Senate President Ken Bennett (R-1)
602-926-5584
House Speaker Jim Weiers (R-10)
602-926-4173

News Release
January 9, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican Leaders Open Session with clear plans for meeting challenges and moving Arizona forward

(State Capitol, Phoenix) – A new legislative session began today and the Legislature’s Republican majority is getting right to work on its clear objectives.

House Speaker Jim Weiers and Senate President Ken Bennett said the Legislature will move expeditiously during the next several weeks to fulfill promises made to Arizonans to continue its vigorous efforts to create a business and family friendly, safe and well-educated state that will be able to sustain continued economic growth.

The following are highlights of the Legislature’s Republican majority priorities released last week:

* Up to $100 million to border security for initiatives that will supplement the federal government’s efforts to end the influx of illegal immigration across Arizona’s border with Mexico. Some of the proposed concepts include giving local law enforcement officers the capability and resources to enforce immigration laws, a radar and camera system developed by a Scottsdale company that can track border crossers and stepped up efforts to crack down on employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens.

* At least $250 million in tax relief to ensure Arizona’s economy continues to excel. The tax relief of the 1990s aimed at taxpayers keeping more of their hard-earned money has been rightly credited by many for the state’s powerful economic growth and the ability to come back from the recent recession. Building off of last session’s major tax relief package, this year’s effort continues in the mold of the economic stimulus philosophy of the ‘90s that worked so well for Arizona to put more money into the hands of all Arizonans, propelling the state’s economy to new heights. Several proposals will be under consideration to keep more dollars in the pockets of the Arizonans who earned them, and who can do a much better job of spending them wisely then can government.

* A substantial pay raise for state employees will help stem the high turnover rate in government. State employees have gone too long without a significant increase in their take home pay. The Legislature will change that this session with the largest pay package in recent memory.

* Paying off the gimmicks created during the last recession must be done to give future Legislatures options during the next economic downturn and to avoid saddling our children with budgets built on illusory foundations.

“House and Senate leaders will be working together during the coming months to make these priorities a reality,” Weiers said. “A secure border, a significant tax relief package and a well-paid work force ensures Arizona has the tools to build on past successes.”

Senate President Ken Bennett said, “The priorities we have articulated maintain a strong focus on government’s accountability to Arizona’s taxpayers. Our goals are clearly aimed at taking major steps to move Arizona forward in areas critical to all of our citizens today and to our children’s future.”

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For further information contact:
Nick Simonetta, Communications and Policy Advisor to the Majority
Arizona State Senate
Office: (602) 926-5418, e-mail: nsimonet@azleg.gov
OR
Barrett Marson, Director of Communications
Arizona House of Representatives
Office: (602) 926-3233, e-mail: bmarson@azleg.gov