Yuma state legislators optimistic about session
• HB 2312 allows officers to issue citations for distracted driving.
• HB 2321 prohibits texting while driving, but you can still dial while driving.
• HB 2011 gives teachers the ability to suspend students.
• HB 2536 bans computer-assisted remote hunting.
• HB 2596 prohibits tanning salons from providing service to children under 18.
• HB 2145 would require parents to volunteer 30 hours per year of classroom time at their children's school.
• HB 2582 requires grocery stores to verify a person's identification if they are using an EBT card.
• SB 1032 sets the parameters for an interstate health care compact.
• SB 1069 would give school administrators the ability to obtain phone records, voicemails, emails, texts and social network posts in connection with any investigation of any school or school district policy.
For the first time in years, there appears to be a reason for optimism at the state Capitol.
“I am cautiously optimistic heading into this legislative session because we are finally not bleeding red,” said state Sen. Don Shooter. “We are in the best shape in five years because we made the difficult choices to (rein) in spending. But you never know. People need to beware and guard their pocketbooks. The Legislature is in session.”
The state found itself in the black when the 2012 legislative session began Monday. And after numerous budget cuts and cost shifts, the surplus could mean beleaguered cities, counties and school districts will get a break this year.
“It's kind of the mantra that's out there right now,” said Rep. Russ Jones. “No cuts, no sweeps and no restorations.”
Shooter agreed and said even if cuts need to be made, they will not resemble the ones made in the recent past.
“If we have to cut, we will cut with a scalpel and not an ax,” he said. “If we have to reapportion, it will be with a thimble and not a bucket.”
Taxpayers could also see a benefit from the stable budget in 2013 when the one-cent sales tax will expire.
“We believe that the state can pay its bills without the sales tax … because we've had 15 straight months of revenue exceeding expenditures,” Jones said. “And there isn't a bill that I'm aware of that will extend it so it looks like we are going to let it end.”
Rep. Lynne Pancrazi said she would like to see some extra money sent to the state's struggling school districts.
“I hope some of the surplus can restore some of the education funding that we've cut,” she said. “Not a permanent change, but a one shot funding so they can patch up a few holes.”
Even though the state is in a relatively strong financial position, all three of the Yuma delegation cautioned against reckless behavior.
“Everyone says we have a surplus, but we really don't if (you) factor in what is going to happen when President Obama's health care plan takes effect in 2014,” Jones said. “If the Supreme Court doesn't overturn it in April, we will have to come up with about $1.5 billion to fund it.”
Jones added some fundamental changes also need to be made so the state can continue to prosper.
“We have large issues in the way we fund education and infrastructure. Right now, the way we fund education is unsustainable,” he said. “We need to develop a new way to tax so we can start to address these issues because they are so important to Arizona.”
Pancrazi said although there are a record 1,700 bills being introduced this year, she hopes the session will be a short, congenial one.
“Last year there were a lot of people who came here with grandiose ideas. Now that they have a session under their belts, I hope they are ready to move forward and work toward what's best for the people of this state,” she said. “Because the less time we spend in session, the less restrictions we place on people, the better.”
She added that despite the large number of bills, only 300 will end up passing.
