The spring doldrums have set in.  Once we have heard all the bills that are going to be heard in committee and the committees stop meeting, the legislature is left with more time on its hands.  We still have floor sessions every day, and we continue to convene as "Committee of the Whole."  This is where some very lively debate occurs on controversial bills.  On bills that are more mundane, it seems that no one on the floor is paying any attention.  The first time I visited the House, I was quite perplexed as to the action on the floor.  Many members were visiting with other members or leaving the floor all together, even as votes were being called for.  I now understand the process, but it still bothers me that Committee of the Whole is taken so lightly by some.

In case you aren't aware, all floor sessions can be viewed live on the web.  Just go to www.azleg.gov and follow the prompts.  If you don't have high speed internet access it may not be possible; but if you do, it's a great opportunity to see us in action.

We continue to do "Third Reads."  This is where we actually cast our Yea or Nay votes on House bills, or now more frequently on bills that have come over from the Senate.  It's interesting how bills that passed the Senate almost unanimously find tougher going in the House -- and vice versa.  Sad but true, we pass some bills out of the House hoping they'll be killed in the Senate.

HB 2321 which will allow Bullhead City to become a water provider has come out of Rules and is waiting a floor vote.  HB2698 (Oatman public restrooms) will be heard in Rules on 4/16.  Getting a hearing for this one took two plaintive requests to the chairman, stressing the importance of this legislation to the community.  Two of my bills (HB2320 and HB2595) died for lack of a hearing in the Senate.  Both were very good bills, but I was not able to convince the chairmen to hear them -- and that's how powerful a chairman can be.

HB2663 is still being held in House Rules, as are all "money bills."  This bill will provide a tax credit for our communties that have been forced to sewer at great expense to the residents.  I keep reminding the Phoenix area folks that we're paying the price to protect their water.  I'm still hopeful that it will become part of the budget, and I'm keeping the pressure up on leadership to be sure it's included in the budget package.

Since we're not keeping the frenetic pace that is the norm at the beginning of each session, we're indulging in some leisure activities.  Monday I'll be attending the home opener of the Diamondbacks.  Tuesday evening is the annual House vs. Senate softball game -- the House has won the past six games.  Wednesday there is a bowling match, sponsored by several lobbyists, that will benefit the Shriners.  I'll be bowling in the event, but only be a spectator at the softball game.  I do hope I'll be able to walk after bowling -- unlike the last time I bowled for a charity event where I was laid up for several days!

I'll let you know next week
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Nancy McLain