State Capitol News

Phoenix, AZ – State law allows individuals to get a dollar-for-dollar credit
against their income taxes for money contributed to organizations
that provide scholarships so students can attend private and
parochial schools. Backers say the state really doesn't lose any
money because the amount of the scholarships is, on average, less
than the state would have to paid in aid to public schools. But
Rep. Steve Farley said there's a flaw to that argument.

Phoenix, AZ – Rep. Frank Antenori said traffic engineers are supposed to
compute the length of yellow lights. That's based on things like
the speed limit and the number of lanes to be crossed. And
Antenori said that three seconds is pretty much the absolute
minimum, no matter what. But he said that's not happening.

(I've gotten so many complaints. I've gotten video tape from
people who have gotten citations that have videoed the yellow at
certain intersections that were less than three seconds in
duration.)

Phoenix, AZ – The governor said it's a question of money. The state's finances
are in the red. And there's no sign of relief even if voters
approve the temporary one-cent hike in sales taxes. Brewer said
that has crippled programs some Arizonans rely on.

Phoenix, AZ – The proposal by Sen. Al Melvin would have made it illegal for
motorists to not only write or send a text message but also to
read one. Melvin said the measure, backed by both cell phone
providers and insurance companies, will save lives. Sen. Ron
Gould said it's certainly possible that drivers who are texting
are distracted. But he questioned why lawmakers were making only
this procedure a crime when there's a long list of other
practices by those behind the wheel.

Phoenix, AZ – The problem is a direct result of the ups and downs in the
economy. A lot of people could not afford to buy homes. So
lenders came up with sub-prime mortgages. Assistant Attorney
General Jennifer Boucek said that often involved loans with low-
interest teaser rates and payments designed to fit the borrower's
budget.

Phoenix, AZ – Arizonans voted in 1992 to limit lawmakers to no more than eight
years in office. Rep. Tom Chabin, elected in 2006, said the
problem with that restriction is that there's a learning curve
for everything from the technical aspects of making law to
understanding how small changes in the budget have broad effects
across multiple agencies.

(Quite frankly, eight years is just too little time to really get
into the saddle of the work of a legislator.)

Phoenix, AZ – No one knows how many of the approximately one million children
in Arizona schools are U.S. citizens or at least legal residents.
The Pew Hispanic Center estimated in the 60-65,000 range a few
years ago. Sen. Russell Pearce said he thinks it's higher. More
to the point, he wants an accurate number to figure out the real
cost to taxpayers, which he said is at least $800 million a year.