Co-chair Rebecca Timmer introduced Senator TJ Shope from the Arizona State Legislature.
Liz Goodman and Cole Libera attended, leading the lobbying efforts along with support from their team member Destiny Ruiz.
- Made it to day 100 and negotiations continue.
- Former Prop 123 discussions and budget forthcoming, with issues like the Diamondbacks Stadium in the forefront
- Bills are in the process of moving through both houses, being voted out and hoping by the end of this week will be through the excess of 100 bills
- Committee work is completed
- Senator Shope extended gratitude to the committee that has been focused on the water bills and supporting the ag to urban bill process, benefiting Pinal County, Queen Creek and Buckeye
- Seeking to create a program with the governor that will provide long-term guidance
- Resolution on water bills should help create jobs and more affordable housing for working families
- Even bills that failed the first round may be resurrected during this process, like the energy securitization bill supported by local energy companies
Craig McFarland welcomed Senator Shope and asked about HB 1393
- Senator Shope believes they’ll hold off on the 3rd read due to moratorium and may be going back to the house of origin
- Other bills up for final reads will probably be paused for same reason
Senator Shope continued comments on the budget process
- Last week’s finance meeting considered volatility in the overall market and economy.
- Budget estimates are down by half from the beginning of the session and there are supplemental funding requests by the governor and others
- Senate and House haven’t yet agreed on a budget process, so June is the likely scenario for end of session
Summary on Water:
- HB 2753 adds Pinal into replenishment districts has a “poison pill” amendment by the Homebuilders Association. The Governor will not sign the amendment, and this is high priority to proceed.
- Meeting with Governor’s representatives to come to a resolution that supports Pinal County’s interests
On Transportation
- The committee discussed a letter of support for memorializing the need to preserve transportation funds in the budget for future road improvements including SR 24, SR 347 and other important regional studies and projects.
- Committee reviewing letter and providing comments/revisions for Craig to finalize for Executive Board approval, then to legislature.
Members from the committee thanked Senator Shope for his leadership and positive movement in recent weeks on bills critical to Pinal County. Rebecca shared Senator Shope’s involvement and thanked him for his cooperation.
Both the Water Resources and Government Relations Committee will continue to work with the Pinal Partnership lobby team and leadership to evaluate legislation important to Pinal County and our membership. Craig and Pinal Partnership’s lobbyists will work during the summer to prepare guidelines for committee review.
The next Pinal Partnership Breakfast is May 2nd at Gold Canyon Golf Resort and will cover the State of the State Legislative Update. Reminder to “Save the Date” on the first Friday of each month (except July).
The next PPGRC Meeting will be on May 27th.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
