Capitol quotes
“It’s like a musket with only one round.” — Rep. Tom Prezelski, D-29, on the floor Jan. 17, commenting on a proposal to use money from the state’s “Rainy Day Fund” to pay for new highways.
Governor’s budget
Gov. Janet Napolitano’s FY2008 budget, released Jan. 12, comprises $10.4 billion in spending, a 6.9 percent increase over the current budget. Of that increase, though, 6.1 percent is formula driven and not discretionary spending. Revenues in the budget are predicted to rise only 3.2 percent, or $10 billion. New initiatives include: $50 million for setting a statewide minimum salary for teachers; $69.7 million for a 3.5 percent state employee pay increase; $6 million to expand KidsCare to all kids from families making less than $60,000 a year; $25 million for the Phoenix Biomedical Campus; $29.8 million for university faculty and student retention; $6.5 million for border security; and $15.5 million for increasing the salaries of math and science teachers.
Quotes on governor’s budget
“I understand that the Democratic caucus was briefed this morning. The media was briefed at 9. It’s my understanding that the business community is getting briefed at 11 and we’re not scheduled until 2 p.m., so you know, it’s almost like… I guess ‘first in, first out.’ I mean if we’re the last in, maybe her budget will be the last out.”— Sen. Bob Burns, R-9, after learning the majority caucus was among the last to be briefed on the governor’s budget.
“The government wants to borrow money for the School Facilities Board. I think that’s going to be a problem. The Legislature has worked hard over the years to move away from borrowing. I think it’s going to be problematic to shift back to that direction.” — Senate Majority leader Thayer Verschoor
Session clock
Today is day nine of the 2007 session; 765 bills have been filed.