AFT-AFP blasts Phoenix City Council’s “endless” parks tax

The Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, a state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, condemned yesterday’s unanimous policy decision by the Phoenix City Council to move forward with a proposal to extend a city parks and preservation tax “in perpetuity.” The current parks and preservation tax, enacted in 1999, is set to expire next year.

“An endless tax gives city politicians a never-ending blank check,” said AFT-AFP state director Tom Jenney. “If a tax sunsets every ten years, that provides much-needed accountability, so that citizens can periodically review city practices,” he said.

Jenney also questioned the proposed uses of the tax. While the current tax has mainly been used to acquire and develop park lands, Deputy City Manager Rick Naimark explained to the Council yesterday that the endless parks tax would increasingly be used to pay for maintenance and operations functions, including park rangers and security. “This is a revenue source looking for a purpose,” said Jenney.

Jenney also criticized the City Council for failing to consider private-sector alternatives, such as taking competitive bids and granting private companies the right to operate exclusive concessions in parks, such as coffee and ice cream stands, or nature tours, in return for providing maintenance, landscaping, security, and other services. “Out of a $124 million parks budget, fewer than one million dollars come from enterprise functions,” said Jenney. “Expanded private concessions could easily replace the $15 million annual revenue from the parks tax.”

AFT chairman Chad Kirkpatrick questioned the propriety of placing the tax question on the May ballot, when a much more substantial voter turnout will occur in the November general election. Kirkpatrick also pointed out that the vote on the parks tax would be the City’s second tax vote in less than a year. “The City Council put the Prop 1 sales tax increase on the September ballot to get an additional $60 million a year for police and fire, after it deliberately underfunded police and fire budgets in order to make the tax increase more attractive to voters,” Kirkpatrick said.

The current tax, which is one-tenth of one percent on sales in Phoenix, will have raised over $200 million by the time it expires.

At its meeting next Tuesday, January 29^th, at 3:00 p.m., the City Council will hold a final vote on an ordinance to refer the tax for voter approval to the May 20^th ballot.

Contact: Tom Jenney, Arizona state director, Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org (602) 478-0146

For more on operating parks through private concessions, see the Reason Public Policy Institute’s report on managed competition programs in San Diego:

http://www.reason.org/san_diego_managed_competition.pdf

CAP: How much do you know about abortion numbers?

Every single abortion is a tragedy beyond compare. It takes the life of an individual who can never be replaced. It also harms the woman in deeply personal and physical ways. Today, though, I'd like to give you an idea of the both the toll of abortion and the very real hope that abortion's hold on our nation is coming to an end. At least 50 million preborn children have been killed through legal abortion over the last 35 years. Approximately 1.2 million abortions occur annually. About half of the women having abortions are 25 years or older with about 60 percent having given birth to at least one child prior to getting the abortion. About 47 percent of all women have had an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Medical abortions - caused by taking abortion pills - account for 13% of all abortions, double the level of medical abortions in 2001. Abortion proponents see the abortion pills as one solution to the lack of doctors willing to perform surgical abortions. Women who abort a first pregnancy are nearly four times more likely to engage in subsequent drug or alcohol abuse than women who never have an abortion. The suicide rate for post-abortive women is six times higher than those who had miscarried. In 1992, there were 2,152 abortion clinics. There are now fewer than 750 in operation. There are at least 19 abortion "providers" in Arizona, compared to 43 in 1977. There are now more than 2,300 pregnancy resource centers all over the country, willing to help mothers find alternatives to abortion. There are at least 46 pregnancy resource center locations throughout Arizona. Only 28 percent of 18 to 29 year-old women believe that an abortion should be available to "any woman who wants it." That percentage has shrunk from 49 percent in 1993. The U.S. abortion rate has fallen to 19.4 abortions for every 1,000 women, the lowest level in three decades. In 2006, there were 10,506 abortions in Arizona, compared to 15,783 in 1990.

2) How Much Do You Know?

To test your knowledge about Roe v. Wade, take this quick online quiz, found at www.roeiqtest.com, about the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in America.

Sheriff Arpaio To Headline Friday Event In Tucson For Romney For President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
America's Toughest Sheriff to Visit Tucson for Mitt Romney for President
**Joe Arpaio Heads Romney Rally in the Old Pueblo** Arizona's Presidential Primary is February 5th TUCSON, Ariz - January 23, 2008 - With wins in Nevada and Michigan - and the most delegates of any Republican candidate for President - Mitt Romney is on a roll. With that in mind, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will roll into Tucson this Friday (1/25) for a rally showing support for the man he believes can fix Washington. "Mitt Romney is the candidate who can overhaul Washington. Governor Romney proved it when he turned around a massive deficit in Massachusetts, when he turned around the Olympics after scandal and time and again when he turned around business after business in the private sector," says Arpaio, one of Arizona's most popular elected officials known for his tough stands on crime and illegal immigration. Sheriff Arpaio will attend a full slate of events as he tries to get the vote out for Mitt Romney in Arizona's February 5th primary election: Friday, January 25, 2008 11:30 to 1:00 Pima County Republican Women Luncheon Sheraton Four Points Speedway and Campbell 3:30 to 4:10 Broadway Proper Retirement Community 400 South Broadway Place 6:30 to 8:00 Rally for Romney - Featuring Sheriff Joe Arpaio Medicine Man Art Gallery 7000 E. Tanque Verde **To arrange an interview with Sheriff Joe Arpaio contact Jason Rose** -30- Romney for President email: info@roseandallynpr.com phone: 602-791-4488

McClure, Robson, and Stump Announce for Arizona Corporation Commission

Editor's note - there is also a trio of libertarian-leaning Republican candidates running as a slate.

A trio of veteran lawmakers – Arizona State Representatives Marian McClure (R-Tucson), Bob Robson (R-Chandler), and Bob Stump (R-Peoria) announced today their intention to seek election to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Combined, the three state legislators have strong and diverse backgrounds in protecting consumers, promoting families, and supporting business innovation and infrastructure development. The Republican team of McClure, Robson and Stump seek to replace three term-limited Commissioners and former Representatives: Republican Commissioners Jeff Hatch-Miller, Bill Mundell, and Mike Gleason.

The obligations and duties of Arizona’s Corporation Commission are critically important to Arizona’s economy. Commissioners are charged with oversight of all of Arizona’s critical utilities, including water, natural gas, electric, sewer, and telecommunications. Commissioners’ key duties also include regulation of the sale of securities or investments, as well as pipeline and railroad safety enforcement. Proposition 103, approved by Arizona voters in 2000, changed the term of office for Commissioners from six to four years, and limits Commissioners to two consecutive terms.

Representative Marian McClure, a civic leader and Republican activist from Southern Arizona, was elected to her first term at the Arizona House of Representatives in 2000 and currently represents the communities of Green Valley, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Sahuarita, Sonoita, Elgin, Patagonia, and Tubac. For 2008 McClure will continue as Chair of the House Public Institutions and Retirement Committee, as well as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee, and member of the House Committee on Counties, Municipalities, and Military Affairs. With over 15 years of professional experience working for several large international financial institutions, McClure has a thorough understanding of the banking and retail industry. McClure is well known at the Arizona Legislature as a leader in consumer protection issues including protecting retirees from investments scams, and protecting military families from unscrupulous high interest loans. An Arizona resident since1965, McClure has been active in GOP women’s groups in Southern Arizona.

Representative Bob Robson, a small business owner in Southeastern Maricopa County, was elected to his first term at the Arizona House of Representatives in 2000 and currently represents the communities of Chandler, Ahwatukee, and Tempe. Robson has served in the House Majority Leadership team as Speaker Pro Tempore for two House Speakers. Additionally, Robson is Chairman of the House Rules Committee, through which all successful legislative bills must be reviewed and approved, and is Vice Chairman of the House Environment Committee. Prior to his election to the Arizona House, Robson served on the city council of the fastest growing city in the United States, Chandler, Arizona, where he was elected by his peers as Vice Mayor. During his tenure, the City was well known for its innovative infrastructure planning and business promotion, resulting in historic employment and salary gains. During his years of public service, he has focused his policy efforts on supporting public safety officers and investing in the education of our children. Robson has been an active civic volunteer in his community, including his deep involvement as a member of Kiwanis Club for nearly 30 years.

Representative Bob Stump was elected to his first term to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2002 and currently represents the communities of Sun City, Peoria, Glendale, and Youngtown. Stump will continue his leadership role at the Arizona House in 2008 as Chairman of the House Health Committee, and is a member of the House Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance, Water and Agriculture, and the House Ethics Committee. Mr. Stump is well-known for his efforts to improve health care for Arizona’s seniors. Praised by Citizens for Arizona Policy as “one of Arizona’s most articulate and eloquent champions of conservative ideals,” Stump has received numerous legislative awards for his protection and promotion of Arizona families and taxpayers. A lifelong Republican, Stump holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of California at Berkeley.

Arizona’s primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, with early balloting beginning July 31. Arizona’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, with early voting beginning October 2.

Contacts:

Bob Robson
(602) 370-5676 Robson4az@yahoo.com
Bob Stump
(623) 776-3202 StumpCampaign@gmail.com
Marian McClure
(520) 749-2548
Mar42ian@cox.net

Tuesday night: presidential candidates forum hosted by LD16

Nixon's political bar & KKNT co-hosting Super Tuesday party

For more information click here.
No charge to attend, but they request that you sign up in advance and print out a ticket.

Will we find out Feb. 5 if we have a Republican presidential nominee or not?

Liberal journalist defends County Attorney crime prevention handbooks

On Horizon's Journalists' Roundtable last night, liberal journalist Mike Sunnucks from the Phoenix Business Journal defended Andrew Thomas's crime prevention handbooks, noting that numerous other politicians send out materials with their names on them and it's to be expected as part of the job. Gabrielle Giffords has sent out countless flyers as U.S. Representative, known as "franking." Napolitano has sent home pictures of herself with all Arizona schoolchildren, plastered her photo on billboards around the state at a cost of almost $150,000, inserted herself into a book about the Navajo Indians that was sent home with schoolchildren - thanks to Sonoran Alliance for remembering this one), and prominently featured her photo on the front of the Clean Elections website (thanks to Lighthouse for this one). Secretary of Jan Brewer issued a video of herself before elections reminding voters to bring identification with them to the polls. Perhaps the prize for the worst offender should go to AZ attorney general Terry Goddard, who has at least 73 publications listed on his "Publications" webpage. Most of them are glossy slick booklets with his picture prominently featured on the front.

One thing to take into consideration when considering whether to ban this type of thing is what benefit arises from the use of it? In Thomas's case, crimes - including deaths - will be prevented, and money will be saved from having to prosecute (and pay for public defenders) to deal with criminal offenders. If just one person is deterred from committing a heinous crime, isn't that enough to justify the $200,000 cost of the booklets? The cost to the victim and their family, in addition to the financial costs of prosecuting, defending, and housing one murderer, must be comparable to $200,000. I think an argument can be made for spending money to justify sparing lives, especially since the money ends up being saved since there is no crime to then prosecute.

As for the other politicians, it's not quite as easy to justify their flagrant self-promotion. How do you justify $150,000 worth of billboards with the Governor's smiling face on them that only say, "There's nothing like home cooking."

Goldwater Institute: Breakfast with Ward Connerly - February 7

2/7/2008 Breakfast with Ward Connerly 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Goldwater Institute presents a
2008 Speaker Series Breakfast featuring Ward Connerly

Ward Connerly has advocated racial and gender equality by eliminating racial and gender preferences in California and Michigan. Now he brings his Civil Rights Initiative to Arizona.

February 7, 2008

8:00 am

Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Avenue.
Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Goldwater Institute Member Tickets [$35 each]
Non-Member Tickets [$50 each]

Reserved Table
Reserved seating for ten guests [$500]

VIP Table
Preferred seating for ten guests [$1,000]

Premier Table
Premier seating for ten guests [$2,500]

For more information, please call Jenn Bryson at (602)-462-5000 ext. 229 or email her at jbryson@goldwaterinstitute.org

---

No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists--important reform bill

SCR 1009 was introduced yesterday.

Also known as No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists, the bill would give voters in November the opportunity to prohibit governments and government agencies from using taxpayer money to lobby the Legislature. SCR 1009 would allow governments and government agencies to continue providing information to legislative committees, but they would not be allowed to spend our money to hire lobbyists.

To take action, view the related link on the AFP Arizona blog page.

Please send a note of thanks to Senator Linda Gray (R-10, Northwest Phoenix) and the other sponsors of SCR 1009, aka No Taxpayer Money for Lobbyists:

Sen. Robert Blendu (R-12, Litchfield Park, Goodyear), rblendu@azleg.gov

Sen. Bob Burns (R-9, Peoria, Sun City), rburns@azleg.gov

Sen. Ron Gould (R-3, Lake Havasu City, Mohave County), rgould@azleg.gov

Sen. John Huppenthal (R-20, Ahwatukee, Tempe), jhuppenthal@azleg.gov

Sen. Karen Johnson (R-18, Mesa), kjohnson@azleg.gov

Rep. Mark Anderson, (R-18, Mesa), manderson@azleg.gov

Rep. Russell Pearce, (R-18, Mesa), rpearce@azleg.gov

Rep. Judy Burges (R-4, Sun City West, Surprise, Wickenburg), jburges@azleg.gov

Rep. Doug Clark (R-6, Anthem, North Phoenix), dclark@azleg.gov

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth (R-22, Gilbert), efarnsworth@azleg.gov

Rep. Jim Weiers, House Speaker (R-10, Northwest Phoenix), jweiers@azleg.gov

Rep. Steven Yarbrough (R-21, Chandler), syarbrough@azleg.gov

To read the text of the bill, click here.

And thanks to longtime taxpayer activist Ken Bond of Mesa, who has worked for many years to implement meaningful restraints on taxpayer-funded lobbying. If you would like to help Ken to pass SCR 1009, please respond to this email and let me know.

Tom Jenney
Executive Director
Arizona Federation of Taxpayers
A state chapter of Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org
(602) 478-0146

Slowing Down AZ’s Budget Rollercoaster

Pearce introduces Spending Limit Referendum Bill, HCR 2038

The Governor and her Big Spender allies in the Legislature have spent the state government into another deficit crisis. Now, some of the Big Spenders are using the deficit as an excuse to justify increased property taxes next year.

Arizona’s budget problems really got out of control in FY 2006 and FY 2007, when the size of state government as a portion of the state economy exceeded 6.5 percent—levels of spending not seen since the early 1990s. Spending as a portion of the economy is down a little this year, but the Governor and the Big Spenders will soon push it even higher.

Today, Rep. Russell Pearce (Republican, District 18, Mesa) introduced HCR 2038, a referendum bill that would give voters in November an opportunity to freeze the size of state government at 6.4 percent of state personal income. That would keep state government from taking a larger and larger piece of the state economy.

The 6.4 percent bill is a fiscally moderate proposal: It allows state government to grow, but only as fast as the state economy. If a Legislator believes that government should get larger as a portion of the economy, he or she is a Big Spender, not a fiscal moderate.

Please take a moment to send a note to say thanks to Rep. Pearce at rpearce@azleg.gov, and to the legislators in your district who signed on as co-sponsors of HCR 2038:

Rep. Mark Anderson (R-18, Mesa), manderson@azleg.gov

Rep. Ray Barnes (R-7, Northeast Phoenix, Cave Creek), rbarnes@azleg.gov

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-22, Gilbert), abiggs@azleg.gov

Rep. Judy Burges (R-4, Sun City West, Surprise, Wickenburg), jburges@azleg.gov

Rep. Sam Crump (R-6, Anthem, North Phoenix), scrump@azleg.gov

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth (R-22, Gilbert), efarnsworth@azleg.gov

Rep. Trish Groe (R-3, Lake Havasu City, Mohave County), tgroe@azleg.gov

Rep. John Kavanagh (R-8, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills), jkavanagh@azleg.gov

Rep. Rick Murphy (R-9, Peoria, Sun City), rmurphy@azleg.gov

Rep. Bob Stump (R-9, Peoria, Sun City), bstump@azleg.gov

Rep. Jim Weiers, House Speaker (R-10, Northwest Phoenix), jweiers@azleg.gov

Rep. Steven Yarbrough (R-21, Chandler), syarbrough@azleg.gov

Sen. Bob Burns (R-9, Peoria, Sun City), rburns@azleg.gov

Sen. Ron Gould (R-3, Lake Havasu City, Mohave County), rgould@azleg.gov

Sen. Jack Harper (R-4, Sun City West, Surprise, Wickenburg), jharper@azleg.gov

Sen. Karen Johnson (R-18, Mesa), kjohnson@azleg.gov

Sen. Thayer Verschoor (R-22, Gilbert), tverschoor@azleg.gov

To read the text of the bill, copy and paste this URL into your browser:

http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hcr2038p.htm

Tom Jenney
Executive Director
Arizona Federation of Taxpayers
A state chapter of Americans for Prosperity
tjenney@afphq.org
(602) 478-0146

AZ Institute for Justice San Tan Flat case featured in Wall Street Journal

Greetings to our Arizona friends!

The Institute for Justice Arizona Chapter is starting 2008 strong with an excellent video commentary on our San Tan Flat case released today by Reason.TV and the Drew Carey Project. Pinal County, Arizona, is abusing its power and harassing local entrepreneur Dale Bell who opened a steakhouse and saloon in Pinal County in 2005. Little did he know doing so would earn him the County's ire: the county has taken the absurd position that allowing his customers to dance outdoors transforms the restaurant into a dance hall in violation of zoning ordinances.

To see the video, visit the Wall Street Journal website at www.wsj.com and click on Opinion, then see the Opinion Video Center. Reason's website also has the San Tan Flat video, as well as recent video commentaries in the area of eminent domain, highlighting Institute for Justice work in National City, California and redevelopment efforts in Hollywood and Anaheim, California: http://reason.tv/featuredvids.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in and support for the Institute's work on behalf of individual rights, and Happy 2008!

Jennifer M. Perkins, Staff Attorney
Institute for Justice Arizona Chapter
398 South Mill Avenue, Suite 301
Tempe, Arizona 85281
(480) 557-8300 * jperkins@ij.org
Litigating for Liberty: www.ij.org/arizona

County Attorney Thanks Public for “Overwhelming” Response to Crime Prevention Booklet

Vows to Print More Copies if Necessary to Fill Demand

County Attorney Andrew Thomas today thanked the public for its “overwhelming” response to his office’s newly published crime prevention handbook, and vowed to print additional copies if necessary to satisfy public demand.

So far, the public already has requested more than 13,000 copies of the booklet and completed 2,500 downloads of the handbook from the office’s website, in addition to the approximately 600,000 copies that were placed in newspapers in the Valley last week. Requests have come from citizens, civic groups and government agencies. Phone calls, emails and letters to the office have offered “effusive praise” and have been almost 100 percent positive.

Appearing at a press conference with community anti-crime activists, Thomas said, “Citizens who wish to protect themselves from criminals deserve a copy of this handbook.” Thomas said media claims that his office had refused to fulfill public records requests about the cost were misleading because, among other things, the advertising departments of Valley newspapers had not yet submitted their bills to the office, so those requests could not be completed. The money used to pay for the handbooks came from a line-item appropriation from the board of supervisors dedicated specifically to “crime prevention.”

Noting that his office has returned over $1 million in leftover funds to county coffers in each of the last two fiscal years, and that the number of employees has not grown in the office in the three years since he took office despite an exploding county population, Thomas said he had “set a standard for fiscal leadership that may well be without precedent in modern Arizona history.”

Thomas said he had campaigned for county attorney on a platform of crime prevention, and he is fulfilling that promise by providing these booklets to citizens. He attributed criticism to an “alliance of politicians and critics in the media who oppose my policies on illegal immigration.” The matter was a “manufactured controversy, coming from critics who don’t like the fact that I’m the only elected prosecutor in America who prosecutes illegal immigrants for entering the country illegally. That’s what this is about.”

He added that the booklet “tells the truth about the link between crime and illegal immigration.”

Thomas noted that other elected officials who had performed similar services, including books and booklets handed out to public schoolchildren, had received little if any media scrutiny. The mere mention of his name and an introduction in the booklet by Thomas, he said, were “appropriate and hardly flashy.”

For more information contact:
Mike Anthony Scerbo, Public Information Officer
602) 506-3170 (office) or (602) 489-6913 (cell)

(note - for comparison, see http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=1850#comments)

Thomas and Arizona Chamber of Commerce Co-host Employer Sanctions Seminar

Andrew Thomas and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will participate in an Employer Sanctions Compliance and Enforcement Seminar on Friday, January 18, 2008. Co-hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the event will take place at the Heard Museum in Phoenix.

The seminar will feature a discussion of The Legal Arizona Workers Act.

As of January 1, 2008, the law provides for the possible suspension of the business license of an employer who knowingly hires an illegal immigrant. A repeat offender faces the permanent loss of their business license.

In the months leading up to its effective date, Thomas had stated that the County Attorney’s office would be meeting with members of the business community to assist them with complying with the new law.

Thomas remarked: “Members of the business community deserve guidance on complying with the new law, and an explanation of the law that is free of the rumors and fear-mongering tactics that have been utilized by some of the law’s opponents. The forum on Friday represents my intentions – in conjunction with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce - to continue the educational process.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will discuss proper use of the I-9 and avoiding discrimination at the forum. Additionally, another representative of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will demonstrate the E-Verify program.

Registration for the seminar begins at 8:00 a.m. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.

To register in advance, email rsvp@azchamber.com.

For more information contact:
Mike Anthony Scerbo, Public Information Officer
(602) 506-3170 (office) or (602) 489-6913 (cell)

Romney Victory In Michigan Boosts Arizona Supporters, Prospects, Sheriff Joe Arpaio Says

Fresh off an important victory in Michigan, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Governor Mitt Romney's Arizona supporters are fired up and ready to continue campaigning throughout the country and leading up to Arizona's February 5th presidential election.

"Washington is broken. The economy is suffering. It's time for Mr. Fix It and that is Governor Romney. He has now received more votes than any other Republican candidate. He's in it to win it and I am proud to be standing by his side," Arpaio said.

Arpaio himself has been to Iowa and New Hampshire to campaign on behalf of Governor Romney. He also recorded a phone script about Romney's tough stand on illegal immigration that was distributed to Michigan voters.

Arizonans have been helping throughout the country, including a contingent that went to New Hampshire last week to help campaign and fundraise for Governor Romney.

Arizonans, including "America's Toughest Sheriff," will continue to make a difference for Governor Romney as the campaign now heads to Nevada, South Carolina, Florida and the February 5th states including Arizona.

In addition to Sheriff Arpaio, Governor Romney has been endorsed by State Senator Chuck Gray, State Rep. Rich Crandall, State Rep. Mark Anderson, Queen Creek Mayor Art Sanders, Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope, former Pima County GOP Party Executive Director Ed Parker and numerous business and political leaders.

Romney for President

email: info@roseandallynpr.com

phone: 602-791-4488

Goldwater Institute: There are other ways to address school capital costs besides financing

Capital Comparison

By Matthew Ladner, Ph.D.

When considering whether or not to finance capital costs for schools, or utilize other methods to reduce pressure on Arizona's beleaguered budget, a comparison between Arizona and Nevada is instructive.

Nevada faces runaway enrollment growth similar to that of Arizona. Between 1995 and 2005, Arizona's K-12 student population expanded by approximately 351,000 students. During the same period, Nevada's K-12 population increased by just over 147,000 students. As a percentage of the total student population, these increases were comparable. Projected growth extends as far as the eye can see for both states.

Data from the National Center for Education statistics shows that Nevadans spent almost twice as much per student on capital costs as Arizonans in 2003. Higher capital costs ultimately mean less in the way of resources for classroom instruction.

Arizona's ability to keep capital costs below the national average while facing significant growth can be attributed in large part to our embrace of parental choice in education. Charter schools alone have absorbed approximately a third of the increase in the public school population since 1994. Arizona's charter schools do not receive state facility funding.

Additionally, under Arizona's open-enrollment policy public schools with empty seats have an incentive to make those seats available. Some demographically aging areas with high quality public schools have large numbers of transfer students. In the absence of open enrollment, these schools might be underutilized.

Nevada has little parental choice and is almost the ultimate in "consolidated" county-wide school districts. Clearly this hasn't resulted in savings to the taxpayer. Ironically, some would have Arizona emulate Nevada, rather than the other way around.

Dr. Matthew Ladner is vice president of research at the Goldwater Institute.

CAP: Legislative priorities this session

(1) Are You Ready? They're Back!

The Arizona Legislature officially began a new session today. About 40 people joined us to pray "first of all" for our elected officials and the tasks ahead. For the 13th year in a row, CAP's policy team will be at the Capitol to represent you and your values. Our policy team includes myself, Peter Gentala, Jennifer Clark, Deborah Sheasby, and policy intern Brett Urig. We'll be watching for bills that impact your ability to practice your religious beliefs and to raise your children according to your beliefs. We'll also be working to protect the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of marriage in our state. Stay tuned - we anticipate another wild ride.

(2) It's All About the Budget

First, state legislators will likely address the $1 billion deficit in the current state budget. CAP's priority will be to oppose any excessive and unnecessary cuts to abstinence education funding, school choice programs, and pregnancy resource center funding.

(3) CAP on Offense

Our legislative priority will be to pass a state ban on partial birth abortion. Other agenda items include clarifying Arizona's parental consent for abortion law, spelling out students' religious liberties in state law; expanding school choice; addressing Internet issues regarding sexual predators; and, simplifying the charitable tax credit law. I'll be discussing each bill and announcing some new agenda items in the coming weeks.

(4) CAP on Defense

As always, the bills we oppose and defeat are as important as the ones we play a role in passing. We will stand guard against laws infringing on religious liberties, limiting parental rights and school choice opportunities, impacting the sanctity of human life, and eroding marriage. Already legislators have introduced an Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) to grant special legal rights on the basis of one's sexual orientation and gender identity. There's talk of a bill to establish a domestic partners registry for the state. We will oppose both of these ideas vigorously.

Twice deported illegal immigrant rapist facing 250+ years on 47 charges

Criminal Complaint Filed Against Accused Chandler Rapist
Suspect faces 47 charges

A criminal complaint has been filed against Santana Batiz-Aceves (DOB 04/20/68), County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced today. The complaint lists 47 charges including Child Molestation, Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, and Burglary. If the defendant were convicted on all of those charges he would be looking at a minimum sentence of more than 250 years.

Batiz-Aceves was arrested for the attacks January 12, 2008 by Chandler Police whose officers worked tirelessly to make an arrest in the attacks of six young girls. The attacks happened between June 2006 and November 2007. Deputy County Attorney Angela Andrews has been working with a police special task force for nearly a year.

County Attorney Thomas stated, “Our office salutes the Chandler Police Department for making the
arrest and providing us with valuable evidence to help make this case in court.”

According to police in the Sacramento area, Batiz-Aceves was deported from the United States in 1999 and again in 2003. While in California he had been arrested on drug and burglary charges. Thomas said, “This incident again underscores the very troubling link between crime and illegal
immigration in Arizona. Our border crisis continues to directly impact public safety.”

For more information contact:
Mike Anthony Scerbo, Public Information Officer
(602) 506-3170 (office) or (602) 489-6913 (cell)

CAP: Thank you for your support & calling all pastors

In this issue:
	(1) Thank You For Your Strong Support! (2) Calling All Pastors! (3) Truth Project Groups Starting Soon!

(1) Thank You For Your Strong Support!

In December, I wrote about CAP's financial picture and the significant shortfall we were facing in our 2007 operating budget. We praise God for blessing us with the strongest financial year-end response in our 12 year history-although we still came in short of our budget goal by approximately $200,000. Please continue to pray with us that our financial needs will be fully met so we can march forward strongly in 2008, serving as a strong and effective voice in Arizona for life, marriage, and family. Pray also that we will be wise stewards of the provisions God blesses us with!

(2) Calling All Pastors!

The Center for Arizona Policy is sponsoring its First Annual Pastors Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 29, as an opportunity for pastors and legislators to come together. Pastors will have a chance to tour the Capitol, observe the legislature in session, and enjoy lunch in the Capitol's Rose Garden. Dr. Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Bible and Theology at Phoenix Seminary, will be sharing his thoughts on the believer's responsibilities towards government. Cost is only $15 and includes lunch. Please encourage your pastor to come and be a part of this day. For more information visit www.azpolicy.org or call 602-424-2525.

(3) Truth Project Groups Starting Soon!

There are eight new Truth Project small groups which will begin to meet as early as next week. If you haven't been a part of a Truth Project group, you won't want to miss this opportunity. Groups are starting in places all across Arizona including Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Wickenburg, Cottonwood, Lakeside, and Phoenix. For more information about The Truth Project and to find a location near you, please visit www.azpolicy.org/truthproject. If you are interested in being a Truth Project group leader and you haven't been through a Truth Project small group yet, you can become a leader by attending Focus on the Family's regional Truth Project Training Conference at Scottsdale Bible on January 18 and 19. The cost is only $119 for an individual or $149 per couple and includes the 7-disc DVD curriculum. To register for the conference, visit www.thetruthproject.org/events today.

Attn.Taxpayers: Meet Wally the Wallet downtown Monday morning to present worst legislator award

Come join the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers and Americans for Prosperity down at the Arizona Capitol Mall this coming Monday, January 14, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Wally the (Empty) Taxpayer Wallet will be there to give awards to the Legislators who scored as Heroes and Champions of the Taxpayer on our 2007 Legislative Scorecard. We will also see if we can find Rep. Steve Farley of Tucson, and give him the “Empty Wallet” Award, for earning the lowest score on the Scorecard.

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT, please email tomjenney@cox.net or call (602) 478-0146.

ALSO: Please let me know if you have a digital camcorder.

We will bring a supply of coffee and doughnuts for the taxpayer activists who join us.

The Capitol Mall is located at 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007. (Get off of I-10 at 7^th Ave, go south to Washington, west on Washington past the light at 15^th Avenue, veer right at the split (it becomes Adams Street), then start looking for parking. Public parking may be available next to Bolin Park (entrances on Adams and Jefferson Streets). Wally the Wallet will be in the courtyard between the House and Senate buildings.