LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE
On April 3, 2015, at 3:37 a.m. the Arizona State Legislature adjourned Sine Die. Clocking in at just 81 days, the 2015 legislative session was the shortest in nearly 50 years. With the exception of the State Mine Inspector, every statewide office changed hands and new leadership teams in the House and Senate made for a challenging session. The new Governor and legislative leadership worked closely to pass a $9.1 billion budget in early March.
Arizona’s sluggish economy and a series of previously enacted business tax reductions left the state, again, in a budget crisis of $1.5 billion. In response, Governor Ducey presented an austere 2016 budget proposal. In early March, the legislature passed further reductions to state spending, an additional $350 million—including significant cuts to universities and community colleges, just as a new report showed Arizonans currently carrying $22.6 billion in student loan debt. K-12 also took a hit in additional assistance of $113 million. And, the state reduced reimbursements for healthcare professionals and hospitals treating Medicaid patients by 5% (cutting $127 million over two years resulting in a loss of $588 million in federal matching funds).
Efforts to dismantle education’s common core, allow firearm carry in public places and public events and a repeal of Clean Elections fell flat. In the final hours however,the legislature acquiesced to compliance with the federal requirements of the 2005 Real ID Act.
AIGA engaged in multiple efforts to amend and/or defeat a number of bills with potentially harmful consequences; bills affecting voter turnout in state elections, changes to initiative and referendum statutes, changes to business and employee licensure requirements and the protection of private and proprietary information. AIGA also joined law enforcement’s efforts and was instrumental in the passage of legislation banning the sale of powdered alcohol.
2015 AIGA EXPO
$300 Early Bird Rate Ends June 30th
REGISTER TODAY at www.azindiangaming.org
For more information call 480.284.4034.
Find out how many ways Tribal Gaming supports our member Tribes, the surrounding communities, and all Arizonans by visiting our Benefiting Arizona Page.
Sign up for the newsletter, Like our, I Am For Arizona page on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to read stories like the ones below:
Tohono O’odham helps turn empty big box store into local food bank
San Carlos Apaches Starting Their Own College
Navajo Nation science contest brings out the best in Tuba City junior scientists
Mazatzal Casino Donates Unclaimed Jackpot Money To Local Charities
Ak-Chin Community Celebrates Earth Month at Casino in April
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
AIGA Associate Member Highlights
The Sullivan Insurance Agency of Ardmore, OK, has been insuring Tribal governments and enterprises since the 1980s, providing property, casualty, employee benefits, and numerous other services. Sullivan Insurance Agency has witnessed the evolution of Tribal governments and enterprises and understands that insuring Tribal entities is a unique business and each tribe is unique itself. Please contact Sullivan Insurance Agency to learn more at www.JohnSullivanInsurance.com or call (800) 456-9169.
“Since its beginning in 1978, Arizona Complete has been and is an independently owned and operated “general store” right here in the heart of Arizona. The company’s roots are in vending, supplying snacks and beverages to the local Phoenix metro area. After a few years as a vending company, the company expanded to be Arizona Complete Candy & Tobacco, distributing candy and tobacco to businesses across Arizona that included convenience stores, smoke shops, hospitals, hotels, and many of the Indian reservations around the state. Then and now, Arizona Complete is proud to deliver quality and value to their customers.
Their website is http://arizonacomplete.com/.
UPCOMING EVENTS
In partnership with the Spectrum Gaming Group, AIGA will host a Special Anti-Money Laundering Seminar on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the AIGA Office located at 521 S. 48th Street, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ 85281. The cost is $125 per person and space is limited. Register by contacting Kimberly Buckmaster at 480-284-4034.
AIGA IN ACTION
- Tribes throughout Indian Country represented at NIGA
- AIGA Executive Director, Valerie Spicer and Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Glen Hamer
- NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. and Bernadine Burnette, Former NIGA Secretary
- Asst. Secretary of Indian Affairs, Kevin Washburn addressing NIGA attendees
- Senator John McCain and Senator Jeff Flake at the Update from Capitol Hill event
- AIGA staff Valerie Spicer, Judy Ferreira and Valerie Sanchez with Ortiz Gaming CFO, Elaine Araujo
- AIGA Associate Members, GLI with WMAT Councilment & AIGA Secretary Arnold Beach and AIGA Executive Director, Valerie Spicer
- NIGA Executive Committee Meeting
- Hon-Dah Casino, Director of Casino Operations, Attorney General Mark Brnovich, and AIGA Deputy Director Judy Ferreira
- AIGA Associate Member, Jodi DeLascio of BMM TestLabs, and WMAT Councilmember & AIGA Secretary Arnold Beach
- AIGA Associate Member, Jodi DeLascio of BMM TestLabs, and WMAT Councilmember & AIGA Secretary Arnold Beach
- AIGA Executive Director, Valerie Spicer, Gila River Indian Community Governor, Stephen Lewis, Senator Jeff Flake, and Daniel Lewis
- Arizona Tribal Leaders at NIGA and AIGA Executive Director, Valerie Spicer, and AIGA’s Deputy Director, Judy Ferreira
