Category Archives: Executive

Governor Doug Ducey closes businesses

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PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey announced today that he is signing an executive order to close restaurants in counties with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Bars, movie theaters and gyms are also closed.

Other measures include delaying expiration dates on driver’s licenses so elderly will not have to renew them and using the National Guard to assist in stocking store shelves.

The Governor’s full post on Facebook reads:

“I’m announcing new steps to combat the spread of #COVID19. These actions are based on the facts and on data, and come after careful consultation with public health experts from every county in Arizona, our hospitals, local elected officials, and private sector partners.

“They reflect guidance from the CDC and the latest recommendations from the Arizona Department of Health Services while going even further to bolster our efforts with additional manpower and resources.

“To ensure Arizonans have continued access to food, I’m activating the National Guard to assist grocery stores & food banks in the face of heightened demand. This will ensure grocery stores have the manpower needed to keep shelves stocked @AZNationalGuard

“I’m issuing an Executive Order that halts all elective surgeries in the state to free up medical resources and maintain the capacity for hospitals and providers to continue offering vital services. This will reserve critical protective equipment for the fight against COVID-19.

“I’m issuing an Executive Order that requires restaurants in counties w/ confirmed cases of COVID-19 to provide dine-out options only, and closes bars, movie theaters and gyms. Restaurants will be allowed to deliver alcoholic beverages w/ food purchase

“I’m issuing an Executive Order to delay expiration dates on Arizona driver licenses, ensuring residents over the age of 65 do not need to visit Motor Vehicle Division offices to renew their driver licenses during the public health emergency.

“This is an all-in effort. We remain focused in the state of Arizona on proactively limiting the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to protect public health.

“Visit azhealth.gov/COVID19 for more.”

Omnibus Bill SB 1183 Passes, Eliminating and Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burden

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials today thank Governor Doug Ducey for signing SB 1183 into law. Sponsored by Senator Griffin, the legislation will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, while continuing to promote environmentally responsible economic growth.

In response to Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2015-01, SB 1183 is the next step of ADEQ’s comprehensive evaluation of existing statute and rule to identify and remove, simplify or correct duplicative, contradictory and ambiguous regulatory hurdles. SB 1183 successfully streamlines five statutes, and will also result in the amendment or termination of eight sections of rule from the Arizona Administrative Code, offering tangible benefits to Arizona taxpayers and industry.

Senator Gail Griffin, R-14 Senate Majority Whip, said today, “I am glad to stand with Governor Ducey and sponsor legislation to update and repeal unnecessary and outdated regulations that burden our economy.”

“As we continue to eliminate waste in our processes through our ongoing LEAN transformation, we increase our capacity to do more mission-critical work,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Misael Cabrera. “Cutting this waste from our regulations is another step toward more effective government that operates at the speed of business.”

SB 1183 highlights:

  • Septage Hauler – Removes redundant regulatory and fiscal burdens from regulated septage haulers by providing ADEQ the authority to eliminate, in rule, duplicative state and county licensing and inspection fees. (ARS §49-104)
  • Dry Well Driller Licensing – Eliminates redundant regulatory oversite from ADEQ for licensure already administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. (ARS §49-333)
  • ADEQ Recycling Emblem – Eliminates statutory requirements for rules regarding establishment and use of a state recycling emblem. (ARS §49-833, R18-13-2501)
  • State-owned Hazardous Waste Facilities – Eliminates a duplicative hazardous waste transportation requirement that is already administered under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Transportation. (ARS §49-905)
  • Toxic Substances List – Removes an outdated and contradictory provision related to the federal Toxic Substances List. (ARS §49-968)

Governor Ducey’s response to recent national monument designations by President Obama

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PHOENIX — In response to President Obama designating two national monuments this week in Utah and Nevada, Governor Doug Ducey issued the following statement requesting that the president respect Arizona by not designating the proposed Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument:

“Western public land agreements have established a legacy of multi-use that have provided a recreational, environmental, conservation and economic balance that has served our state and nation well.

“In the early 1990s Republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Congressman Morris Udall worked appropriately through congressional action to create a massive footprint of designated wilderness in our state. Arizona also already hosts the most national monuments of any state in the nation. Those monuments more than suffice for enough acreage set aside for elevated public lands management. That work is now complete.

“Our state needs no further designations. Designations done by decree have already negatively impacted our state’s ability to manage wildlife, held in trust for the people of Arizona and our nation. Proof of this fact is seen in the decline of desert sheep in the Sonoran Desert Monument, where access closures impeded our ability to maintain water catchments to grow these herds. Forest management also suffers in special designation areas, and my fear with the proposed designation is a catastrophic fire that would damage this area for more than a century.

“I have long joined Senators McCain and Flake, the majority of our congressional delegation, more than 20 sportsmen/women organizations, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and thousands of Arizona citizens in steadfast opposition to this unneeded and poorly thought-out presidential decree that will permanently damage the recreational, environmental, conservation and economic balance that is so important to our state.

“I request that the president respect the wishes of our state’s leadership and the Congress of the United States, which is where the real authority for public lands designations resides. The intent of the Antiquities Act gives the president limited authority to set aside the smallest amount of land possible to protect the artifact; this proposed designation of 1.9 million acres of land would be a clear violation of that intent.

“If designated by the president in his waning hours, Arizona will take every step necessary—legally and legislatively—to stop it. My hope is that the president respects our wishes.”

Governor Ducey proclaims June 20 American Eagle Day

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eagle-03PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed June 20 American Eagle Day in Arizona, part of a national effort to recognize the United States’ symbol of freedom and power, the bald eagle. Since its inception in 1995, 47 states have signed proclamations to celebrate the day.

More than 230 years after the newly-formed United States of America adopted the bald eagle over the wild turkey as its national symbol, the bald eagle is once again thriving nationally.

The bald eagle population numbered an estimated 250,000 birds when Europeans first settled the continent. However, populations began to decline in the 1800s when the birds were shot for feathers and trophies; their habitat was reduced to build houses and farms; and, their food sources were used to support the booming European settlements. In the 1900s, the species was affected by the use of DDT, and populations declined further.

“Arizona implements a nationally-recognized bald eagle management program that has successfully taken the state from only 11 breeding pairs when the species was federally listed as endangered in 1978 to 65 pairs today,” said Edward “Pat” Madden, incoming chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “The bald eagle’s success is entirely due to the long-term commitments made by the 26 partners of the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee (SWBEMC), a group that includes the Game and Fish Department, federal, state, Native American, and private organizations.”

Although the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list nationally in 2007, the population in Arizona still requires management due to its small size and isolated nature. Management efforts include closing high-use recreation areas during bald eagle breeding season; the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program that monitors nests near high recreational use areas; banding and visual identification to monitor the health of the population; nest survey flights; a monofilament (fishing line) recovery program to remove fishing line from the shores of Arizona’s waterways to keep eagles from being entangled; and, a winter population count.

Also found in Arizona, golden eagles are large, impressive raptors, but little historic information existed about their population and habits in Arizona. Growing conservation concerns have increased the demand for a better understanding of the current status of the species and its conservation needs. Game and Fish kicked off a multi-year population assessment in 2011 and has identified more than 250 breeding areas through helicopter surveys. In addition, the Southwestern Golden Eagle Management Committee was created to provide management support for the species.

Game and Fish’s eagle management efforts are supported in part by the Heritage Fund, an initiative passed by voters more than 20 years ago to provide for wildlife education and conservation through Arizona lottery ticket sales.

Governor Ducey vetoes justice of peace residency bill

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williams-justice-courtPHOENIX — On Tuesday, Governor Doug Ducey vetoed H.B. 2592 which would have required a candidate for Justice of the Peace to be a resident of the precinct they are to represent at the time they file papers and would have to have been a resident for one-year at the time of the general election date.

The exception would have been a justice of the peace who had been appointed. A.R.S. § 16-230 allows the governor to fill vacancies in the Justice of the Peace office with a person of the same party.

The Governor stated in his veto letter:

I do not believe it is appropriate to create a separate residency standard for one specific elected office.

The Governor also vetoed S.B. 1171 concerning filing of late campaign reports. The bill would have required that the specific amount of daily late penalties and how and when daily late penalties start and stop accruing be added to notices sent to campaigns who file late campaign reports.

Governor Ducey said in his veto letter that this matter could be handled administratively in the office of the Secretary of State.

According to current law, all penalties for late filing must be paid prior to filing the late report.

Governor Ducey appoints new member to State Transportation Board

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Photo by Chris Mooney; From Picor.com

Photo by Chris Mooney; From Picor.com

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Michael S. Hammond to the State Transportation Board, representing the Pima County region in the planning and development of Arizona’s transportation network.

The seven members of the State Transportation Board serve six-year terms while representing local communities throughout Arizona to prioritize transportation needs, projects and funding.

“As someone who has lived in Southern Arizona for 39 years and traveled extensively throughout our state and the state of Sonora, Mexico, both for pleasure and business, I have a keen appreciation of our transportation infrastructure and its importance in adding to our quality of life, not to mention driving economic development and job growth,” Hammond said. “It is a privilege and an honor to have a voice in the future infrastructure investments made by the state of Arizona.”

His appointment requires confirmation by the Arizona State Senate. Hammond is expected to attend his first board meeting April 17 in Phoenix.

Hammond has been in commercial real estate since 1978 and is president, founder and managing shareholder of Cushman & Wakefield|PICOR, an independent commercial real estate brokerage and management firm based in Southern Arizona. In 2002, with his background in industrial real estate and interest in regional economic development, he began focusing on the border region and, more specifically, the state of Sonora, Mexico.

Hammond received “Tucson Man of the Year” honors from Greater Tucson Leadership in 2013. He is a member of various local, regional and national organizations, including the Arizona District Export Council, the Business Development Finance Corporation, Southern Arizona Leadership Council and Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities. He is a full member of the Urban Land Institute, and serves on the Urban Land Institute State of Arizona Steering Committee.

Hammond is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle.
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Governor Doug Ducey Issues a Proclamation to Commemorate Prisoners of War Remembrance Day

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PHOENIX — In honor of Prisoners of War Remembrance Day – held annually on April 9 – Governor Doug Ducey issued a proclamation today calling upon all Arizonans to pay respect and gratitude to all of the men and women of our nation’s armed forces who have suffered captivity in foreign countries during active service.

“Today, we pause to recognize the brave members of our armed forces who, throughout history, have been taken captive by an enemy nation while fighting to protect us at home.

We are eternally indebted to these men and women. Day after day, American heroes put on the uniform and answer the call to service – selflessly relinquishing their personal freedom to preserve ours. To those who have not returned home, they are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. We forever honor them, and we continue to pray for their safe return.

I ask that all Arizonans join me in paying respect to our nation’s Prisoners of War, their families and all who serve and sacrifice in the name of our national and personal security. God Bless them all.”

Bill of Rights monument dedication in Phoenix on Bill of Rights day

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PHOENIX—The Bill of Rights Day celebration for Arizona will be particularly special this year. With the mast of the U.S.S. Arizona celebrating the remembrance of Pearl Harbor, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer will dedicate a monument to the Bill of Rights at the State capitol on Wesley Bowlin Plaza. Arizona will be the first to complete a monument dedicated to the Bill of Rights through the effort of Chris Bliss of My Bill of Rights.

During this season, the attention of kids and adults are directed more to the material matter that they will receive in ten days over matters related to their natural rights and liberties. Rarely is this season interrupted with ceremonies relating to the fact that on December 15th, 1791, Ten Amendments were added to the Constitution, “… in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its [the National government] powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.”

The Ten Amendments in fact it is the first of the Ten Amendments that protects the sanctity of this season and the right of people to worship God in schools and other public places.

On Saturday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Governor Brewer will dedicate a monument containing the inalienable Bill of Rights engraved on them.

The monument is part of an effort by Chris Bliss of the My Bill of Rights organization to get Bill of Rights monuments placed in civic spaces across the country. The organization hopes to promote awareness of the guarantees of the Bill of Rights through this effort.

In addition, the Phoenix Elks Lodge will host a $22 buffet dinner with cash bar and keynote speaker Russell Pierce. The Cartridge Family band is scheduled to appear and a portrayal of Patrick Henry by Dr. Lance Hurley. To RSVP for the dinner, call 602-942-9281. The dinner begins at 6 p.m.

Alan Korwin, author of several books on gun and self defense laws, will also be in attendance.

See Also: Committee for the Bill of Rights

Ariz. Governor Signs Bill to Allow Bible Classes in Public Schools

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By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed into law a bill that allows the establishing of elective classes that focus on the Bible and its influence on western civilization.

Sponsored by State Representative Terri Proud, House Bill 2563 was passed by a 21 to 9 vote in the state Senate last Thursday and signed by Brewer on Tuesday.

According to HB 2563, “A school district or charter school may offer an elective course pertaining to how the Bible has influenced western culture for pupils in grades nine through twelve.”

“A teacher who instructs a course offered under this section in its appropriate historical context and in good faith shall be immune from civil liability and disciplinary action,” reads the bill.

Read more at the Christian Post

Obama amnesty runs into a road block in Arizona — Governor Brewer

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PHOENIX—Once again Governor Jan Brewer is shaking a finger at the Obama administration. Governor Brewer signed an executive order enforcing Arizona law preventing illegal aliens from receiving government benefits and driver’s licenses.

The blanket amnesty by the decree of the current administration bypasses Congress and violates the separation of powers and the Constitution of the United States.

Executive order 2012-06 states, “The issuance of Deferred Action or Deferred Action USCIS employment authorization documents to unlawfully present aliens does not confer upon them any lawful or authorize status and does not entitle them to any additional public benefit.”

Title 8, Section 1622, according the the EO, authorizes States to determine the eligibility of government benefits to various class of aliens residing in the State. Section 1621 of that Title provides that aliens unlawfully in the United States are not eligible for and State or local public benefit.

This “Deferred Action” program does not give illegals legal status.

The EO cites Arizona Revised Statute 1-501 and 1-502 limiting public benefits to legal residents of the State of Arizona and 283153 prohibiting the Arizona Department of Transportation from issuing driver’s licenses or identifications to persons unless they can demonstrate a lawful presence in the U.S.

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