Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending (for the third year) the annual Boys and Girls Clubs' "Youth of the Year" awards breakfast.  There were 13 young men and women from around the state nominated, and two out of the four finalists were from Mohave County.  I was asked to introduce Sasha Anderson of Fort Mohave, representing Boys and Girls Club of the Colorado River.  Since they wouldn't let me introduce two individuals, Rep. Andy Tobin of neighboring District 1 introduced Laine Bennett, who was from Boys and Girls Club of Aha Macav.  All four of the finalists presented a short talk about their lives before and after becoming members of the Club, and all were most heartwarming.  I couldn't have been more pleased when Sasha was announced as the Youth of the Year.  She will be representing the Boys and Girls Club Alliance at the national competition and will serve as an ambassador for the clubs for the next year.  Congratulations to Sasha, and to all of the fine young people who were honored.

Also this week, the Governor signed into law HB 2321 which will allow Bullhead City to become a water provider to Laughlin Ranch.  HB 2698 for the Oatman public restroom district should be heard in the Senate Committee of the Whole and possibly third read this week.  I had really expected this bill to go through the system much more quickly that it has.  It contains the emergency clause, which requires a two-thirds vote but allows it to become effective upon the Governor's signature instead of 90 days after our session ends.  The folks in Oatman need this to get passed so they can proceed with the election to form the sanitation district as soon as possible.  It's been frustrating to see how slowly the process can work, but I do believe the end is in sight now.

We were briefed on a probable House budget proposal which would bring General Fund spending to $10.6 Billion, an increase of 2.3% over last year's budget.  While it's not cast in stone yet, this budget proposes additional spending for K-12 of $548 Million.  This would bring the total amount spent on these grades to about $5 Billion.  When funding for capital improvements is included (both for new schools and building renewal), this represents slightly over 50% of the General Fund expenditures.

Many of the items I included on my "wish list" were incorporated into the proposed budget, but some were not.  I will still be advocating for these, as I consider them to be vital to District 3.  It's not too late for adjustments to be made, and you know what they say about squeaking wheels.  I'll keep you posted.

Until next week,
.
Nancy McLain