May 8, 2019

Show Me The Money

Although there has not been much action at the Legislature in the past two weeks, any remaining bills are slowly being addressed while legislators start to negotiate a budget.

The bills that include money (appropriations) have been set aside and are considered in the budget negotiations. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) leads the negotiations. The budget process is expected to take longer than usual this year because of the revenue surplus.

Outcome Shaky - Teetering on the Fence

SB1096; health professionals data; repository, was one of the remaining bills whose future was unstable. That’s when AzNA's lobbyists (Rory Hays and Kathy Busby) got to work, visiting legislators that were on the fence.

The House majority leader, Rep. Warren Petersen, introduced an amendment to expand the behavioral health workforce (something desperately needed). This amendment was good enough to get the bill passed by unanimous vote through the House. Because of the new House amendment, the bill was sent back to the Senate who also voted unanimously to approve - and viola! SB1096 is now on the Governor’s desk to sign. The fence is still a bit shaky, but AzNA has good reason to believe that the Governor will sign.

That Seems Positive. Why The Concerned Face?

Here's the last hurdle: there are still some financial concerns because the money to support the database ($50,000) was stripped off the bill to allow it to move out of House Rules. That money still needs to be allocated somewhere in the budget. AzNA is optimistic this will happen; after all, $50,000 in a $144.2 Billon budget is a “drop in the bucket”! Hoping to come out on the right side of the fence.

Vaccine Bills: It’s Not Over 'Til It’s Over

The vaccine bills (HB 2470, 2471 and 2472) have been stalled in the house since February and have had no chance passing in their current form. However, with the shifting focus due to increased cases of measles across the nation, anything is possible. Legislators have until the close of the legislative session to change their minds. AzNA will keep you updated.

Should I Be Worried About Measles?

Arizona has avoided an outbreak so far, but according to Dr. Cara Christ, Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services, “Increased use of immunization exemptions [has] put Arizona at-risk for outbreak in 2019.”

Should I Get a Booster?

Maybe. Some adults born before 1989 may need to consider going back for an extra booster.

Sour Lemons

What an experience for a Gilbert, AZ high school student this legislative session as the Arizona Senate failed to move the lemonade bill forward. Garret Glover realized that unlike other states, Arizona did not have a “state drink.” He met with his elected official, Representative Warren Petersen and on February 13, 2019, HB2692; state drink; lemonade, was introduced by Rep. Petersen and sailed through the Arizona House with a 57-3 vote.