After two hectic weekends visiting Beaver Dam, I had a more relaxing few days this weekend.  So relaxing that I never quite got around to doing this report on Sunday night as is my usual practice.  But, better later than never I hope.

I did travel to Lake Havasu City on Saturday night for their Lincoln Day Dinner.  As always, I enjoyed visiting with the folks there and also hearing from Congressman Trent Franks who was the featured speaker.  I didn't stay for all of the auctions, but I'm sure they raised a great deal of money to support our party.

Two of my bills passed out of the House last week:  HB2321 (BHC to become a water provider) and HB 2698 (creating a sanitation district for Oatman).  Both are to be heard in different Senate committees on Wednesday at the same time, so I'll be bouncing back and forth presenting testimony on both.  HB2310 (loan originator licensing) was to be third read today, but the Speaker canceled floor action.  HB2595 (amateur radio accommodation) passed out of Rules today and should come to the floor in a day or two.  The remaining two are still being held in Rules.

I was the prime sponsor on six bills this session (seven if you count the lapses in consciousness bill that I decided to hold).  I don't know how other legislators can have ten, fifteen, or in some cases more bills that they are trying to get passed.  I've found that I'm quite busy just with the few I have going.  Besides working with legislative counsel to get the bills drafted and working with the proponents and/or lobbyists, the process requires time appearing in committees and speaking to other members to be sure you have enough support to get them passed. 

I'm a bit concerned about getting the Oatman bill out of the Senate Finance committee.  Sen. Ron Gould and Sen. Pamela Gorman are both committed to "no new taxes," and they are two of the eight members of that committee.  I've been talking with the other senators and so far have positive commitments from two.  Since this is a sales tax that will be paid by visitors to the area and must be voted on by the residents there, I think it should have the support of all, but I'll just have to wait and see.

In other business, work continues on the budget as we each make our priorities known.  The Speaker sent out a memo regarding revised income projections showing a downward trend, which means that we will all have to tighten up on our requests.  Every one of the people who have come to see me about their needs have made persuading arguments as to why their agency or project is deserving of additional funding.  As I've told all of them, I have to confine my efforts to just few; otherwise I won't be able to help any of them.  Again, it's a wait and see process as leadership continues their discussions with the Governor.

Wish me well as I take on the Senate this week.

Until next week,

Nancy McLain