March 16 , 2009

 

Except for the fireworks regarding the Governor's handling of the child care subsidy,  not much happened last week.  As you probably read, we passed a revision to the 2009 revision that was passed early in our session.  This included putting money back into several programs (most of which were of benefit to rural Arizona) that included funding for rural hospitals and Graduate Medical Education (GME) which provides money for residencies.  It also included the money that the Governor wanted for child care,  There was much discussion over the way we were "railroaded" into this provision, and 10 of our Republican caucus in both the House and Senate voted against the bill as a form of protest.

I was not one of them, although I had voiced my displeasure not only in last week's report but also in our caucus meeting.  In the end, this bill contained much that was good for our district and so I cast my vote for it.

I do hope the Governor took note of what her tactics had caused and the growing dissent she is facing.  Only time will tell.

As I mentioned last week, we are finished with hearing House bills in committee (except for Appropriations).  Leadership is not moving those that passed out of their committees onto the floor at a rapid rate.  I suppose this is because we would not have anything at all to do if we completed our work and were just waiting for the Senate to start hearing their bills.  The last I heard is that the Senate hopes to have a budget proposal by the end of the month.  I think that's very optimistic, but let's hope that does happen.  At that point the President may allow bills to be heard in committee over there.  But it will take time for that process, then they need time to hear the House bills.  It's going to be a real logjam, with no assurance that any bills will get through.  Wouldn't that be a landmark happening -- a legislative session with no legislation except the budget bills?

With few official meetings and no floor action, I'm actually getting caught up with my e-mails and other correspondence.  Hope I have something more interesting to report next week.

Until Then,

Nancy

Rep. Nancy McLain
602-926-5051
nmclain@azleg.gov

Nancy McLain, District 3, Arizona House of Representatives
nmclain@azleg.gov or
nmclainbhc@aol.com