You are here: Home / Archives for Jan Brewer

Governor Jan Brewer Signs Pro-Life Legislation to Protect Arizona’s Unborn

April 12, 2012 By 3 Comments

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today signed into law HB 2036 – the Mother’s Health and Safety Act – which strengthens current state laws to safeguard maternal health and protect Arizona’s unborn. Among its provisions, the bill prohibits an abortion if the gestational age of the unborn child is determined to be at least 20 weeks, except in cases when the life or health of the mother is at risk.

“This legislation is consistent with my strong track record of supporting common sense measures to protect the health of women and safeguard our most vulnerable population – the unborn,” said Governor Brewer. “Knowing that abortions become riskier the later they are performed in pregnancy, it only makes sense to prohibit these procedures past twenty weeks.”

Arizona now joins seven states with similar regulations prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Among its provisions, HB 2036:

  • ·Bars abortions after 20 weeks due to safety risks to the mother and the likelihood that the unborn child will endure pain;
  • Strengthens existing parental consent and informed consent regulations, including requiring that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound at least 24 hours in advance, and establishing the development of a website with facts about fetal development and abortion risks.
  • Requires that any physician on-site for a surgical abortion have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic, in case of abortion-caused complications.

“I want to thank Governor Brewer for signing the Women’s Health and Safety Act,” said state Rep. Kimberly Yee, R-LD10. “This important bill strengthens Arizona’s laws protecting the health and safety of women, and recognizes the precious life of the preborn baby.”

This is the latest legislation signed into law by Governor Brewer to safeguard the health and safety of women and protect the unborn. Among these measures, the Governor has barred non-physicians from performing abortions, and required written, notarized parental consent for any minor seeking an abortion.

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Legislation, Press Release, Sanctity of Life Tagged With: , ,

Governor Brewer signs HB 2349 (medical marijuana; cardholder; campuses; prohibition)

April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Amanda Reeve Bill Signed by Governor Brewer – Over $660 million Protected Annually for Arizona Universities
Legislation Bans Medical Marijuana at Universities, Schools and Day Care Facilities 

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April 3, 2012) – This afternoon, Governor Jan Brewer signed vital state legislation sponsored by Representative Amanda Reeve (R-Phoenix). The bill protects federal funding for tens of thousands of students at Arizona’s public universities. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature. Federal law requires school campuses to be drug free in order to be eligible for federal funding or student financial aid. The federal government makes no exceptions for medically prescribed usage of marijuana approved by State voters. The legislation applies the same drug-free campus protections to all community colleges, high schools, junior high schools, middle schools and preschools throughout Arizona

House Bill 2349, approved 52-2 by the House and 28-2 by the Senate, bans the possession or use of all marijuana, medically prescribed or not, at Arizona public universities and schools. This will protect hundreds of thousands of students as well as hundreds of millions dollars annually at ASU, NAU and the UofA. According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), Arizona appropriated $666,216,900 million in federal funds for universities in fiscal year 2012.

“Marijuana use or possession of any kind, whether illegal or approved by voters for medical uses, does not belong on our school grounds”, said Representative Reeve. “With the health and safety of Arizona’s students, as well as literally hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, this legislation is critically necessary. Our children and adult students are far too important to risk. I’m proud to say we acted swiftly and decisively when confronted by this obvious concern”.

###

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Elected Officials, Legislation, Press Release Tagged With:

Stop ObamaCare in Arizona!

March 22, 2012 By 2 Comments

To all Arizona Taxpayers and Health Care Consumers,

As we approach the second anniversary of the Obama-Pelosi-Reid federal government takeover of health care, we must continue to fight for health care freedom.

Those of us who cannot make it to the Hands Off My Health Care Rally in Washington, DC on March 27 have a chance to tell Nancy Pelosi what we think of her health care legislation (now that we all know what’s in it!) this Saturday afternoon, March 24, when Pelosi visits Tempe.

We also have a duty to get the Arizona Legislature to STOP Gov. Jan Brewer from setting up an ObamaCare exchange here in Arizona.

Take Action to STOP ObamaCare in Arizona!

ObamaCare will make health care more expensive and less accessible, and will stifle innovation through huge new tax and regulatory burdens. And ObamaCare will ultimately put all control over health insurance and health care in the hands of Washington bureaucrats.

Unfortunately, Governor Jan Brewer is spending $30 million in federal funds (i.e., your federal tax dollars) to set up an ObamaCare health insurance exchange in Arizona. The exchange is a new bureaucracy that will soon require tens of millions of dollars annually in new surcharges, fees and/or taxes on Arizona families and businesses.

Worse still, the imposition of an ObamaCare exchange here in Arizona may prevent ObamaCare from being repealed. As enacted, ObamaCare is dependent upon state exchanges (such as Gov. Brewer’s exchange) for the distribution of federal subsidies. Once Arizonans become addicted to federal subsidies, ObamaCare will be extremely difficult to repeal.

AFP-Arizona is calling on Arizona’s Legislators sign the Health Care Freedom Pledge and to STOP Governor Brewer from imposing an ObamaCare exchange.

Here is the key text of the Health Care Freedom Pledge:

“I hereby pledge to OPPOSE any bill, regulation, legislation, or executive action that implements President Obama’s health care legislation, including bills that create new bureaucracies that must be funded by new surcharges, fees, or taxes of any kind.”

AFP-Arizona is asking all Arizona Legislators to sign the Pledge by the tenth day after the end of the 2012 legislative session (probably sometime in late April). Legislators who fail to sign the Pledge are leaving the door open to the imposition of an ObamaCare exchange in Arizona–and harming the prospects for the repeal of ObamaCare.

Please use this link to take action to stop ObamaCare in Arizona.

You and your friends, neighbors and co-workers can also take action at our AZ Health Care Freedom page: http://americanhealthcarefreedom.com/who-stands-with-you/

And again, please join us in Tempe on Saturday to give Nancy Pelosi the reception she deserves… (More info at http://tinyurl.com/pelositempe)

To see how the Committee members (and other Legislators) scored on AFP-Arizona’s 2011 Legislative Scorecard, along with cumulative scores for past years, click here.

To learn more about AFP-Arizona’s 2012 Legislative Agenda, and to see how the Health Care Freedom Pledge will be scored on AFP-Arizona’s 2012 Scorecard, click here.

For Liberty, Tom

Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
www.aztaxpayers.org

Filed Under: Federal Government, Health Care, Press Release, State Budget, State Government, Taxation Tagged With: ,

Gov. Jan Brewer on report showing Arizona Solar Energy Development Up 333 percent in 2011

March 22, 2012 By 4 Comments

State 3rd Nationally in Solar Production, Expected to Climb Rankings in 2012 

            PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today announced that Arizona ranks third in the nation in terms of solar system installation, according to the 2011 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

More impressive, Arizona’s energy production from photovoltaic systems jumped from 63 to 273 megawatts between 2010 and 2011 – a tremendous 333 percent rate of growth. Arizona now trails only California and New Jersey in terms of solar megawatt production, and the SEIA report projects Arizona will jump into 2nd place nationally this year.

“This report illustrates why Arizona has earned the title of ‘Solar King,’” said Governor Brewer. “With our abundant sunshine, renewable-energy tax incentives and trained workforce, it’s no surprise solar energy production is soaring in Arizona.”

Nationally, energy production from photovoltaic installations grew 109 percent in 2011, according to the SEIA report. Growth was found in every market segment (residential, non-residential and utility), and project finance investments reached an all-time high. In total, $8.4 billion worth of photovoltaic systems were installed in the United States last year alone.

Solar energy is not only a clean fuel that reduces our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, it also creates quality jobs for Arizonans. The state ranked 3rd nationally in 2011 with nearly 4,800 jobs in the solar energy field, according to the National Solar Jobs Census, issued in October by The Solar Foundation.

Since 2010, nine renewable-energy companies have located or expanded operations in Arizona – creating more than 2,100 jobs and investing more than $1 billion in capital.

To view the 2011 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, visit: www.seia.org/cs/research/solarinsight 

###

Filed Under: Economic Development, Energy, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: ,

Rewarding the Worthy, Removing the Worthless

March 13, 2012 By 3 Comments

by Farrell Quinlan

Have you ever been confronted, confounded and stymied by a state bureaucrat who refuses to do his or her job?

Every small business owner has his or her story (or stories) about the government employee or agency regulator who has this attitude that screams, “I’m on my seventh governor—they come and go and like with them, I can just wait you out.”

A significant chunk of small business owners’ frustrations with the bureaucracy can properly be placed on miserable individuals rather than on foolish or short-sided rules. Often it’s the entrenched middle managers in state employ who use and abuse their discretion within a regulatory environment to give government a bad name. Sometimes arrogance is to blame. Other times it’s incompetence. Mostly, both are actively in play.

There’s a reason government isn’t run like a business. It just isn’t set up that way.

But is there really nothing to be done to improve the situation?

Happily, there is plenty that can be done to make state government more accountable, more responsive and even a better place to work that rewards high performance.

Gov. Jan Brewer and pair of lawmakers named Justin are spearheading legislation to overhaul our state government’s personnel system. House Bill 2571 seeks to:

  • Consolidate multiple personnel systems;
  • Transition the state to an at-will workforce;
  • Improve the management of the state workforce;
  • Restructure the grievance and appeal system; and,
  • Update human resources practices.

The core of this long-overdue reform is to turn away from a sclerotic system that tends to bend over backwards to protect bad employees while it cavalierly discourages good employees by keeping them from achieving the rewards and pay they deserve for serving the taxpayers well.

About 80 percent of Arizona state workers are “covered” employees with the remaining 20 percent being “uncovered” or at-will employees like those in the private sector. That means four out of five state bureaucrats are protected from the normal considerations and expectations demanded from those working outside of government.

Try firing the lazy, insubordinate and incompetent in an environment where they can appeal their demotion, discipline or dismissal to a board that can, and far too often, overturns the decision of the executive responsible for the action.

No business could succeed or survive under these rules. Is it any wonder why our state government underperforms?

Rep. Justin Olson

Leading Governor Brewer’s reform movement in the Arizona Legislature are Rep. Justin Olson and Rep. Justin Pierce, both from Mesa. After fours years of implementation, their HB 2571 will completely flip the state workforce’s ratio to 18 percent covered and 82 percent at-will employees while maintaining necessary protections for full authority public safety officers.

HB 2571 sets up a state personnel system for Arizona with the following guiding principles:

  • Recruit and select employees on the basis of their ability, knowledge and skills after open competition;
  • Provide compensation based on merit, performance, job value and competitiveness with the labor market;
  • Train employees on the basis of their performance, correct inadequate performance where possible, and separate employees whose performance in inadequate;
  • Manage applicants and employees without regard to political affiliation, race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or religious creed; and,
  • Assure that employees are protected against coercion for partisan political purposes.

These principles will provide a firm foundation to build a state workforce that respects and serves the taxpayers who fund it. This reform creates the mechanisms to reward the worthy and remove the worthless. HB 2571 deserves and has the support of Arizona small business owners and of NFIB.

Contact your Senator and Representatives
Ask them to support HB 2571: State Personnel Reform

Farrell Quinlan is Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, the voice of small business with 7,500 small business members in Arizona.

UPDATE: HB 2571 passed the Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 14th on a 39-19 vote. The Arizona Senate now takes up the legislation. Further changes are expected to the legislation meaning a final House vote will be necessary later this session. Please continue to contact your legislators in both the House and Senate until this important reform is sent to the Governor for her signature.

Filed Under: Government, Government Reform, Legislation, Regulations, Small Business, State Government Tagged With: , , , ,

Governor Jan Brewer Statement on Arizona’s 100th Birthday

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2012
CONTACT: Dockendorff

Wishing Arizona a Happy Centennial

“On February 14, 2012, Arizona will celebrate the most historic and significant milestone of its statehood.

“It’s hard to believe it has been exactly one century since President Taft’s signature declared Arizona the 48th and last contiguous state in the Union. Many people doubted that our remote Western territory would ever grow into a thriving state – renowned for its cultural and natural beauty, high quality of life and remarkable economic and educational opportunities.

“But if one thing is certain, it is that Arizonans are determined. Our people are Western strong. With the Centennial upon us, let us proudly celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, the progress we have made and the opportunities we have created over the past 100 years. Let us also celebrate the years still to come. There is a bright future that awaits.

“May God continue to bless and protect you and your families, our 100-year-old State of Arizona and the United States of America.”

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Holiday, Press Release, Special Event, State Government Tagged With: ,

Cardon Praises Gov. Brewer for Standing up to President Obama’s Pro-Amnesty, Anti-Jobs Agenda

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2012
CONTACT: Katie Martin

Phoenix, Arizona – Wil Cardon, Mesa businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement in light of President Obama and Governor Brewer’s Tarmac Showdown:

“I want to applaud Governor Brewer for her steadfast courage in standing up to President Obama. Arizonans understand that stopping illegal immigration and securing our border is a top priority and crucial to the prosperity of Arizona. President Obama, on the other hand, is for amnesty, refuses to fund efforts to keep our borders protected, and thinks we need to give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.Arizonans can no longer afford to suffer the financial burdens and societal costs associated with illegal immigration. The president and the career politicians in Washington have created this problem with their continual refusal to protect our borders. If we want to get Arizonans back to work and ensure a long-term recovery we must secure our borders now. I applaud Governor Brewer for her courage and leadership.” 

###

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Sign The Petition Supporting Governor Jan Brewer!

January 26, 2012 By 48 Comments

Please sign the petition supporting Governor Jan Brewer in her defense of the State of Arizona.

As we all witnessed on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Brewer, was confronted by President Obama as he stepped off Air Force One in Mesa. As the Governor has testified, he did not take kindly to an excerpt in her book, Scorpions for Breakfast, about an accounting of her defense of SB 1070. He also treated Governor Brewer with disrespect as he walked away from her while she spoke with him.

Please support Governor Brewer as she stands up for Arizona against an administration that has failed us on border security, failed us through Fast & Furious and even has brought a lawsuit against the State of Arizona.

Thank You Governor Brewer!

I Support Governor Jan Brewer!

I support Governor Jan Brewer for standing her ground while remaining respectful to President Obama during his recent visit to Arizona.

I support Governor Jan Brewer in her defense of Arizona against an administration that is suing the State of Arizona for passing strong immigration laws such as SB 1070.

I also support Governor Brewer in her effort to seek the truth and justice for the death of Border Patrol Brian Terry after the Obama Justice Department got caught red-handed ran a covert gunwalking operation to smuggle guns into the hands of Mexican drug cartels through Fast & Furious.

Thank You Governor Brewer for standing up for Arizona!

SIGN NOW
142 signatures

Share this with your friends:

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Petitions, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: ,

President’s Rhetoric Doesn’t Match His Actions

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By: J. Charles Coughlin

The closing remarks of the President’s State of the Union address the other night were moving. He spoke of the teamwork necessary to accomplish incredibly difficult and complex missions. He spoke of members of a team having each other’s backs. He said that the way in which those members of our armed forces conducted themselves spoke exactly to the way in which elected officials should conduct the public’s business – selflessly serving the public good.

Unfortunately, our President words don’t match his deeds. On far too many occasions as it relates to his administration’s relationship towards Arizona, this President has let us down, time and again.

Rather than respond thoughtfully to the public outrage over illegal immigration, he played the race card, implying that “people could get arrested for going out for Ice cream.” Rather than owning the debacle that has become the Fast & Furious gun walking fiasco, his Justice Department is laying the blame at the feet of Arizonans – both Democrat and Republican who know full well that the program was fully authorized at the highest levels of the Justice Department. When the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas blew up, Janet Reno had the class to own it. This Justice Department hasn’t met a problem it can’t deny.

Don’t forget that Holder didn’t even read the 1070 legislation before commenting on it. They sued the state without so much as considering how to work with us and continue to fail to understand the root problem of the immigration crisis to begin with: Mexico. Rather than deal with the problem, they continue to play politics.

American reaction to the immigration crisis will continue to focus on the tail; immigration, rather than the dog; Mexico, until a Presidential Administration steps up and begins to redefine our nation’s relationship with our fourth largest trading partner and Arizona’s largest trading partner.

The President of the United States knows this and continues to use this issue as a political cudgel rallying the troops on the left to fight the troops on the right. That is why President Obama opted to confront Governor Brewer about her book yesterday instead of discussing with her how she has been able to start the “Arizona Comeback.” The President obviously can talk a good game about leadership, selflessness, and teamwork, but when it comes down to it his actions – picking a fight about a book, playing the race card on immigration, or owning his administration’s failure to let guns walk into Mexico – he is incapable of living up to his own rhetoric.

When President Obama uses stirring references like the one he used earlier this week in his speech, I just don’t believe him, and I don’t trust him and neither do a majority of the American people.

After his defeat of Senator McCain in 2008, I really wanted him to succeed; now I just want him to go.

J. Charles “Chuck” Coughlin is the Founder & President of Highground.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Guest Opinion Tagged With: ,

A Photo Tells A Thousand Words: Obama Confronts Brewer, Gets Earful

January 26, 2012 By 19 Comments

Thank you Governor Brewer for not backing down when confronted by President Obama this afternoon.

This is Our State and even the President needs to show a little respect when he touches down on our turf, especially turf that once sent our men and women off to battle.

Lesson to President Obama: Never mess with a Governor who eats scorpions for breakfast!

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Federal Government, Freedom of Speech, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: , ,

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer Regarding President Obama’s Visit to Arizona

January 25, 2012 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“I welcomed President Obama to Arizona this afternoon, and we spent a few moments discussing this state’s economic turnaround. This was the President’s opportunity to see the Arizona Comeback firsthand.

“First, let me say I don’t doubt that the President wants what he believes is best for this country. He and I simply have starkly different visions of what that is.

“The President and I each took office in January 2009. We each stepped into grim circumstances. Just speaking for Arizona, I inherited a per capita state-budget deficit judged among the worst in the country, an economy in freefall and a clobbered housing market.

“My first action as Governor was to issue a regulatory moratorium so that state government could not impose any more needless rules on business. The President’s first move was to rush through an $800 billion stimulus spending plan that saddled the nation with more debt.

“Here in Arizona, we passed a historic economic package that included corporate tax reductions and targeted job incentives that make our state among the nation’s most inviting for business investment and relocation. In Washington, D.C., the President spent the better part of two years pushing a health care scheme that reduces consumer choice and saddles states with tens of billions in additional costs.

“This much is clear: Arizona is on the way back, with job growth over the last year rated 7th-best nationally. Our state budget is not only balanced, we have a surplus. Most important, we are putting in place the fundamentals for sustained economic growth: quality education, competitive tax policy and low regulation.

“Don’t be mistaken, I’m bullish on our nation’s future. But I’m convinced the path the President has pursued is the wrong one. I hope he takes some of the lessons of Arizona back with him to Washington.”

###

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Elected Officials, Press Release, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: ,

Statement by Governor Brewer Regarding Congresswoman Giffords’s Letter of Resignation

January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“This morning, I received the official letter of resignation from Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. As a fellow elected official, I know her district will miss her leadership. As a friend, I am so sorry Gabby’s resignation has come under these circumstances.

“From the Arizona House of Representatives to the U.S. Congress, Gabby has always served her constituents with dignity and distinction. Her service will be deeply missed, and I join the people of Arizona in praying for her continued recovery.

“For the purposes of Arizona Law, the Congresswoman’s office will be officially declared vacant at 5 p.m. (Arizona Time) today, at which time I will have 72 hours to set a date for a Special Primary election. The winner of the special primary and general elections will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords’ term, in accordance with state law.”

###

Filed Under: Press Release, State Government Tagged With: , ,

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer regarding the resignation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

January 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2012
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

“Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been a noble public servant to the State of Arizona, and a model of what can be accomplished with persistence and determination. Her remarkable recovery over the last year is an inspiration to us all.

“As with all Americans, I will continue to hold Gabby in my thoughts and prayers as she continues on this path toward recovery.

“Upon the Congresswoman’s office being officially declared vacant, I will call a special Primary and General Election in order to fill the 8th Congressional District vacancy, in accordance with Arizona law. The winner will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords’ term, which expires at the end of 2012.”

###

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Statement from Senate President Steve Pierce and House Speaker Andy Tobin

January 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
CONTACT: Mike Philipsen

“Governor Brewer’s State of the State address today lays the foundation for what should be an outstanding legislative session. The hard work done the last three years by the Governor and Legislature to straighten out our state’s finances has put Arizona back on the right track.

The Governor is right to promise no extension of the temporary one-cent sales tax increase. We also stand with Governor Brewer in her commitment to lower taxes and reduce regulation.

The Governor will have strong support in the legislature as we continue to fight the Federal Government’s overreach. We must stand for what is right in Arizona and not emulate Washington, D.C.

We are prepared for a productive, efficient Centennial Legislative session, and look forward to working with Governor Brewer to put the interests of our citizens first.”

###

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Conservatives, Elected Officials, Federal Budget, State Government Tagged With: , , , , ,

Governor Brewer Delivers State of the State Address, Unveils Policy Agenda for 2012 and Beyond

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2012
CONTACT: Matt Benson

Releases Bold Plan to Boost Economy, Reform Education and Modernize Government

PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today unveiled for 2012 and beyond a detailed policy agenda designed to prepare the State of Arizona for its second century. The policy agenda accompanied the Governor’s delivery of the Centennial State of the State address.

“Arizonans can take heart in how far this state has come from the darkest days of the recession and fiscal crisis, but now is no time to lose focus,” said Governor Brewer. “Every one of us benefits daily from the wise foresight and dedication of Arizona’s founders and great leaders of the past. Now, we have an obligation to make the tough choices that will set a prosperous course for Arizona’s second century.

“That means clearing the unnecessary obstacles to economic growth, and building an education system worthy of your children’s limitless promise. It means modernizing state government to ensure it is both efficient and effective, and protecting the rights of Arizona citizens against a federal government that has lost its way.”

The policy agenda reinforces and furthers the Governor’s Four Cornerstones of Reform, a blueprint to:

  • improve Arizona’s economic competitiveness;
  • bring needed reforms to K-12 and higher education;
  • modernize state government; and
  • push back against a federal government that has exceeded its constitutional authority.

Additional policy initiatives in areas like economic development will be announced in the days ahead as Governor Brewer issues her state budget plan for Fiscal 2013.

1st Cornerstone: Economic Competitiveness 

The economy continues to be a top concern for Governor Brewer, though the outlook has brightened considerably in recent months. The State of Arizona added nearly 46,000 jobs between 2010 and 2011, and its job growth ranked 7th-best nationally.

Governor Brewer now asks the Legislature to build upon last year’s signature economic initiative –

the Arizona Competitiveness Package – with a new effort to prepare unemployed and underemployed Arizonans for new careers and aid small businesses by simplifying the state tax code. The Governor also reiterated her support for the proposed I-11, a planned interstate highway that would promote tourism and trade between two of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas: Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Additional economic initiatives include:

  • Creation of a community-college scholarship program to help adults re-train and transition into careers that fulfill local needs.
  • A requirement that individuals enrolling in a taxpayer-funded job-training program undergo drug testing.

2nd Cornerstone: Education 

Arizona already has the framework in place for comprehensive education reform with the Arizona Ready initiative. This plan establishes more rigorous standards for students, teachers and schools, provides new methods for parents to gauge student achievement and monitor school performance, and sets yearly benchmarks to track Arizona’s education improvements between now and 2020.

Funding is part of the education equation, as Governor Brewer recognized with her successful push for Proposition 100 in 2010. She always pledged that the 1-cent tax would expire after three years. And it will, in 2013, as the Governor reinforced today.

However, Governor Brewer will remain part of ongoing discussions about proper funding for education in Arizona, and believes the current model does little to encourage innovation or performance on the part of teachers, professors and administrators.

Governor Brewer’s education plan includes initiatives to:

  • Implement performance-based funding for Arizona’s institutions of higher education, while reviewing and reforming Community College State Aid.
  • Produce a searchable database so that every parent can research the license and any disciplinary actions taken against their children’s teachers, and reform the teacher decertification process.
  • Lead a campaign this year to encourage involvement by parents in their children’s education.

3rd Cornerstone: State Government

The citizens of Arizona deserve a lean, effective and efficient State government.

Governor Brewer will create a Government Transformation Office, housed within the Department of Administration, which will be responsible for identifying process improvements and best practices to minimize redundancies and improve customer service. Governor Brewer also will pursue reforms that modernize the State personnel system, making it easier to hire and reward the most talented employees, while removing red tape that hinders removal of the least productive workers.

The State of Arizona has an obligation to vulnerable Arizonans, including the mentally ill and children under state supervision or care.

For the seriously mentally ill (SMI), planning already is underway for a pilot program that will integrate physical and behavioral health services for Medicaid-eligible SMI individuals. This approach is expected to result in fewer hospitalizations and less reliance on the crisis system.

In recent days, Governor Brewer was provided a series of recommendations by her Arizona Child Safety Task Force. While she continues to review those recommendations, the Governor proposes several child-safety initiatives for immediate adoption. They include:

  • Involvement of law enforcement in all Priority 1 investigations that contain allegations of criminal conduct.
  • Improvement of CPS caseworker training, both pre-service and continuing, including the training of CPS workers in law enforcement techniques.
  • Overhaul of the abuse hotline to improve screening, decrease wait times and expedite high-priority calls.
  • Introduction of Quality Management initiatives throughout CPS to streamline processes and improve outcomes for children.
  • Enhance transparency and accountability.

4th Cornerstone: Renewed Federalism

The State of Arizona has a long history of pushing back against federal overreach, and will continue to be a national leader among states seeking a return to a system of cooperative federalism. Governor Brewer will maintain the defense of SB 1070, and will remain a vocal opponent of mandates under the federal health care law. Both landmark cases will be heard this year by the U.S. Supreme Court.

With this past fire season the worst in Arizona State history, mismanagement of federal lands came into frightening focus as yet another area in which the federal government has neglected its duties. Strategic thinning can both reduce the risk of massive blazes and be an economic benefit to rural communities. With today’s State of the State Address, Governor Brewer called upon the federal government to stop its needless delay of the 4 Forest Restoration Initiative, a breakthrough, collaborative plan to restore 2.4 million acres across the Kaibab, Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto national forests.

“We are all blessed to be Arizonans, and I am honored to have a hand in guiding this state into its second century,” said Governor Brewer. “Working together, and drawing upon the grit of Arizona’s founders and judgment of the giants of our past, I’m confident Arizona’s next 100 years can be even more fruitful than the last.”

###

 

 

Filed Under: Economics, Education, Elected Officials, Government Reform, Jobs/Labor, Legislation, Press Release, State Budget, State Economy, State Government Tagged With: ,

Governor Brewer reacts to S&P credit upgrade, calls it one more sign of recovery for State of Arizona

December 21, 2011 By 19 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2011
CONTACT: Matthew Benson

Standard and Poor’s Upgrades Credit Outlook for State of Arizona
Latest Indication that the Arizona Comeback is in Progress

PHOENIX – One of the nation’s largest credit ratings services, Standard and Poor’s, announced today that it has upgraded to “stable” its outlook on the State of Arizona’s fiscal condition. S&P also upgraded to “stable” its outlook on the State’s certificates of participation and lease revenue debt.

State of Arizona finances previously carried a negative outlook from the credit ratings service.

“This is fantastic news, and serves as one more indication that Arizona is on the comeback trail,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “The last three years haven’t been easy. But I’m happy to say that the difficult decisions I’ve made, together with the Arizona Legislature, have helped put this state back on solid financial ground. For the first time in years, Arizona has a growing economy and a state government it can afford.”

In announcing the credit outlook revision, S&P pointed to the State of Arizona’s diverse economy, continued population growth, moderate debt burden and expectations of a sizable budget surplus in fiscal 2012.

“We base the outlook revision on what we view as Arizona’s improving fiscal outlook,” S&P credit analyst David Hitchcock explained in today’s report.

The S&P announcement is just the latest sign of the state’s improving economy and financial position. In other recent news:

- Arizona added 12,800 jobs in November, driving down the state’s unemployment rate to 8.7 percent. The rate is the state’s lowest since February 2009.

- Arizona has added an estimated 45,800 jobs so far this year. The state’s job growth from October 2010 to October 2011 ranked 7th best nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

- State revenues continue to outpace projections, and the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting now estimates a combined surplus of $1.3 billion between the remainder of this fiscal year and next.

“Our mission isn’t accomplished, but today’s announcement from S&P is validation that we’re on the right path,” said Governor Brewer. “We’re going to keep state government small, efficient and effective, and continue working to put in place the conditions for private enterprise to flourish and grow. I believe that 2012, Arizona’s Centennial year, is going to bring more great news for the people of our state.”

###

Filed Under: Economics, Elected Officials, Jobs/Labor, Press Release, State Budget, State Economy, State Government Tagged With:

Special Poll: Stop Punishing Investment to Spur Job Growth

December 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Small-business owners point to a way out of Arizona’s recession

PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 14, 2011 – Small-business owners believe Arizona needs further legislative action to spur job creation and overwhelmingly favor lowering the property tax burden on new equipment and machinery to do so, according to a special poll released today by their leading representative association.

“Small business wants job creation to continue to be the highest priority for Gov. Jan Brewer and the Arizona Legislature next session,” said Farrell Quinlan, Arizona state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, America’s largest small-business association. “Lowering the cost for small businesses to create jobs through meaningful property-tax relief and the further lifting of the regulatory burden will help restore Arizona’s economy and put our citizens back to work.”

The NFIB survey found near unanimous support among small business owners with 93 percent agreeing our leaders should keep job creation a high priority. It also found 77 percent of small business owners favor significantly increasing the amount of a business’ equipment and machinery that is exempt from personal property taxation.

The survey based its personal property tax questions on a legislative referral being developed by Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (Gilbert) and other lawmakers, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jack Harper (Surprise). The legislation, called the Small Business Job Creation Act, asks voters to increase the Arizona Constitution’s exemption for new equipment and machinery to an amount equal to the annual wages of 50 Arizona workers or approximately $2.3 million from the current $67,000.

The NFIB survey dramatically reveals that lowering the tax burden on a business’ equipment and machinery would lead to a burst of job creation from small businesses. When asked if Sen. Biggs’ proposal becomes law, 46 percent of small business owners said raising the personal property tax exemption would likely lead their businesses to hire new workers while 56 percent said such a move would likely result in more equipment and machinery purchases.

“Clearly Arizona’s economy has yet to recover and that’s born out in continued weak job creation numbers and Arizona’s unemployment rate remaining stuck at 9 percent,” said Quinlan. “Small businesses have historically led our state and nation out of recessions through creating new jobs and investing in the future. Small business’ message to our political leaders is unmistakable, job creation is the top issue and lowering small business’ cost of creating those jobs is a great place to start.”

The poll was conducted September 6 to October 21, 2011 with 496 respondents who are Arizona small business owners. The entire poll can be read by clicking here. Results from NFIB’s fuller, annual survey on other issues will be released in the coming weeks.

# # #

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

Filed Under: Arizona Politics, Ballot Measures, Economic Development, Economics, Jobs/Labor, Legislation, Polls, Press Release, Small Business, State Economy, Taxation Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts