My rural medical residency program did pass the House last week, and I wasn't there to vote for it.  Paul flew into Phoenix late Thursday, and I had to pick him up at the airport -- thus missing the floor vote.  Fortunately, it wasn't close and my vote wasn't needed.  Now it goes to the Senate where we are already planning an amendment that will incorporate provisions in Senator Cannell's bill on the same subject.  Sen. Cannell is also a physician and has a great interest in seeing more doctors in our rural areas. 

 

The Colorado City school district bill is up for 3rd reading today (Monday).  I feel confident of it's passing as well, then on to the Senate for it too.  No further changes are contemplated, so it should be smooth sailing there.

 

The Governor is up to the same tricks, vetoing the bill to provide $10M to fund National Guard troops on the border.  Either the immigration situation is an emergency (as she declared) or it's not -- she can't seem to decide.  To me it just seems to be common sense that we have to stop the flow, and at this point the Guard is the most economical and readily available means to do that.  The amount appropriated is at least a start.  Once we have the Guard on the border, the feds are likely to step up and start paying. 

 

No word yet from the judge in the Flores case as to his approval/disapproval of the Republican plan for English Language Learners.  I've heard that he may render his decision in as little as two weeks.  In the meantime, we can only wait.

 

But the business of the House goes on.  We are working in fits and starts.  Some days we get a lot done; other days it seems nothing is accomplished as far as bills are concerned.  Those are the days when I try to get caught up with e-mails and to clear the reams of paper off my desk -- that in itself can be a full time job.

 

I took an hour last week to visit with the "Bionic Bulldogs" of Kingman H.S.  They were in Phoenix for a robotics competition.  I saw them on Thursday, which was a practice day.  I couldn't be there for the actual meet, but I later learned they won and are now the Arizona State champions.  They'll be in Atlanta, GA next month for another round.  Go, Bulldogs!

 

Until next week,

 

Nancy