Co-chair Rebecca Timmer introduced Eric Emmert, Senior Vice President at Dorn Policy Group, Inc. to provide us with a legislative update from the Capitol. The addition of Eric’s knowledge, experience and professionalism catapulted Dorn Policy Group, Inc. to one of the top public affairs firms in Arizona after joining the company in 2005. Eric strategically works municipal, county, state and federal governments while skillfully incorporating government relations, media relations, lobbying, networking and issues management to meet client needs. Eric has a successful track record in government relations and lobbying. He has been responsible for passage of a wide range of legislation throughout his career. From complex tax legislation and economic development issues to transportation to workforce development, Eric continues to successfully navigate challenging issues though the lawmaking process.
- Session lasted 160 days with 1798 bills introduced with the Governor signing 247 and 70 vetoed, a higher veto rate largely due to Republican led bills sent up to have veto on record
- $16.8 million budget is down from last year due to revenue decrease as a result of missing revenue projections in tax revenue and fees primarily
- $1.7 billion in cuts averaged 3.45% cut to each agency
- Pinal County impacts primarily to I-10 widening project, SR 24 funding, Riggs interchange at SR347 and WIFA (Water Infrastructure Financing Authority)
- Eric provided highlights of the session and a look forward to the November ballot.
- Click here to see his presentation.
Rebecca asked about the legislation relating to homelessness. Eric said Rep. Livingston is leading the charge on driving more shelter beds to support the efforts to encourage those to move from encampments.
Brandon Gaylord asked about the veto of SB 1172, agriculture to urban water bill sponsored by Senator TJ Shope. Eric indicated that despite the veto, the discussion will continue to find a solution that will be supported.
Rebecca asked about Prop. 479, the ½ cent sales tax extension of Prop. 400 in Maricopa County funding transportation. Eric indicated it is polling well, got through the legislature and the campaign is raising money for the push to educate voters as it is on the ballot in November.
Pinal Partnership will take a summer break in July and the next PPGRC Meeting will be on August 27th.
There will be no Pinal Partnership breakfast in July and our next Monthly Breakfast Meeting will be August 16th. More details to follow soon.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
