Statement from Gov. Brewer regarding AZ Scenic Trail Designation

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer
Regarding the Arizona National Scenic Trail Designation

PHOENIX – “With President Obama’s signature on Monday, March 30th, the nearly completed Arizona Trail received the first National Scenic Trail designation in the United States in 25 years. The 800 mile-long route, spanning from our southern border with Mexico to our northern border with Utah, was born from the vision of Flagstaff school teacher Dale Shewalter and navigates through the State’s most beautiful and scenic backcountry, showcasing our diverse landscapes and wildlife. Through the efforts of several state and federal agencies, elected officials, volunteers and private corporations more than 95 percent of the Trail has already been completed. My dear friend, Congressman Bob Stump, helped secure the first seven mile segment of the Arizona Trail in 1988. This is a great day for all of the citizens of Arizona.

“The Arizona Trail is a testament to what can be accomplished through public-private partnerships. I would like to commend Mr. Shewalter for offering his vision and guidance throughout the years and to Dave Hicks and the Arizona Trail Association for their commitment to completing this project. The time and efforts of the countless volunteers involved are also to be commended. In addition, I wish to thank Arizona’s congressional delegation, in particular Senator Kyl, Senator McCain and Congresswoman Giffords, for their efforts on behalf of this legislation.”

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Full Release Here.

Brewer not shooting in the dark

The Arizona Republican Party put out a press release today including survey data recently completed regarding the Governor's proposed tax increase.

This definitely confirms what I was hoping, that the Governor wasn't just shooting in the dark hoping it would work. The question asked was included in the release and runs right along with the Governor's 5 Point Plan of cutting, reforming and preventing big time government growth, and a temporary tax increase.

Results show support for statewide sales tax as part of comprehensive plan
including cuts and use of stimulus funds

PHOENIX – The Arizona Republican Party released results from a recent survey today showing strong public support for a temporary 1% statewide sales tax as part of a balanced budget approach.

The statewide survey conducted in partnership with Margaret C. Kenski, Ph.D. of Arizona Opinion and HighGround, Inc. was conducted over March 6 - 12, 2009, interviewing 607 high-efficacy, likely voters. When it came to taxes, here was the comprehensive question that was asked:

“I’d like to ask you how acceptable or unacceptable you find the following measures which would be considered in addition to spending cuts in order to preserve critical education and public health funding while the economy begins to recover. These
taxes would be in the form of a constitutionally limited tax that would last for no more than three years and would automatically be eliminated without another public vote.

Let’s assume for the purposes of these questions that the Legislature and the Governor have already cut nearly $1 billion dollars in State spending by 2010, used all of the federal stimulus funds to balance the budget and still have a billion dollar per year budget deficit. All of the funds raised from these taxes would be dedicated towards maintaining 2010 spending levels for K-12 education, universities, community colleges, and health care for the poor. Each of the following measures would raise approximately a billion dollars per year.”

The results showed that 66.6% of the electorate supported a temporary 1% increase in the statewide sales tax to help bridge the gap to economic recovery, with nearly 40% considering it a very acceptable option.

39.7 % Very Acceptable
26.9% Somewhat Acceptable
9.1% Neutral
5.9% Somewhat Unacceptable
18.0% Very Unacceptable
.5% Unsure

The question gathered widespread support spanning party lines - Republicans found the sales tax 62.5% acceptable, Democrats 71.6% acceptable and Independents 64.6% acceptable.

“We were surprised by the level of support expressed by the electorate. It appears that Arizona voters would support a balanced approach in solving the budget crisis,” said Randy Pullen, Chairman of AZGOP. “Former Governor Napolitano and the Democrats in the legislature left us with a financial crisis on our hands. We all recognize Arizona government must learn to live within its means by reducing spending and reforming government. This Governor and Republican legislature have already made larger budget reductions and reforms than any previous governor and legislature. However, with continuing bad news on all fronts about declining tax revenues and the state having to borrow money next month to make payroll, the sooner the budget is balanced the better it will be for all Arizonans.

“We encourage the Governor and the Legislature to pursue any and all means necessary to right our current budget crisis and restore fiscal sanity to the state of Arizona,” concluded Pullen.

Brewer announces Director of Dept. of Gaming

Governor Jan Brewer Names Mark Brnovich
Director of the Department of Gaming

PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Mark Brnovich as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

“I am proud to add Mr. Brnovich to my cabinet,” stated Brewer. “He has a great understanding of gaming issues in Arizona, and his legal expertise and experience will be essential in his service to the Department of Gaming and the State of Arizona.”

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Brnovich was Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. During his time there he focused on federal offenses occurring in Arizona gaming enterprises and worked closely with tribal gaming investigators, the Arizona Department of Gaming and law enforcement agencies to prosecute crimes and coordinate crime prevention efforts. He also served as Assistant Attorney General in Arizona, where he was primarily responsible for representing the Arizona Department of Gaming and providing legal advice regarding legislation, contracts, licensing and regulation of Native American gaming. In prior years, Mr. Brnovich also worked as Judge Pro Tem of Maricopa County Superior Court, Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and Command Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army National Guard. He began his extensive legal career as a law clerk for the San Diego County District Attorney and later for the Honorable Jonathan H. Schwartz in Phoenix.

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Brnovich has served as Senior Director of State Customer Relations for Corrections Corporation of America, developing and maintaining relations with various government agencies throughout the United States. He has also worked as Director for the Center for Constitutional Government at the Goldwater Institute, formulating policy and conducting research and analysis. He started his career with a congressional internship in Senator John McCain’s office.

Mr. Brnovich received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. He also completed the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course for the United States Army.

“I want to thank the outgoing Director, Mr. Paul Bullis, for his dedication, hard work, and willingness to participate in an effective transition,” said Governor Brewer.

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Full Release Here.

Roundup of the current budget situtaion

Mary Jo Pitzl had a good article in the Republic this weekend. In summary, we've got a major problem. $3 Billion large.
She puts it in perspective by saying the following.

If you cut out all general-fund money sent to the state university system, essentially shutting it down; eliminate the state prison system; close the state parks; stop state funding to the arts and welfare services; and get rid of the Commerce Department, you still wouldn't close the gap.

The House Dem's released their budget options today and in my opinion it's a short term solution that still doesn't even solve the problem we currently face. The Republican's are still $500M short.

Looks like Brewer may be the only one looking at the now, and the future.

Governors Public Schedule this week.

Public Schedule For Governor Jan Brewer
Week of March 30, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

• National Constables Association Meeting
Governor to provide remarks
9 a.m., Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa
2727 West Club Drive, Tucson

• Pima County Social Host Ordinance Press Conference
Governor to provide remarks
10:30 a.m., Pima County Board of Supervisors Office
130 West Congress Street, Tucson

• Cenpatico & Linkages Kick-Off Event
Governor to provide remarks
3:00 p.m., Mission Royale Golf Resort
11 South Mission Boulevard, Casa Grande

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Full Release Here.

Statement from Gov. Brewer regarding school choice

The Supreme Court ruled today that school vouchers for foster and disabled children violate the State Constitution and therefore must stop. Governor Brewer released this statement regarding the news today.

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

Arizona Supreme Court Ruling on School Vouchers for Foster Children and Disabled Children

Phoenix – “As a long-time supporter of school choice, it is heartbreaking for me to think of the challenges that are now faced by foster parents and the parents of disabled children to locate a different educational program than the one they have already selected. Clearly, these parents identified these educational programs as the best environment for their children. I will encourage the Legislature to work closely with me to accommodate the needs of these children in the development of a process that will meet the legal requirements of the Arizona Constitution.

“This decision today will not be the end of school choice in Arizona. We are a nationally recognized leader in school choice, the school tax credits remain, and we will continue to provide every opportunity to empower parents to make the best decisions for their children.”

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New Director of Governor's Office for Children , Youth and Families

Governor Jan Brewer Announces
Director of Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families

PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Cassandra A. Larsen as the new Director of the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families.

“Ms. Larsen is extremely knowledgeable in education and issues facing Arizona families,” stated Brewer. “Her expertise in prevention strategies and education management, as well as her ability to work in partnerships will make her a tremendous asset for Arizona’s youth and families and for my Administration.”

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Larsen served as Director of the Arizona Prevention Resource Center after serving as Associate Director and Community Initiatives Coordinator. The APRC provides technical assistance and training to educators and various organizations for the prevention of gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and bullying. She was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and community partnerships, as well as overseeing grant writing, budget preparation and implementation, and conducting analysis of the effects of various programs. She also worked simultaneously as a Managing Member of CA Larsen Associates, LLC.

Ms. Larsen has a strong background in education management. She has served as Chief of Staff for the Arizona Department of Education and Executive Director of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. In both positions, she learned about issues facing Arizona’s school system and worked to create solutions and programs to address those issues. In addition, she gained experience in building community relationships and public outreach while working for KSAZ Fox 10 news as Community and Public Affairs Director.

Ms. Larsen received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English from Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

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Full Release Here.

Brewer has 57% approval rating

Kudos to Noble Thinking for his coverage and thoughts on a recent poll done by Rasmussen. Make sure to read his post, he has a lot of thoughtful insigh regarding the results of the survey and what it may mean for the direction of Arizona.

First observation: Brewer outpaces Obama with a 57% to 53% approval rating. She is also beating the President's disapproval rating 37% to 47%. I agree that its not all that surprising since Arizona is a red state, but it does show that efforts to go purple are still a little behind, and it also shows that Brewer is not as much of a polarizing figure. She may have a chance to gain some ground in the middle.

Second observation: while people hate the nebulous idea of "taxes," there is a surprising amount of support for a sales tax. Look at question 3 vs. question 5. Only 22% favor "taxes," but it shoots up to 41% when it becomes more detailed. Opposition shrinks as well. It will be interesting to see if the 9th floor is able to come up with enough specificity to gain the trust of the voters.

We have a no tax plan......as long as you give it to us.

There's a lot of stories, press releases and chatter out there about the budget and the plans for 2010. I'll be honest, it pretty much confirms what I've been thinking- NO ONE knows what's going on at the legislature.

First you have, by way of Sonoran Alliance, the press release with a title of "Senate Republicans take on challenge to resolve budget without tax increase." The line of the day comes from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray. “Even President Obama is not suggesting a tax increase during a recession.” Maybe he's been busy at the capitol and hasn't watched TV or read the newspaper in the last few months.

Next you have the Howie Fischer story that Republicans are crafting a budget without a tax hike. He provides a few more details, that they have about $2.5 Billion figured out leaving $500 Million or so left. Fischer pointed out that Gray was not correct in his assertion that Obama isn't raising taxes.

What bugs me about this whole operation is summed up in the Republic's article about Senate Republicans asking for help plugging that $500M hole. When Sen. Pamela Gorman pointed out that the list of ideas from the public amounts to "a little shop of horrors." Well, it would be nice to see this list which, of course we can't. It would be nice to have those brainstorming ideas out there to see what they are thinking of if taxes aren't on the table.

From my sources, a big part of the fix deals with borrowing, selling buildings and assets, and delaying paying bills. All things we critisized Napolitano for last year.