Not much happened on the budget front this past week.  More meetings, some with just Republicans and others with both parties.  House Appropriations Chairman Russell Pearce declared that he would have a proposal to submit to the committee for a vote at the next meeting, and he has prepared a bill that will be voted upon on Wednesday.  I have not had the chance to study it in depth yet, but I hope to be able to support it.  From what Rep. Pearce has said, his proposal will not have any bonding but will have agency cuts and fund "transfers," that is, taking money from funds that have been designated for specific purposes, not general spending.  I don't like the concept, but with the deficits we're facing it may be the lessor of many evils.

I prefer these transfers to "gimmicks," such as just delaying a payment due to schools in June until July, or requiring companies to make a sales tax deposit normally due in July in June.  This shifting of money does nothing to solve our problem.  The only answer is to cut spending, but at this point in the fiscal year it becomes almost impossible to cut as much as is needed.

I'll be able to tell you more next week about what actually takes place in the Wednesday meeting.

On a happier note, our Bullhead Area Lincoln Day Dinner was a rousing success.  We had almost 90 people at Laughlin Ranch for a delicious dinner, followed by an inspirational speech delivered by Rep. Kirk Adams.   Rep. Adams' remarks were well received, as were his two sons (aged 10 and 8) who accompanied him.

This dinner was put together in a relatively short period of time, and I owe thanks to several people who stepped up and helped me get it going.  Shirley Ciresa volunteered immediately, and I don't believe she knew what she was getting into.  While I made the original arrangements for the place and the speaker, Shirley was the detail person who actually got things in place.  Karon Sondgeroth also played a major role, with great suggestions and willing hands.  Also on the dinner committee were Doris Goodale, Carol Meiers, Sandy Sockwell, and Bella Williams.  All made contributions that contributed to our success, and they deserve the thanks and appreciation of all District 2 Republicans.

Next Saturday will find me at the Lake Havasu Lincoln Day Dinner, and in Kingman the following week.  I'm happy to support all of these efforts that bring dollars into our county party and help to elect Republicans throughout the county.

Until next week,

Nancy