ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 12, 2012

Legislative Overview

On Monday, January 9, the second regular session of Arizona's Fiftieth Legislature convened amid celebration of the state's centennial year. Both chambers performed various perfunctory, ceremonial and housekeeping duties, including the election of leadership. As expected, Senator Steve Pierce (R- LD 1) was elected President of the Senate and Representative Andy Tobin (R- LD 1) was elected Speaker of the House.

Also on Monday, Governor Jan Brewer delivered her annual State of the State address to a joint gathering of the House and Senate. Her speech touted accomplishments of her administration and punctuated the historic importance of Arizona's 100th birthday. With respect to policy proposals for the coming year, the Governor's agenda includes: personnel reform for state agencies; repurchase of the Capitol complex (which was previously sold and leased back by the State); and termination of the temporary one-cent sales tax on schedule in 2013. In policy pronouncements following her address, the Governor's office has signaled that it is evaluating a variety of tax reform measures to promote economic growth.

A vacancy in the Senate was created when Kyrsten Sinema (D- LD 15) resigned to run for Congress. That vacancy was quickly filled when, on January 11, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed David Lujan to fill the District 15 seat for the remainder of the term. Lujan, a native of Phoenix, served in the House from 2005-2010. He ran unsuccessfully for Attorney General in 2010.



Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
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Issue 1 - January 12, 2012
Issue 1 - January 12, 2012
Issue 1 - January 12, 2012
Issue 1 - January 12, 2012
Issue 1 - January 12, 2012
Issue 1 - January 12, 2012