A young reporter at the Daily Planet was in cahoots with Governor Schwimmer by providing documentation to keep him in power. Reasons behind this alliance are still unclear. In a press conference last Monday, Governor Schwimmer cited Article 8 Part I Section 5 of the state constitution which states the Governor cannot be removed within the first 6 months of his administration.
Schwimmer v. State of Arizona concerns the constitutionality of a governor recall. Despite Justice Jeric’s statement, “If we do not follow the constitution, branches can do whatever they want,” Court Justices Ang, John and Jeric rewrote the constitution saying the recall will remain.
As the recall was upheld, three candidates emerged: Kentavius, Meg and Eric (Lopez). Meg said about her platform, “My goal is to form the lottery.” The candidate even stated she, “won’t veto [a bill] as long as 40% – 50% is allotted to education.”
Attorney General Kentavius said in his campaign address, “Leadership has been missing for quite some time in this state” emphasizing the recent record and that he “understands our feelings of being let down.”
In referring to Government Schwimmer’s bout with a lottery created to fund welfare instead of education, the Attorney General said, “In the end you deserve the truth, you deserve to know how money is being spent.”
The Attorney General’s speech dramatically emphasized putting your vote to use, that “education is the key to our future,” lowering taxes across the board and creating jobs. His speech ended with a standing ovation.
Eric’s (Lopez) platform was a productive state government where he “will set real agenda with consensus building republicans and democrats.”
Overwhelming, Attorney General Kentavius was elected. The newly elected Governor Swanson expressed his gratitude to those who elected him and promised, “You guys will be my boss.”
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Letter from Swanson
As I announced in my campaign speech, I wanted to tackle the issuse of IMMIGRATION. Even as we play our roles in this simulation the state of Arizona is divided on immigration,even as I write you this email. As we end our final journey of the simulation I ask you the members of the Legislature to take part in my proposal of producing an IMMIGRATION BILL. As I stated our kids are at risk of drug trafficing, crime, and etc. As you consider this bill look at what is going on in the state of Arizona today(FOXNEWS, CNN,MSNBC,CBS,AZ CENTRAL).
Another issue that I want to reform is Education. Some of the members of the Legislature have presented bills for consideration. I have taken the time to examine these bills and from what is being proposed I highly favor them. As we near the process of signing an Education bill into law I recommend we combine the proposed bills and make one big bill. Im in favor of the bill that increases teachers pay. No one goes into teaching to be rich, but teachers have families and need to provide for their families as well. Remember our teachers our also the Key to the future when it comes to our kids. Keep in mind when trying to figure out a process of combining these bills into one , I will veto the bill the suggests our kids can dropout of school if they have a reasonable excuse. That is not the message we should be sending.
I know this is taking things to extreme asking this of you, but I think we need more then 2 bills into during this simulation.
Please feel free to email me any questions. This weekend I will be on a trip to GA (playing my role here) to visit family members. My access to a computer maybe limited but I will answer any questions asap.
Thank You
Gov. Swanson
Another issue that I want to reform is Education. Some of the members of the Legislature have presented bills for consideration. I have taken the time to examine these bills and from what is being proposed I highly favor them. As we near the process of signing an Education bill into law I recommend we combine the proposed bills and make one big bill. Im in favor of the bill that increases teachers pay. No one goes into teaching to be rich, but teachers have families and need to provide for their families as well. Remember our teachers our also the Key to the future when it comes to our kids. Keep in mind when trying to figure out a process of combining these bills into one , I will veto the bill the suggests our kids can dropout of school if they have a reasonable excuse. That is not the message we should be sending.
I know this is taking things to extreme asking this of you, but I think we need more then 2 bills into during this simulation.
Please feel free to email me any questions. This weekend I will be on a trip to GA (playing my role here) to visit family members. My access to a computer maybe limited but I will answer any questions asap.
Thank You
Gov. Swanson
Monday, April 19, 2010
A Message from the Governor Elect
Attorney General Swanson (Kentavius) said, "I'm very thankful that the citizens of Arizona took a stand on wanting better leadership for the state..... I look forward to working with the legislature on both sides of the aisle....and by working together our goal is to be the front runner of this great nation."
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Tax bill passed, candidates for governor
Last legislative session, the H1 education bill was presented, passed, amended and then thrown out. Following a recall initiative, petitions were signed and 3 candidates remain: the Attorney General Swanson (Kentavius), Lopez (Eric) and Meg.
One bill, HR 4, passed as a tax break for small businesses. Details include a cap at 1,000 employees with a break of $25,000 per employee for up to 3 years.
One bill, HR 4, passed as a tax break for small businesses. Details include a cap at 1,000 employees with a break of $25,000 per employee for up to 3 years.
HR 14
H.R. 14
To address the Implementation of a State Lottery
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 18, 2010
Ms. Dalton of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A Bill to Implement a State Lottery to help Funding of Education for the State of Arizona
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Bottled Water Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) In order to provide additional funding for our education system, which is undergoing another budget cut, the legislature proposes a bill that will implement a state lottery.
10 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 15 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. FUNDS
13 (1) The profit from the lottery will be split into three percentiles: 80% of the profit from the lottery will directed towards funding education, 10% percent of the funds from the lottery will be used as a resource to fund H.R 4, which gives incentives for small businesses to hire more full time employees, and the remaining 10% will be used according to the discretion of the legislature.
(2) The 80% percent designated to education will be divided up between K-12 and higher education programs. 40% percent of these funds (80% percent of the profits from the lottery) will be allocated towards a state scholarship for in-state students attending college. Military will also be eligible for the hope scholarship as well. 25% percent of these funds will be used to expand the elective programs for high school students in order to create a more competitive work force. 20% percent will be used for resources and technology i.e renovations to schools located in low income areas, and providing better learning technology for students.
(3) The percentages allocated for education in this bill must be re-evaluated every two years in order to adapt to changes in the economy.
Filed: 18th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
To address the Implementation of a State Lottery
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 18, 2010
Ms. Dalton of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A Bill to Implement a State Lottery to help Funding of Education for the State of Arizona
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Bottled Water Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) In order to provide additional funding for our education system, which is undergoing another budget cut, the legislature proposes a bill that will implement a state lottery.
10 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 15 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. FUNDS
13 (1) The profit from the lottery will be split into three percentiles: 80% of the profit from the lottery will directed towards funding education, 10% percent of the funds from the lottery will be used as a resource to fund H.R 4, which gives incentives for small businesses to hire more full time employees, and the remaining 10% will be used according to the discretion of the legislature.
(2) The 80% percent designated to education will be divided up between K-12 and higher education programs. 40% percent of these funds (80% percent of the profits from the lottery) will be allocated towards a state scholarship for in-state students attending college. Military will also be eligible for the hope scholarship as well. 25% percent of these funds will be used to expand the elective programs for high school students in order to create a more competitive work force. 20% percent will be used for resources and technology i.e renovations to schools located in low income areas, and providing better learning technology for students.
(3) The percentages allocated for education in this bill must be re-evaluated every two years in order to adapt to changes in the economy.
Filed: 18th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
Friday, April 16, 2010
HR 13
H.R.13
To address High School Drop Out Rate
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 13, 2010
Mr. Gonzales of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to address Arizona’ High School Drop Out Rate
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Drop Out Law”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Education in the United States Continues to be a very difficult problem in today’s society. Over 50% of students in Public High Schools are not passing external exams, and dropping out of High School.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 13 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Students should only be able to drop out only if there is a disability to their family members or themselves, or the person is financially stable in the society. Also an excuse can be, having to take care of your family members financially to.
Filed: 13th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
To address High School Drop Out Rate
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 13, 2010
Mr. Gonzales of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to address Arizona’ High School Drop Out Rate
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Drop Out Law”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Education in the United States Continues to be a very difficult problem in today’s society. Over 50% of students in Public High Schools are not passing external exams, and dropping out of High School.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 13 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Students should only be able to drop out only if there is a disability to their family members or themselves, or the person is financially stable in the society. Also an excuse can be, having to take care of your family members financially to.
Filed: 13th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
HR 12
H.R.12
To address the Mass Transit System
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 13, 2010
Mr. Boop of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to address Arizona’s growing mass transit problems
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Mass Transit Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) To Address Arizona’s growing mass transit problems while under strict budget due to the recession, the Arizona Government will allow the Arizona Department of Transportation to approve of five privately managed Roads.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 12 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. AUTHORIZATIONS
11 (1) The State will authorize the Arizona Department of Transportation to enter into negotiations of five privately funded and maintained roads or highways. At least two of these transportation facilities must have a direct reduction on I-10 traffic in the Phoenix and Tucson Areas.
(2) The State will authorize the Arizona Department of Transportation to grant twenty-five year lease of the necessary lands to private entities for the construction and running of the aforementioned transportation facilities.
12 SECTION 5. RULES
13 (1) These Transportation facilities must be approved by and adhere to the regulations of the Arizona Department of Transportation.
(2) Upon completion of the roads, failure to comply with the regulation for over one year will require the State and step in and provide maintenance itself. The owner of the transportation facility will be fined the cost of said maintenance plus five percent.
(3) If the private entity owning the transportation facility is fined in such a manner more than three times in a five year period State will assume ownership of the lease and can resell it to another private entity or assume control of it from there on.
14 SECTION 6. AMENDMENTS
(1) Car Dealerships will receive a tax credit upon sale of a car that has passed emissions testing of three percent of the vehicle’s sale price until the 2015 fiscal year.
Filed: 13th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
To address the Mass Transit System
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
April 13, 2010
Mr. Boop of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to address Arizona’s growing mass transit problems
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Mass Transit Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) To Address Arizona’s growing mass transit problems while under strict budget due to the recession, the Arizona Government will allow the Arizona Department of Transportation to approve of five privately managed Roads.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 12 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. AUTHORIZATIONS
11 (1) The State will authorize the Arizona Department of Transportation to enter into negotiations of five privately funded and maintained roads or highways. At least two of these transportation facilities must have a direct reduction on I-10 traffic in the Phoenix and Tucson Areas.
(2) The State will authorize the Arizona Department of Transportation to grant twenty-five year lease of the necessary lands to private entities for the construction and running of the aforementioned transportation facilities.
12 SECTION 5. RULES
13 (1) These Transportation facilities must be approved by and adhere to the regulations of the Arizona Department of Transportation.
(2) Upon completion of the roads, failure to comply with the regulation for over one year will require the State and step in and provide maintenance itself. The owner of the transportation facility will be fined the cost of said maintenance plus five percent.
(3) If the private entity owning the transportation facility is fined in such a manner more than three times in a five year period State will assume ownership of the lease and can resell it to another private entity or assume control of it from there on.
14 SECTION 6. AMENDMENTS
(1) Car Dealerships will receive a tax credit upon sale of a car that has passed emissions testing of three percent of the vehicle’s sale price until the 2015 fiscal year.
Filed: 13th of April 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
HR 11
H.R. 11
To Address Funding for Schools
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Goodland of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to Raise Less Opportunistic Schools with More Money
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Education Funding”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) To Raise More Money for Schools through the Following:
7 (a) Fundraisers
8 (b) Raise Taxes
9 (c) More Notoriety
10 (d) More Parent Involvement
11 (e) Receive Funding through Health Care Bill
12 (f) Raise Property Taxes in Neighborhoods around Schools
13 (g) 1% of Lottery Funds to Less Opportunistic Schools
14 (h) Higher Test Scores equals more money Received
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
To Address Funding for Schools
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Goodland of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to Raise Less Opportunistic Schools with More Money
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Education Funding”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) To Raise More Money for Schools through the Following:
7 (a) Fundraisers
8 (b) Raise Taxes
9 (c) More Notoriety
10 (d) More Parent Involvement
11 (e) Receive Funding through Health Care Bill
12 (f) Raise Property Taxes in Neighborhoods around Schools
13 (g) 1% of Lottery Funds to Less Opportunistic Schools
14 (h) Higher Test Scores equals more money Received
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
HR 10
H.R. 10
To Address Tax Credits for Car Dealerships
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Smoother of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill for Car Dealerships that Perform Emissions tests.
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Emission Testing Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) Tax Credit for Car Dealerships that perform an emissions test on vehicles that are on sale for customers
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 10 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Tax Credit for Every Car that they sell with the Test.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
To Address Tax Credits for Car Dealerships
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Smoother of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill for Car Dealerships that Perform Emissions tests.
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Emission Testing Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) Tax Credit for Car Dealerships that perform an emissions test on vehicles that are on sale for customers
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 10 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Tax Credit for Every Car that they sell with the Test.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
HR 9
H.R. 9
To Address the issue of Concealed Weapons
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Albertson of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill concerning the issue of using a Concealed Weapon
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Concealed Weapons Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) In over half of the United States, all persons are able to obtain licenses to carry a concealed weapons, and in Vermont there is not license or permit required.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 (1) Change the Bill to no-one except officials law enforcement officials should be allowed to have a concealed weapon for our protection of the people.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
To Address the issue of Concealed Weapons
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Albertson of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill concerning the issue of using a Concealed Weapon
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Concealed Weapons Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) In over half of the United States, all persons are able to obtain licenses to carry a concealed weapons, and in Vermont there is not license or permit required.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 (1) Change the Bill to no-one except officials law enforcement officials should be allowed to have a concealed weapon for our protection of the people.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
HR 8
H.R. 8
To Address a Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Ms. Bolen of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill that will produce high quality employment opportunities and enhance Arizona’s Position as a center for production and use of renewable energy products.
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
(1) The New program is to encourage business investment that will produce high quality employment opportunities and enhance Arizona’s position as a center for production and The use of renewable energy products.
6 (2) This program accomplishes this goal by providing Tax Incentives to companies in the solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy industries who are expanding or locating in Arizona.
7 (3) The program offers two benefits; up to a 10% refundable income tax credit and up to a 75% reduction on real and personal property taxes.
8 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 8 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. ELGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
11 (1) A company may be elgible for tax incentives, if it:
12 (a) Is primarily (more than 50%) engaged in the manufacturing of or headquarters for producing systems and components that are used or useful in manufacturing renewable energy equipment.
(b) Is expanding or locating either a renewable energy manufacturing or facility in Arizona.
(c) Creates fulltime employment positions of which at least 51% are paid at least 125% of the state’s annual median wage (currently $30,940)
(d) Offers to pay at least 80% of the health insurance costs for all net new fulltime employment positions.
(e) Spends at least $250,000 in qualifying investments during each twelve-month period.
11 SECTION 5. INCENTIVE OVERVIEW
12 (1) Income Tax Credits:
(a) Commerce may authorize up to $70 million per calendar year in tax credits to qualified companies beginning January 2010 through December 2014.
(b) The tax credits will be authorized on a first come first serve basis, which is established by the date and time the company files an application with Commerce.
(2) Businesses making new qualifying investments in manufacturing and/or headquarter operations in Arizona in renewable energy industries are elgible for a tax credits if they meet the following requirements:
(a) At least 51% of the new fulltime employment positions are paid 125% or more of the state’s annual median wage.
(b) The company offers to pay at least 80% of the employee’s health insurance costs for all net new fulltime employment positions at the facility.
(2) The tax credit amount is based on the total qualifying investment made and the number of jobs being created by the company. To generate tax credits a renewable energy manufacturing companies must create 1.5 new fulltime jobs for every $500,000 of capital investment. Alternatively a renewable energy headquarters operation must create 1 new fulltime job for every $200,000 of capital investment.
(3) Property Tax Reduction: Businesses Making new qualifying investment of $25 million or more in manufacturing and/or headquarter operations in Arizona in renewable energy industries are eligible for:
(a) 10 years of property tax savings, if the company pays at least 51% of the net new fulltime employment positions between 125% and 199% of the annual median wage.
(b) 15 years of property tax saving, if the company pays at least 51% of the net new fulltime employment positions 200% or more of the annual median wage.
(c) Both Real and personal property can be reclassified to Class 6 property for both primary and secondary property tax purposes.
13 SECTION 6. APPLICATION PROCESS
(1) To become a qualified company and receive pre-approval for tax incentives, eligible applicants must follow the process below:
(a) Note: Prior to submittal of an application to Commerce, a company may request a letter of good standing from Revenue by submitting form Tax Clearance Application to Revenue. Further, a company must also request a letter of good standing from the County Assessor of the county in which the project is located.
(b) Apply for program incentives by completing a 2010 Initial Application and submit it to Commerce.
(c) Upon receipt of an initial application Commerce will assign a priority placement number for receipt of tax incentives.
(d) Within 30 days of receipt of a complete application, Commerce will notify the company of pre-approval or denial. If a company is pre-approved, Commerce will issue a Letter of Qualification to the company and transmit a copy to the Arizona Department of Revenue and County Assessor.
(e) Note: Pre-approval does not guarantee receipt of tax incentives under the program because pre-approval is issued before Commerce determines final eligibility. The final determination of eligibility will be made after a company applies for post-approval.
(2) Following Pre-Approval
(a) Within 12-months of the pre-approval date a company must demonstrate it has spent at least $250,000 in qualified expenses.
(b) Complete the 12-month Interim Report and attach documentation of qualified expenses.
(3) After the Facility is Operational
(a) One the facility begins operations the company must submit a Completion Report to Commerce.
(b) Commerce may issue post-approval to the company after reviewing the Completion Report and verifying the company’s eligibility.
(c) Once post-approval is received a qualified company may claim the tax credits and begin receiving property tax reductions.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
To Address a Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Ms. Bolen of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill that will produce high quality employment opportunities and enhance Arizona’s Position as a center for production and use of renewable energy products.
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
(1) The New program is to encourage business investment that will produce high quality employment opportunities and enhance Arizona’s position as a center for production and The use of renewable energy products.
6 (2) This program accomplishes this goal by providing Tax Incentives to companies in the solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy industries who are expanding or locating in Arizona.
7 (3) The program offers two benefits; up to a 10% refundable income tax credit and up to a 75% reduction on real and personal property taxes.
8 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 8 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. ELGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
11 (1) A company may be elgible for tax incentives, if it:
12 (a) Is primarily (more than 50%) engaged in the manufacturing of or headquarters for producing systems and components that are used or useful in manufacturing renewable energy equipment.
(b) Is expanding or locating either a renewable energy manufacturing or facility in Arizona.
(c) Creates fulltime employment positions of which at least 51% are paid at least 125% of the state’s annual median wage (currently $30,940)
(d) Offers to pay at least 80% of the health insurance costs for all net new fulltime employment positions.
(e) Spends at least $250,000 in qualifying investments during each twelve-month period.
11 SECTION 5. INCENTIVE OVERVIEW
12 (1) Income Tax Credits:
(a) Commerce may authorize up to $70 million per calendar year in tax credits to qualified companies beginning January 2010 through December 2014.
(b) The tax credits will be authorized on a first come first serve basis, which is established by the date and time the company files an application with Commerce.
(2) Businesses making new qualifying investments in manufacturing and/or headquarter operations in Arizona in renewable energy industries are elgible for a tax credits if they meet the following requirements:
(a) At least 51% of the new fulltime employment positions are paid 125% or more of the state’s annual median wage.
(b) The company offers to pay at least 80% of the employee’s health insurance costs for all net new fulltime employment positions at the facility.
(2) The tax credit amount is based on the total qualifying investment made and the number of jobs being created by the company. To generate tax credits a renewable energy manufacturing companies must create 1.5 new fulltime jobs for every $500,000 of capital investment. Alternatively a renewable energy headquarters operation must create 1 new fulltime job for every $200,000 of capital investment.
(3) Property Tax Reduction: Businesses Making new qualifying investment of $25 million or more in manufacturing and/or headquarter operations in Arizona in renewable energy industries are eligible for:
(a) 10 years of property tax savings, if the company pays at least 51% of the net new fulltime employment positions between 125% and 199% of the annual median wage.
(b) 15 years of property tax saving, if the company pays at least 51% of the net new fulltime employment positions 200% or more of the annual median wage.
(c) Both Real and personal property can be reclassified to Class 6 property for both primary and secondary property tax purposes.
13 SECTION 6. APPLICATION PROCESS
(1) To become a qualified company and receive pre-approval for tax incentives, eligible applicants must follow the process below:
(a) Note: Prior to submittal of an application to Commerce, a company may request a letter of good standing from Revenue by submitting form Tax Clearance Application to Revenue. Further, a company must also request a letter of good standing from the County Assessor of the county in which the project is located.
(b) Apply for program incentives by completing a 2010 Initial Application and submit it to Commerce.
(c) Upon receipt of an initial application Commerce will assign a priority placement number for receipt of tax incentives.
(d) Within 30 days of receipt of a complete application, Commerce will notify the company of pre-approval or denial. If a company is pre-approved, Commerce will issue a Letter of Qualification to the company and transmit a copy to the Arizona Department of Revenue and County Assessor.
(e) Note: Pre-approval does not guarantee receipt of tax incentives under the program because pre-approval is issued before Commerce determines final eligibility. The final determination of eligibility will be made after a company applies for post-approval.
(2) Following Pre-Approval
(a) Within 12-months of the pre-approval date a company must demonstrate it has spent at least $250,000 in qualified expenses.
(b) Complete the 12-month Interim Report and attach documentation of qualified expenses.
(3) After the Facility is Operational
(a) One the facility begins operations the company must submit a Completion Report to Commerce.
(b) Commerce may issue post-approval to the company after reviewing the Completion Report and verifying the company’s eligibility.
(c) Once post-approval is received a qualified company may claim the tax credits and begin receiving property tax reductions.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
HR 7
H.R. 7
To address the Revenue and Preservation of the Environment
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Ms. Purhart of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding for the Environment through Tax Increase on Bottled Water
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Bottled Water Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Dasani, Aquafina, Callaway Blue, and Deer Park are well-known brands of bottled water that we Arizonians pay an extra dollar or two to drink from because not all of us feel comfortable with the idea of drinking tap water.
7 (2) We pay extra money out of pocket wasting what we earn on a container of plastic that will last us 30 minutes at the gym, but will last forever in a landfill if not recycled properly.
8 (3) This Act will aid in the increase of revenue, and those who do not will aid in preservation because they will save money re-filling a water bottle.
9
10 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 7 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. FUNDS
13 (1) For the Benefit of the environment and the Arizona State Revenue, a 1% tax raise on bottled water is proposed.
(2) For the Tax Increase it is proposed to improve recycling facilities with a 2% tax revenue.
Filed: 24th of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
To address the Revenue and Preservation of the Environment
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Ms. Purhart of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding for the Environment through Tax Increase on Bottled Water
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Bottled Water Bill”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Dasani, Aquafina, Callaway Blue, and Deer Park are well-known brands of bottled water that we Arizonians pay an extra dollar or two to drink from because not all of us feel comfortable with the idea of drinking tap water.
7 (2) We pay extra money out of pocket wasting what we earn on a container of plastic that will last us 30 minutes at the gym, but will last forever in a landfill if not recycled properly.
8 (3) This Act will aid in the increase of revenue, and those who do not will aid in preservation because they will save money re-filling a water bottle.
9
10 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 7 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. FUNDS
13 (1) For the Benefit of the environment and the Arizona State Revenue, a 1% tax raise on bottled water is proposed.
(2) For the Tax Increase it is proposed to improve recycling facilities with a 2% tax revenue.
Filed: 24th of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
HR 6
H.R. 6
To Address a Tax Decrease on Tourist Establishments
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Tarbell of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to grant a 2% Tax Decrease on Tourists Establishments within One Radius Mile of Grand Canyon
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Grand Canyon Tax Decrease”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) It is Unlawful for Establishments to engage in activities that harm or damage Grand Canyon.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 6 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Establishments are prohibited to engaging in activities that harm or damage the Grand Canyon (Interpreted by the commerce/environmental committee).
(2) All plans of location must be approved by a majority vote of the commerce/environmental committee.
(3) If passed this act shall take effect April 1, 2010.
11 SECTION 5. COSEQUNCES FOR VIOLATION OF RULES
12 (1) Violation of Section 4, Subsection 1 and 2 will result in a termination of said establishment in the area.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
To Address a Tax Decrease on Tourist Establishments
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Tarbell of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
A bill to grant a 2% Tax Decrease on Tourists Establishments within One Radius Mile of Grand Canyon
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Grand Canyon Tax Decrease”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF ASSEMBLY
5 The Assembly finds the following:
6 (1) It is Unlawful for Establishments to engage in activities that harm or damage Grand Canyon.
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
8 The following sections of H.R. 6 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
9 SECTION 4. RULES
10 (1) Establishments are prohibited to engaging in activities that harm or damage the Grand Canyon (Interpreted by the commerce/environmental committee).
(2) All plans of location must be approved by a majority vote of the commerce/environmental committee.
(3) If passed this act shall take effect April 1, 2010.
11 SECTION 5. COSEQUNCES FOR VIOLATION OF RULES
12 (1) Violation of Section 4, Subsection 1 and 2 will result in a termination of said establishment in the area.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State8
HR 5
H.R. 5
To address the Education Improvement
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Cromley of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Education improvement through increased recruitment and retention of teachers
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Teacher Qualification Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) In Recognition of the value Arizona’s qualified teachers and the impact they haveind educating its children.
7 (2) Used as an Instrument of Recruiting and Retaining the best educators.
8 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 5 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. DEFINTIONS
11 (1) For the purpose of this bill “Highly Qualified Teachers” shall mean the following: Arizona’s Educators who have been on the job for at least 3 years.
12 SECTION 5. SPECIAL TAX
13 (1) A Special hotel/motel tax shall be instituted to provide for this increase in salary.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
To address the Education Improvement
IN THE ARIZONA STATE ASSEMBLY
March 24, 2010
Mr. Cromley of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Education improvement through increased recruitment and retention of teachers
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Teacher Qualification Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) In Recognition of the value Arizona’s qualified teachers and the impact they haveind educating its children.
7 (2) Used as an Instrument of Recruiting and Retaining the best educators.
8 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
9 The following sections of H.R. 5 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
10 SECTION 4. DEFINTIONS
11 (1) For the purpose of this bill “Highly Qualified Teachers” shall mean the following: Arizona’s Educators who have been on the job for at least 3 years.
12 SECTION 5. SPECIAL TAX
13 (1) A Special hotel/motel tax shall be instituted to provide for this increase in salary.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
Monday, April 5, 2010
Governor Swimmer out-of-touch with Arizonians, leadership in question
In the last session, Governor Swimmer (Tim) presented the state of the state, much to the chagrin of the legislators. His budget allocation included cuts for higher education that infuriated the educated audience.
Attorney General Swanson (Kentavius) said, “As state attorney general, I totally disagree with everything the governor had to say. For him to put education on back burner to tourism,… he is really out of touch with Arizonians. For him to blame his own cabinet, really shows he has no leadership. Leadership is something this state needs.”
Furthermore, Swimmer plans on spending more money on tourism than education leading many to believe Swimmer does not care about the quality of life or education of citizens so long as money from tourists is rolling in.
Swimmer indicated he intended on implementing a state lottery to fund welfare. Turner, Director of the Department of Health, Education & Welfare, was outraged at the implication the suggested lottery use. “The lottery is not created to help welfare,” said Turner. Following the address, Swimmer refused to provide a copy of his address to the press via email claiming he did not really use the internet.
Governor Swimmer quickly backed tracked saying, “Due to negative response [of the state lottery initiative] led me to revamp the proposal. [sic] Special session of legislature will discuss education.”
The biggest question being asked is, “Where is the leadership with the governor?” Minority leader John (D) was quoted as saying, “The governor did not grasp concepts Arizonians are concerned with… more scary than anything – the cabinet decided where we are going.”
Attorney General Swanson (Kentavius) said, “As state attorney general, I totally disagree with everything the governor had to say. For him to put education on back burner to tourism,… he is really out of touch with Arizonians. For him to blame his own cabinet, really shows he has no leadership. Leadership is something this state needs.”
Furthermore, Swimmer plans on spending more money on tourism than education leading many to believe Swimmer does not care about the quality of life or education of citizens so long as money from tourists is rolling in.
Swimmer indicated he intended on implementing a state lottery to fund welfare. Turner, Director of the Department of Health, Education & Welfare, was outraged at the implication the suggested lottery use. “The lottery is not created to help welfare,” said Turner. Following the address, Swimmer refused to provide a copy of his address to the press via email claiming he did not really use the internet.
Governor Swimmer quickly backed tracked saying, “Due to negative response [of the state lottery initiative] led me to revamp the proposal. [sic] Special session of legislature will discuss education.”
The biggest question being asked is, “Where is the leadership with the governor?” Minority leader John (D) was quoted as saying, “The governor did not grasp concepts Arizonians are concerned with… more scary than anything – the cabinet decided where we are going.”
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A Message from Secretary of State Brown (Bryce)
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Governor's Office wishes to announce Governor Swimmer (Tim) will have a referendum for lottery funded welfare. Vote in the next class.
###
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Governor's Office wishes to announce Governor Swimmer (Tim) will have a referendum for lottery funded welfare. Vote in the next class.
###
Bills
The following 4 bills were received late last night from Secretary of State Brown (Bryce):
H.R. 1
To address the Funding of the State of Arizona Education System
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Connelly of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding for State Education Through Major Paper and Educational Material Manufacturers
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Contributions to Education”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Forming Major Partnerships with major paper and education material manufacturers
7 (2) Help Schools make monies by the donation of no less than 2% to every purchase
8 (3) The State Educational funds to raise monies to promote education of productive citizens
9 (4) Monies shall be collected and dispersed by a subcommittee appointed by this committe
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 1 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. FUNDS
13 (1) Any funds raised by this method shall only be used to aid education
14 SECTION 6. USE OF FUNDS
15 (1) These monies shall be used to buy necessary material to progress the learning and help the educational system in it’s striving to achieve maximum success in the education of productive citizens of this state.
(a) Materials such as computers, printing paper, better recourses for the staff of the schools as well as appropriate repairs to the school facility.
16 SECTION 6. DISPERSION OF FUNDS
17 (1) The funds will be dispersed by which schools need it the most.
(a) The criteria for this are decided by the schools size and the success rate of the school academically.
18 SECTION 7. PROGRESS
(1) The Members of the subcommittee shall oversee all arrangements of the funds and report to this committed of its progress.
(a) The subcommittee is also required to get approval for any additional spending of the funds from this committee.
19 SECTION 8. INSPECTION
20 (1) This subcommittee also has the power to send inspectors to the school to observe the school district’s use of the material used.
(a) If the material is not used efficiently then the state has the right to guide the school’s progress in collaboration with the district.
21 SECTION 9. RESTRICTIONS
(1) Those in partnership with the subcommittee as well as the committee itself shall not make any profit out of these arrangements but only benefit the education system of Arizona.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
H.R. 2
To address Senior Protection and Financial Services
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Taylor of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Protection for Senior Citizens of Arizona who purchase lending and insurance products
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “The Arizona Senior Citizen Protection Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Modeled after Vermont Law; Contains several provisions to protect older Arizonians who purchase certain types of lending and insurance products.
7 (2) Protects financial recourses of older Arizonians by prohibiting opportunistic and unscrupulous practices that take advantage of seniors’ financial fears and circumstances.
8 (3) Ensures that those conducting legitimate financial business with seniors are held to the highest professional standards and can offer products in a fair and regulated market.
9 (4) Provide new angles of financial exploitation aimed at seniors and others, and help uphold the standards and good name of the legitimate marketplace.
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 2 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. DEFINITIONS
13 (1) For the purpose of this bill “STOLI” shall mean the following: “Stranger Originated life insurance” transactions occur when a third party, usually an investor group, entices senior citizen to take out a life insurance policy. The investor group then takes over the policy and hopes to profit by receiving the death benefits when the senior dies. The sooner the insured person dies, the higher the return to the investor group. Seniors caught up in these schemes can face a range of problems, including interest in assigning their life insurance policy to others are not affected by this law.
(2) For the purpose of this bill “BISCHA” shall mean the following: “Baking, Insurance and Health Care Administration”
(3) For the purpose of this bill “Reverse Mortgage” shall mean the following: A legitimate transaction that can be a useful financial tool for seniors that allow them to tap the equity in their own homes.
(4) For the purpose of this bill “Unregulated Reverse Mortgage Transactions” shall mean the following: Jeopardize a borrower’s home when it is still needed, or cause the loss of agreed upon payments to the homeowner if the lender becomes insolvent.
14 SECTION 6. LIFE INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS
15 (1) Requires consumer disclosures and regulation of legitimate life insurance settlements and prohibits “STOLI”
16 SECTION 7. BISHCA
17 (1) Authorizes “BISHCA” to regulate the use of Senior Designations and Certifications by sellers of investment and insurance products, to halt misleading representations by those who hold themselves out as senior experts.
18 SECTION 8. REVERSE MORTGAGE
(1) Strengthen Protections for seniors obtaining Reverse Mortgages
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
H.R. 3
To address the Funding of the Arizona Scholarship Lottery
IN THE ARIZONA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
March 23, 2010
Mr. Cohen of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding and Creation of the Arizona Scholarship Lottery
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona General Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Arizona Scholarship Lottery Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) To establish, operate, and regulate state lotteries as authorized by the Arizona Lotteries as authorized by the Arizona Constitution
7 (2) To Supplement Higher Education Scholarships with Net Proceeds from the State Lottery
8 (3) To Provide for the Exchange of Data needed to evaluate state-supported student financial assistance, and for other purposes.
9
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 3 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. FUNDS
13 (1) Net Proceeds of lotteries conducted under this chapter shall be used to:
(a) Fund and Provide for scholarships and grants to citizens of the State of Arizona enrolled in public and private nonprofit two-year and four-year colleges and universities located within the state.
(b) Supplement, not supplant, non lottery educational resources.
14 SECTION 6. MANAGEMENT of FUNDS
15 (1) Lotteries shall be operated and managed in a manner that:
(a) Provides continuing entertainment to the public;
(b) Maximizes revenues; and ensures that lotteries are operated with integrity, dignity, adequate internal controls, and free of political influence.
16 SECTION 7. THE ARIZONA LOTTERY COMMISSION
17 (1) The Arizona Lottery Commission shall be accountable to the General Assembly and to the public through a system of audits and reports
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
H.R. 4
To address the Small Business Tax Breaks
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Lopez of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Introducing Small Business Tax Breaks to Spur Hiring
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Small Business Tax Break”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) That Tax Breaks will Help the Job Market Rise
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 4 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. EXEMPTIONS
13 (1) A Business employing less than 75 full or part-time employees shall be exempt from paying state taxes incurred from hiring any new full time employees.
(2) Businesses with annual profits in excess of $5 Million dollars are exempt from this tax break.
14 SECTION 5. RULES
15 (1) The Newly Hired Employee must maintain an average of 36 or more hours for a total of 265 days for the business to qualify of the tax break.
16 SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS
17 (1) The Tax Exemption is limited only to taxes incurred from hiring the new employee
18 SECTION 7. CLAIMS
(1) This tax break can be claimed by any qualified business’ 2011 or 2012 state tax forms.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
H.R. 1
To address the Funding of the State of Arizona Education System
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Connelly of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding for State Education Through Major Paper and Educational Material Manufacturers
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Contributions to Education”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Forming Major Partnerships with major paper and education material manufacturers
7 (2) Help Schools make monies by the donation of no less than 2% to every purchase
8 (3) The State Educational funds to raise monies to promote education of productive citizens
9 (4) Monies shall be collected and dispersed by a subcommittee appointed by this committe
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 1 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. FUNDS
13 (1) Any funds raised by this method shall only be used to aid education
14 SECTION 6. USE OF FUNDS
15 (1) These monies shall be used to buy necessary material to progress the learning and help the educational system in it’s striving to achieve maximum success in the education of productive citizens of this state.
(a) Materials such as computers, printing paper, better recourses for the staff of the schools as well as appropriate repairs to the school facility.
16 SECTION 6. DISPERSION OF FUNDS
17 (1) The funds will be dispersed by which schools need it the most.
(a) The criteria for this are decided by the schools size and the success rate of the school academically.
18 SECTION 7. PROGRESS
(1) The Members of the subcommittee shall oversee all arrangements of the funds and report to this committed of its progress.
(a) The subcommittee is also required to get approval for any additional spending of the funds from this committee.
19 SECTION 8. INSPECTION
20 (1) This subcommittee also has the power to send inspectors to the school to observe the school district’s use of the material used.
(a) If the material is not used efficiently then the state has the right to guide the school’s progress in collaboration with the district.
21 SECTION 9. RESTRICTIONS
(1) Those in partnership with the subcommittee as well as the committee itself shall not make any profit out of these arrangements but only benefit the education system of Arizona.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
H.R. 2
To address Senior Protection and Financial Services
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Taylor of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Protection for Senior Citizens of Arizona who purchase lending and insurance products
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Congress assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “The Arizona Senior Citizen Protection Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) Modeled after Vermont Law; Contains several provisions to protect older Arizonians who purchase certain types of lending and insurance products.
7 (2) Protects financial recourses of older Arizonians by prohibiting opportunistic and unscrupulous practices that take advantage of seniors’ financial fears and circumstances.
8 (3) Ensures that those conducting legitimate financial business with seniors are held to the highest professional standards and can offer products in a fair and regulated market.
9 (4) Provide new angles of financial exploitation aimed at seniors and others, and help uphold the standards and good name of the legitimate marketplace.
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 2 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. DEFINITIONS
13 (1) For the purpose of this bill “STOLI” shall mean the following: “Stranger Originated life insurance” transactions occur when a third party, usually an investor group, entices senior citizen to take out a life insurance policy. The investor group then takes over the policy and hopes to profit by receiving the death benefits when the senior dies. The sooner the insured person dies, the higher the return to the investor group. Seniors caught up in these schemes can face a range of problems, including interest in assigning their life insurance policy to others are not affected by this law.
(2) For the purpose of this bill “BISCHA” shall mean the following: “Baking, Insurance and Health Care Administration”
(3) For the purpose of this bill “Reverse Mortgage” shall mean the following: A legitimate transaction that can be a useful financial tool for seniors that allow them to tap the equity in their own homes.
(4) For the purpose of this bill “Unregulated Reverse Mortgage Transactions” shall mean the following: Jeopardize a borrower’s home when it is still needed, or cause the loss of agreed upon payments to the homeowner if the lender becomes insolvent.
14 SECTION 6. LIFE INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS
15 (1) Requires consumer disclosures and regulation of legitimate life insurance settlements and prohibits “STOLI”
16 SECTION 7. BISHCA
17 (1) Authorizes “BISHCA” to regulate the use of Senior Designations and Certifications by sellers of investment and insurance products, to halt misleading representations by those who hold themselves out as senior experts.
18 SECTION 8. REVERSE MORTGAGE
(1) Strengthen Protections for seniors obtaining Reverse Mortgages
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
H.R. 3
To address the Funding of the Arizona Scholarship Lottery
IN THE ARIZONA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
March 23, 2010
Mr. Cohen of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Funding and Creation of the Arizona Scholarship Lottery
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona General Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Arizona Scholarship Lottery Act”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) To establish, operate, and regulate state lotteries as authorized by the Arizona Lotteries as authorized by the Arizona Constitution
7 (2) To Supplement Higher Education Scholarships with Net Proceeds from the State Lottery
8 (3) To Provide for the Exchange of Data needed to evaluate state-supported student financial assistance, and for other purposes.
9
10 SECTION 4. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 3 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 5. FUNDS
13 (1) Net Proceeds of lotteries conducted under this chapter shall be used to:
(a) Fund and Provide for scholarships and grants to citizens of the State of Arizona enrolled in public and private nonprofit two-year and four-year colleges and universities located within the state.
(b) Supplement, not supplant, non lottery educational resources.
14 SECTION 6. MANAGEMENT of FUNDS
15 (1) Lotteries shall be operated and managed in a manner that:
(a) Provides continuing entertainment to the public;
(b) Maximizes revenues; and ensures that lotteries are operated with integrity, dignity, adequate internal controls, and free of political influence.
16 SECTION 7. THE ARIZONA LOTTERY COMMISSION
17 (1) The Arizona Lottery Commission shall be accountable to the General Assembly and to the public through a system of audits and reports
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
H.R. 4
To address the Small Business Tax Breaks
IN THE ARIZONA STATE CONGRESS
March 23, 2010
Mr. Lopez of Arizona introduced the following bill
A BILL
Introducing Small Business Tax Breaks to Spur Hiring
1 Be it enacted by the Arizona State Assembly assembled.
2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
3 This act may be cited as the “Small Business Tax Break”
4 SECTION 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS
5 The Congress finds the following:
6 (1) That Tax Breaks will Help the Job Market Rise
7 SECTION 3. ENACTMENT
11 The following sections of H.R. 4 shall be established to accomplish said purposes:
12 SECTION 4. EXEMPTIONS
13 (1) A Business employing less than 75 full or part-time employees shall be exempt from paying state taxes incurred from hiring any new full time employees.
(2) Businesses with annual profits in excess of $5 Million dollars are exempt from this tax break.
14 SECTION 5. RULES
15 (1) The Newly Hired Employee must maintain an average of 36 or more hours for a total of 265 days for the business to qualify of the tax break.
16 SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS
17 (1) The Tax Exemption is limited only to taxes incurred from hiring the new employee
18 SECTION 7. CLAIMS
(1) This tax break can be claimed by any qualified business’ 2011 or 2012 state tax forms.
Filed: 23rd of March 2010
Secretary of State Browne
Original Bill on File at The Office of the Secretary of State
18
Monday, March 22, 2010
Committees determined, Governor Swimmer to give address
Tonight, March 22, at 6 p.m. Governor Swimmer (Tim) will call the first legislative session. He is expected to present the State of Arizona address. Governor Swimmer, in regards to the evening’s agenda, said, “I will be announcing the state budget and mention the governor’s office support of Bill 100.” Arizona Bill 100 concerns the standards for enactment of local government moratorium. Secretary of the State Brown (Bryce) has expressed his support for the governor by saying, “Whatever the governor has is all good.”
General Assembly includes 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats. The 4 committees suggested by the Democrats were environmental, education, health & human services and military affairs. Tensions are already high and lobbyists are already staking their claim. The lobbyist for the Arizona Department of Environment Quality (Meg) said, “Our goal is to preserve state parks and recreation centers to increase tourism.”
Republicans took the Democratic suggestions under advisement and the outcome of the evening concerning committees was education, health, economy, and public safety. A high ranking official was noted for saying, “You do not agree with cuts of social programs, especially those that influence young children and those from low income families.”
McMillan (Shannan), member of the commerce committee, is already showing her powerful lobbying techniques. She met with Governor Swimmer (Tim) last week to discuss the upcoming legislative session. The secret meeting is said to have discussed forth-coming bills on tourism, business and constituent issues.
General Assembly includes 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats. The 4 committees suggested by the Democrats were environmental, education, health & human services and military affairs. Tensions are already high and lobbyists are already staking their claim. The lobbyist for the Arizona Department of Environment Quality (Meg) said, “Our goal is to preserve state parks and recreation centers to increase tourism.”
Republicans took the Democratic suggestions under advisement and the outcome of the evening concerning committees was education, health, economy, and public safety. A high ranking official was noted for saying, “You do not agree with cuts of social programs, especially those that influence young children and those from low income families.”
McMillan (Shannan), member of the commerce committee, is already showing her powerful lobbying techniques. She met with Governor Swimmer (Tim) last week to discuss the upcoming legislative session. The secret meeting is said to have discussed forth-coming bills on tourism, business and constituent issues.
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