Is it right that government empties the pocket of the taxpayer to help solve its financial crisis simply because, it can? Kings once had such power to tax, now they don't and the people elect legislators to represent their interest.


Taxes are the price we pay for civilization. If we want a government to protect our rights and provide those things that we can't do ourselves, we must pay for it. Nobody likes taxes, but people are willing to pay them, if taxes become overly burdensome however, taxes should be cut and the size and scope of government should be reduced to what the taxpayer can pay for without depriving and hurting their own families.


The average citizen doesn't have the time to study the intricacies of the state budget. The determination of the balance between the amount of government and how much to tax is the duty of the people's elected representatives. If the citizen disagrees with their elected representatives, they have the power to replace them. To throw the responsibility of making the difficult decision of a tax hike to the ballot, where the spending special interest would dominate the debate, would be a dereliction of duty by the people's representatives.


The legislature should have the power to cut the size of government down to what the people can easily afford, however, if we have to hike taxes to pay for the essential services that the people need, then do it and the people will let their representatives know on election day if they agree or not.

Bob Haran,

American Conservative Republican

Brewer Wants More Troops on Border

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer requested an increase in U.S. military presence on the Arizona-Mexico border. Governor Brewer specifically asked for an increase of approximately 250 troops.

Brewer stated in a news release from her office that "Arizona communities are negatively affected by the impacts of the illegal drug trade and related border violence, and enforcement agencies in all jurisdictions are stretched as they attempt to address the enormity of the problems." Brewer further stated that " Our citizens must be protected from border violence. Arizona and other U.S./Mexico border states continue to be confronted by a number of unique and disproportionate challenges relative to other states and we bear significant un-reimbursed costs in the public, non-profit and business sectors associated with border related challenges."

The Arizona border with Mexico is 350 miles long and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security recently ranked it as the most porous in the nation with the highest rate of interdiction. If Brewer's request for more troops are granted it would bring the total to approximately 400 troops.

Citing the enormity of the growing problem on the border, Brewer emphasized in her letter that Arizona on its own cannot and should not face the prospect of sustaining forces to address what is a federal responsibility. The Governor added that support provided pursuant to Title 32, Section 112 of the United States Code for National Guard activities along the border is both a lawful, justified and prudent step to take at this time.

Brewer's Ballot Bargain is a Bad Deal for Taxpayers

By Tom Jenney, Americans for Prosperity

Dear Arizona Taxpayer,

Gov. Jan Brewer has suggested sending to a special election two proposals designed to help close the gap in the state’s budget deficit.

One proposal is to ask voters to increase state taxes by a billion dollars a year for three years. The other proposal is to ask voters to let the Legislature make cuts to areas of the budget that have been protected from cuts by past voter mandates.

The obvious danger is that if the two proposals go to the ballot separately, the spending lobbies and tax-takers (who are much more well-funded and well-organized than taxpayers) will pass the tax increase and shoot down the authorization for spending cuts.

Even if the Legislature is able to evade the single-subject rule and legally bind the two proposals together (though conditional enactment clauses in both referenda), here is the result:

The spending lobbies get a guaranteed tax increase, but taxpayers only get the possibility of spending reductions in formerly protected budget areas.

In other words, the spenders and tax-takers get their piece of the pie. But we taxpayers might get our piece of the pie, if the political will can actually be found in the Legislature to make the cuts.

Furthermore, there is nothing in the package to keep the state from resuming its pattern of rollercoaster budgeting as soon as the recession is over. Even if the tax increases really are temporary, and really do expire in three years, the state will still be wracked by uncontrolled spending binges.

When the tax money comes pouring in again, the politicians will spend every penny that comes in, and leverage that money to spend yet more. They will raise spending to unsustainable levels in order to please the tax-takers and the spending lobbies, just as they did during the last six years. They will create yet another gigantic budget deficit crisis during the next economic downturn, when the revenue falls off. Once again, the politicians will come at us with tax increase proposals. And next time, the “fix” may be a permanent tax increase, rather than a temporary one.

If Arizona taxpayers and fiscal conservatives are even going to begin to consider a ballot bargain package that includes a temporary tax increase, it will have to include the Taxpayer Bill of Rights—the only reform that can stop the spending rollercoaster. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) would create a sustainable upper limit to state spending growth, by limiting the growth in state government to the rate of growth of population plus inflation, with immediate refunds to taxpayers of excess monies.

See this chart for a visual of how TABOR would have worked, had it been in effect since 1993:
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/files/AzGenFund2003-2012--01-31-09.pdf

If TABOR is not attached to the package in a bomb-proof manner, Arizona is better off balancing the budget with the tools currently at the disposal of the Legislature and Governor. They should start with the $2.2 billion in spending reductions suggested by the appropriations chairmen in their January 15 budget, and find creative ways to save the other $1.5 billion by selling state assets, privatizing state functions, and eliminating entitlement fraud.

For Liberty,

--Tom

Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
(Arizona Federation of Taxpayers)
www.aztaxpayers.org
tjenney@afphq.org
(602) 478-0146

Paid Petition Gathering May End in Arizona.

Paid petition gathers may be going out of business if a bill introduced by Arizona Representative Phil Lopes becomes law.

According to the Arizona Republic, the Arizona House Government Committee voted 8-0 in favor of HB 2587, which would ban petition circulators for initiatives and referendums from being paid based upon the number of signatures they collect.

Both former Governor Napolitano and current Governor Brewer have urged lawmakers to enact reforms that include ending the practice of paying petition circulators on a per-signature basis.

Initiatives and referendums are part of the system called direct democracy which gives the voter greater say in state government then just electing legislators to represent their interest.

The initiative allows voters to make law directly through the ballot and by-pass the legislature and approval by the governor. The initiative can also be used by the people to amend the Arizona Constitution directly. A Statutory Initiative requires a petition signed by 10% of the total vote for governor in the last election to get on the ballot and a Constitutional Initiative requires 15%.

There are three types of referendums; Constitutional, Legislative and, Popular. All amendments to the Arizona Constitution proposed by the legislature are placed on the ballot for voter approval without the necessity of petition by the voters. A Legislative Referendum is used by the legislature to by-pass the governor, who has the power to veto legislation they pass. No petition signatures by the voters are necessary for a Legislative Referendum to be placed on the ballot. If passed by the voters the referendum becomes law without the approval of the governor. The purpose of a Popular Referendum is to require that a bill approved by the legislature and the governor also be sent to the voters for approval and requires the petition signatures of 5% of the total vote for governor in the last election to be placed on the ballot.

The bill passed the House Government Committee without debate, and now goes to the House Judiciary Committee for approval.

It usually takes a large amount of money to pass an initiative or referendum and almost always requires the use of paid petition gathers to get the required number of signatures from registered voters to even get it on the ballot. Most grassroots citizen groups do not have the funds to pay professional petition gatherers or to finance a successful campaign, therefore, citizen initiatives and referendums are usually used by groups who represent special interests with the funds to finance them. Prohibiting per signature petition gathering should make it harder for special moneyed interests to exploit the direct democracy system, however, it will still be difficult for citizen groups without a large war chest to succeed in the direct democracy system.

Adams vs Crump

Arizona Representative Sam Crump (R) LD 6, was removed as Chairman of the House Government Committee by House Speaker Kirk Adams (R) LD 19, on Monday. Crump and some freshman conservative Republican legislators opposed Speaker Adams over funding for the 21st Century Fund, which was a pet project of former Governor Napolitano.

The Gila Courier Blog, http://www.gilacourier.com/, has identified the freshman conservative representatives as; Carl Seel LD 6, Steve Montenegro LD 12, David Stevens LD 25, Frank Antenori LD 30, and David Gowan LD 30.

The Arizona 21st Century Competitive Initiative Fund ( 21st Century Fund ) was established by law for the statutory purpose to: 1) build and strengthen medical, scientific and, engineering research programs and infrastructure with an emphasis on bioscience and, 2) actively engage scientific research, academic and medical institutions.

The fund is administered by the Commerce and Economic Development Commission of the Arizona Department of Commerce under a Memorandum of Understanding with Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz), a nonprofit corporation.

For those taxpayers who like to know where their tax dollars went: so far they has traveled from the general fund; to the Arizona Department of Commerce under the watchful eye of the Commerce and Economic Development Commission; and then to a nonprofit corporation in the private sector, Science Foundations Arizona.

So what is Science Foundation Arizona? It is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit corporation formed in 2006 by: Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc., The Southern Arizona Leadership Council and, a group called the Flagstaff 40. In other words, it was formed by some people who think they are somehow elite and own Arizona. They want to use your tax dollars to build and strengthen scientific, medical and engineering research programs to help make Arizona competitive in a global economy. The excuse use to be that your tax dollars were given to the private sector by government because it was, "for the children," now it's, "to make Arizona competitive in a global economy."

The Arizona Legislature and Governor Jan Brewer were forced to cut the Arizona budget by $1.6 billion, including major cuts in education, Department of Corrections, transportation, and across the board cuts for legitimate government functions performed by other state agencies.

The economy is in decline and therefore revenue to the state has been drastically reduced and the state must watch every penny of taxpayer money in order to provide essential governmental services to the people of Arizona, this is not the time to waste tax dollars on nonessential items like the 21st Century Fund. Making Arizona competitive in a global economy may be a worthy goal for the private and public sector, but it shouldn't be funded with your tax dollars. Every citizen is free and encouraged to donate to any charity or non profit they wish to, but government funds are the people's money, it is taken out of the pockets of the people by the force of law and should be used, as Lincoln said, to do those things the people can't do for themselves.

Becky Blackburn, a spokesperson for Speaker Adams, said of Sam Crump, "He was chairman of a key committee and he put his personal interest ahead of those of the caucus." I'm assuming Ms Blackburn is referring to the Republican Caucus, the one that stands for less government and less taxation. Sam Crump happens to be my representative and I was under the impression he works for me and not for the caucus, not for Kirk Adams and, certainly not for some elites who think they can use the people's money for whatever they wish.

The American Conservative Republican agrees with Sam Crump when he said, "I don't want to say we took $120 million out of K-12 education and gave $22 million to the Century Fund."

We salute; the Honorable Frank Antenori, the Honorable Sam Crump, the Honorable David Gowan, the Honorable Steve Montenegro, the Honorable Carl Seel, the Honorable David Stevens and every member of the Arizona legislature who showed the political courage to do what is in the people's best interest when under great pressure to do otherwise, they put country before party and principle before politics, they are all American Conservative Republicans.