February 5, 2018-

After the flurry of the previous week and the fast passage of the opioid legislation, the Arizona Legislature returned to its regular business last week. However, there was drama once again that disrupted some scheduled activities: the expulsion of Rep. Don Shooter of Yuma by the House of Representatives on a 56-3 vote. Shooter didn't go quietly into the night but the drama is over.

As for regular legislative business; some of the bills we are supporting have already passed out of their committee of origin and are moving forward. Below is a sample of two that are “on the move.”

HB2127 – Kid’s Care (Arizona’s CHIP program to provide coverage to eligible low income children who do not quality for AHCCCS) - Because the CHIP re-authorization by Congress last month provides for 100% funding through September 2019 but then drops over the next several years, this bill allowing Arizona flexibility to continue the program in the future is very important.

Progress: This bill has passed through the Health committee in the House, has also passed through the Rules committee and is waiting for a floor vote in the House. Once it passes through the House, it will follow a similar path in the Senate.

HB2087 – Family Caregiver Tax Credit - This bill was developed through the efforts of AARP and would establish a tax credit for qualifying expenses for the care and support of a qualifying family member (spouse, child, stepchildren, sibling etc) in the taxpayer’s home.

Progress: This bill has passed through the Ways and Means committee in the House, has also passed through the Rules committee and is waiting for a floor vote in the House. Once it passes through the House, it will follow a similar path in the Senate.