Point Four, the lobbyist panel provided tremendous insights into the legislative process and it is important to remember that even though a lobbyist may not have a specific, education related client, the budget impacts and the ancillary connections to one another make the education debates a very hearty and heavily traveled road.  Expect many voices in the room with various valid interests.  Both business and education lobbyists agreed on all major subject areas that will be addressed including education, significant needs in water reform, corrections reform and transportation to occupy much of the legislative airspace.

Point Five, so deftly described by ASBA’s Chris Kotterman, (and I paraphrase) the legislative process can now be summarized in 6 numbers.  1-0-5-1-0-8.  In other words, Proposition 105, the so-called Voter Protection Act passed by voters as a Constitutional Amendment in 1998, has prohibited the Arizona legislature from changing anything in a voter approved initiative unless by super majority vote it actually furthers the original intent.  Proposition 108, the Two Thirds Vote Requirement passed in 1974 limits the passage of any legislation that increases taxes to a two thirds vote for approval.  Combined, the Arizona Legislature has been effectively limited in its impacts on budgets, spending and taxation to these rigid constrictions.  It is nearly impossible to pass a bill with new taxes or increased revenues, and without the ability to amend the voter approved 105, 108 has effectively nearly eliminated legislative ability to raise taxes regardless of purpose.

We hope to see you at the next ABEC meeting and welcome your attendance, comments and recommendations for future discussions!