2-5-16 Briefs

Republican Briefs

Editor - Frosty Taylor repcomm@cox.net or frostytaylor@cox Web Master - John Strasser

Congratulations To The Two Gentlemen who won the First and Second Vice Chairman positions for the Maricopa County Republican Committee’s Executive Guidance Committee – on the second round of balloting Wednesday evening during the MCRC EGC meeting held at AZGOP headquarters in Phoenix.

Meet The Newly Elected MCRC 1VC Frank Thorwald: Thorwald has been a LD21 PC since mid-November 2015. He is a former Navajo County GOP Treasurer, was a member of the Navajo County GOP Executive Committee and served on various leadership positions with the Boulder, Colorado GOP prior to moving to Navajo County, AZ. Thorwald went inactive for several years due to a health problem, but his physician has recently given him a clean bill of health and he’s ready to take on the first vice chairman duties. A few of his past accomplishments include serving as the Chairman and Commissioner Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, as a member of the ADOT Freight Advisory Committee, Past Commissioner Commerce Eco Dev Comm, past Member of the Gov’s Council Workforce Policy, past Chairman of the Employers’ Advisory Council and past President of the Gov Alliance for Rural Arizona.

Meet Your New MCRC Second Vice Chairman Ray Sweeney: Sweeney is a LD20 State Committeeman, a Moon Valley Precinct Committeeman and has served four continuous years on the Maricopa County Republican Executive Guidance Committee (MCRC EGC). He was theChairman of Az. GOP Resolutions Committee last year, served on the Steering Committee for Diane Douglas campaign for Supt. of Public Instruction in Arizona, worked on campaigns for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Wes Gullett for Phoenix mayor, Phoenix City Councilman Jim Waring and Sal DiCiccio, testified before the Phoenix City Council, the Independent Re-districting Commission and various Arizona House Committees; various Arizona Senate Committees. Sweeney is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. He is the founder of the "Spirit of America" Post 6458, Catonsville, Md.; was twice awarded All-American Post Commander - Veterans of Foreign Wars, twice served as National Aide de Camp to the Commander-in-Chief - Veterans of Foreign Wars, served on National Voice of Democracy Committee - Veterans of Foreign Wars, is the recipient of Roy Maddox Award- Best All Around Post in Maryland, was the District Commander for the State of Maryland and three times served as Entertainment Chairman of Maryland State VFW Convention. The former MCRC LD 11 and LD18 PC is currently a member of the Arizona Republican Assembly (AzRA), Eagle Forum Leadership Council, Arizona Citizens Defense League and Oathkeepers.

Freedom Works, a conservative advocacy group, named Congressman Paul Gosar as its “Congressman of the Month” for February. According to its website, FreedomWorks includes over 6 million Americans who are passionate about promoting free markets and individual liberty. Its members all share three common traits: a desire for less government, lower taxes, and more economic freedom.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting is scheduled at 8 am., Fri, Feb 5 at the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point Hotel Ballroom, 200 N. Madison Ave., in Yuma. The meeting is open to the public. View live via video stream at Game and Fish offices (except the Yuma office) or the online Commission Cam. Also, the public can follow @AZGFD on Twitter for periodic updates. Members of the public who wish to speak to the commission may submit speaker cards (blue cards) in person at the meeting or their nearest Game and Fish office. The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast online. (see full agenda). On Saturday, from 8am-2pm., the commission will tour the Sonoran pronghorn breeding facility on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

Go to US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward’s web site at kelliward.com/ar15 to sign up for a chance to win a custom Kelli Ward AR-15.

The Pima County Republicans will hold their Debate Watch Party at 6 pm., Sat., Feb 6 in Wilbur's Grill in Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E Broadway Tucson 85711. Happy Hour prices 4pm to 7:30pm. ½ price on some of their appetizers, provide FREE chips, salsa and one hot item. Sponsors: Tucson Republican Women, Pima County Republican Club, Pima GOP, ALRA - Arizona Latino Republican Association, LD2, LD9, LD10 & Eastside Republicans. Contact: (520) 321-1492 or hq@pimagopmail.org

AZGOP West Valley Victory Office Manager Peter Lee invites you to the Debate Watching Party starting at 6 pm., Sat, Feb 6 and Sat., Feb 13 GOP debates at, 10050 W Bell Road Suite 50, Sun City AZ 85351 starting at 6 pm (AZ time). Only one main debate. No under card debate. BBQ food items will be available for purchase.

State Treasurer Jeff DeWit will address Prop 123 – Arizona’s Education Finance Amendment – at 7 pm., Tues., Feb 23 at the Emory Riddle Aeronautical Hanger in Prescott. Contact call 928-277-4010.

AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham: The AZ GOP, the Secretary of State and many of our State Representatives have been working tirelessly to end the horrible, special-interest-driven ballot harvesting. Special interest groups have worked to perfect ballot harvesting as a method to control and influence the outcomes of elections. Ballot harvesting is the practice of paid operatives, or volunteers organized by special interest groups to canvass neighborhoods shortly after mail-in-ballots have arrived to registered voters homes. The special interest operatives offer to deliver the ballots for the registered voter. In many cases, special interest operative gather tens, hundreds and thousands of ballots. Unbelievable!!! This practice of Ballot Harvesting has the potential to violate a voters civil liberties and destroy the integrity of our Representative Republic. Harvesting is abused and is a blemish to the Arizona voting process. see video Make your voice heard. Tell our Representatives that they should Vote YES on HB 2023. Click on azleg.gov/MemberRoster then...Just Click On Their "Send Email" Button. We must keep the pressure on the House and Senate to assure passage of this bill. This is not a partisan Bill...it is a voter integrity Bill. Contact: robert.graham@azgop.org

The Opening Dedication Of The New Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana is scheduled at 10 am., March 26. The new veteran’s cemetery is located just off of I-10, 30 miles north of Tucson. Exit Marana off-ramp #236, go west on Marana Road to Luckett Road, then north. Phase 1 consists of 1802 pre-placed crypts, 1920 columbarium niches to open in 2-16. The cemetery was made possible by a financial grant from the US Dept of Veterans Affairs and a 42-acre parcel from the Kai Family Foundation of Marana. Contact: FoundationChairman Paul G Marsh 520-995-5232 pgmarshaz@gmail.com

The American Gold Star Mothers Tucson Chapter are selling raffle ticket to raise money for Wreaths Across America. Sponsored by Jim Click, the AGSM gets 100% of the ticket sales to put towards Wreaths Across America. The more tickets they sell, the more wreaths they can put on veteran graves. Tickets: Sheron Jones President - American Gold Star Mothers Tucson Chapter and Department President for Arizona 520-390-1704sheronjones29@yahoo

Marilyn Lawson and Joan Oesterle are sponsoring a Meet-n-Greet for CD1 candidate Gary Kiehne (“he’s rancher, not a politican”) between 5:30-7 pm., Tues., Feb 9 at the Oro Valley Country Club, 300 W Greenock Dr., Oro Valley, AZ 85737. Cash Bar and Hors d'oeuvres.RSVP to Lynne St Angelo 605-321-6224

Hillary Clinton Seemed Receptive the other day to naming President Obama to the U.S. Supreme Court if she is elected to succeed him this fall. Most voters, however, don't approve of putting Obama on the high court and still aren't interested in him running for a third term as president either. Read More

George and Darla Grove are hosting a fundraiser for CD1 candidate Gary Kiehne and US Senate candidate Kelli Ward at their home, 63791 E Cat Claw Lane, SaddleBrooke, AZ from 5:30-7 pm., Feb 26. RSVP: ggrove7@earthlink.net 520-818-1144.

A New CNN/WMUR Tracking Poll conducted entirely after the Iowa caucuses finds Donald Trump continuing to hold a wide lead among likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire. Trump has 29% support. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is in second place with 18%, following his strong third place finish in Iowa. Ted Cruz, 13%, and John Kasich, 12%, are in a near-tie for third. Jeb Bush holds fifth place at 10% with Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina well behind at 4% each. CNN.com

LD20 2VC Wes Harris: They (Phoenix City Council) listened not at all to anyone. The deck was stacked and the whole thing was a charade as they were committed to "one minute of silence" from the get go. We, the citizens of Phoenix, were had by our elected officials! They voiced the fear of a law suit but had no problem spending our tax dollars to sue our duly elected State Representatives and Senators to overturn legislation that consolidated elections in even numbered years in November so that they could retain their odd year August elections to insure their retention of power. The long and short of it is this Mayor and his 'minion' Council represents the City Employees and themselves...ONLY! We will not forget those that voted to 'Silence" God! Phoenix is going the way of Sodom and Gomorra.

Many ministers attended and spoke against what the Mayor and Council proposed...that is many but, sadly, not my Pastor. That is the problem in the U.S. today...few Ministers are standing up for God and Jesus against government overreach and subjugation which results in passiveness in the congregation. This is totally against the teachings of Jesus Christ. If one looks at the degradation of morels in this nation one has to blame the PULPIT! Contact: Harris 602-432-2871 (cell),wwharris@msn.com

This Morning AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham criticized yesterday's decision by City of Phoenix leaders to end the practice of beginning city council meetings with an opening prayer. Followers of the Satanic Temple had been scheduled to recite a Satanic Invocation at the council’s February 17 meeting.

“One of the great opportunities I've had as chairman of the Arizona Republican Party is to meet with, serve with, and pray with people of faith in the city of Phoenix regardless of their party affiliation. I'm saddened as a resident of Phoenix, that we would allow a few bullies to alienate people of faith from being involved in the public square. Our founding fathers, while of many faiths and some of no particular faith, recognized the value of prayer at some of our nation’s most pivotal moments. At our Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin admonished those in attendance, 'I will suggest, Mr. President, that propriety of nominating and appointing, before we separate, a chaplain to this Convention, whose duty it shall be uniformly to assemble with us, and introduce the business of each day by and address to the Creator of the universe, and the Governor of all nations, beseeching Him to preside in our council, enlighten our minds with a portion of heavenly wisdom, influence our hearts with a love of truth and justice, and crown our labors with complete and abundant success!' If a show of humility to God, rich in the American tradition, is to be ended because of a few satanic bullies, how are we going to fix some of our community's and nation’s most pressing problems? Maybe it is time we send a message to the Phoenix City Council that they are out of touch with the people of Phoenix.”

Graham is collecting information necessary to create a ballot initiative to reinstate public prayer, as well as for the recall of elected Phoenix public officials. Contact: (602) 957-7770info@azgop.orgAZGOP.org

More details on the Testing Choice Bills: HB2544/ SB1321- The state board of education (SBE) shall adopt a menu of statewide achievement assessments to measure pupil achievement beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. The assessments provided must be of "high quality" and demonstrate that they meet or exceed the state board's adopted academic standards; that the cost to administer each assessment is not more than current assessment cost; and provide a third part evaluation of each assessment to show that it is of high-quality and meets standards. hb2544p.pdf and sb1321p.pdf

District 1 Pima County Board of Supervisors Ally Miller will address the Oro Valley Republican Women’s Club at 300 Greenock Dr., Oro Valley, AZ 85737 at 12:15 pm, Fri., Feb 12. Meet/greet at 11:30 am.,lunch 11:50 am. RSVP before 1 pm., Tues., Feb 9 to Program Chairman Nancy Newman: nancynrdh@gmail.com520-297-3401

The Western Pinal County Chapter of The Arizona Republican Assembly meets at 6:30 pm., Mon., Feb 8 at 408 N. Sacaton St. Ste. II, Casa Grande, AZ. The building on the southeast corner of W Florence Blvd. and N Sacaton St. US Senate candidate Kelli Ward will address the group. Contact: Secretary Jason Hayes 202-394-7202wpcc.azra@gmail.com / jason@jasonhayes.org

During The Final Democratic Presidential Debate before next week's New Hampshire primary, Hillary Clinton flashed genuine anger and disbelief that Bernie Sanders, her primary rival, is casting doubt on whether she had been an authentic warrior in the left's great battles against Republicans. The former secretary of state angrily accused Sanders of delivering an "artful smear" by suggesting her political favor could be bought by rich donors. Reaction and analysis CNN.com.

Sunday, Feb 7 Is The Deadline for making reservations to hear House Speaker David Gowan address the Arrowhead Republican Women at 11:30 am. Wed., Feb 10 at the Briarwood Country Club, 135th Ave & Meeker Blvd, Sun City West. $20 for multi course luncheon. Choice: burger or salad! Reservations at arrowheadrw.weebly or contact Lezlee at 602-354-5224. You will receive a confirmation that your reservation has been received within 24 hours.

The deadline to purchase tickets to the Tucson Freedom Expo is 3 pm., Tues., Feb 9. www.freedomexpo16.com

Voters Say No to Obama on Supreme CourtHillary Clinton seemed receptive the other day to naming President Obama to the U.S. Supreme Court if she is elected to succeed him this fall. Most voters, however, don't approve of putting Obama on the high court and still aren't interested in him running for a third term as president either. Read More

A Reception In Southern Arizona for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is scheduled Feb 23. The MCSF has been in operation for 53 years. Last year it gave out $7,000,000 to children of Marines that enabled them to go to college. The operation is in full swing in the Phoenix area and they are trying to raise awareness of this program in southern Arizona. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a nationwide organization but the money raised in Arizona goes first to Arizona kids. They are looking for more applicants in southern Arizona for the scholarships. RSVP to Ashleyashley.shaklee@datocwitten.com. Free admission and parking. www.mcsf.org.

The Arizona State Senate Has Confirmed Gov Doug Ducey’s appointment of Eric Slocum Sparks to a five-year-term as the newest Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner. Sparks has been an international advocate for sustainable wildlife and habitat management. He also has served as Legal Committee Vice Chairman of Safari Club International (1999-2009), the Safari Club International Museum, and on the boards of directors of Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson (1994-1999), Golden Eagle Firearms Corporation, and the Water for Wildlife Foundation (1987-1997), among others. Sparks has been a practicing attorney in Tucson since 1987.

Arizona’s Small-Business Owners will gather between 9 am-1:30pm, Wed., Feb 10 at the State Capitol for their annual Small Business Day at the Capitol, organized by the National Federation of Independent Business. “Our annual Small Business Day at the Capitol has as its over-arching goal the reminder to legislators that Main Street, mom-and-pop enterprises are not smaller versions of bigger business, but instead have much tougher difficulties in remaining solvent,” said Farrell Quinlan, Arizona state director for NFIB, which has 350,000 members nationwide, including nearly 7,000 on Arizona. The cost is $35 per person, including lunch. Contact NFIB/Arizona Member Support Manager Melissa Keckler at 602-263-7690.

“His Bill Is Anti-Voter, anti-democracy, anti-education, anti-parents and anti-children.” - Supt of Public Education Diane Douglas on Jeff Dial, who authored a bill to clarify the lines of responsibilities between the Dept of Education and State Board of Education.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) celebrated Black History Month by hosting the 4^th Annual Black Republican Trailblazer Awards Luncheon today, with the theme of “Pursuing The Promise.” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus presented the Trailblazer Award to Alphonso Jackson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for significant contributions to the Party and the country. Jackson will deliver the keynote address. The awards luncheon was held on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black university (HBCU), in Daytona Beach, Florida,

US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward’s Maricopa County Super Saturday Door Knockers will gather petition signatures and distribute campaign material between 10am-3 pm., Sat., Feb 6 in north Phoenix. starting at the Peter Piper Pizza 12851 W Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85378. A trainer will be on site. Upon returning that site, the team will have pizza with the candidate. Events coordinator Carolyn Leffevents@kelliward.com or 1-928-230-0633.

Volunteers Needed: The Arizona Donald Trump Team is looking for volunteers to work phone banks and distribute campaign material. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Thayer Verschoor at tverschoor@donaldtrump.com or 602 703 0266.

US Senate candidate Dr. Kelli Ward’s Mohave County Door Knocking Team will go door-to-door handing out campaign materials and gathering signatures between 10 am-3 pm., Sat., Feb 6, starting at Subway, 3880 Stockton Hill Rd # 102 in Kingman. A trainer will be on site. Events coordinator Carolyn Leffevents@kelliward.com or 1-928-230-0633.

The American Heritage DVD series by historian David Barton of Wallbuilders will be presented between 1-3 pm., Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29 at the AZ GOP Headquarters West Valley office, 10050 W. Bell Rd. Suite 50. Free to public. Call 623-815-8557 or 623-977-4532 . Facilitated by living history presenter Bonnie Angster. Series will focus on the Constitution, the Judiciary, Education and Black History.

ATTN candidates: Plans are underway for the Sun City West Republican Club Spring “Candidates Forum” that will feature national, state, and LD22 candidates running in 2016. Candidates are asked to contact Forum Chairman Jan Martinson at jlmart15102@aol.com or 623-546-3753 for a spot on the agenda. Put “Candidates Forum” on the subject line. The event will be video-taped so you can use it for promotion. No charge for candidate participation. It’s an opportunity for candidates to speak to at least 200 people at one time. For details call Martinson at 623-546-3753.

US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward’s Pima County Supporters will conduct a Super Saturday Door Knocking canvas of neighborhoods between 10 am-3 pm., Sat., Feb 6, starting at Safeway, 9050 E Valencia Road in Tucson. Team trainer Stephen Walsh will be on hand to help first time canvassers. Events coordinator Carolyn Leffevents@kelliward.com or 1-928-230-0633.

Arrowhead Republican Women’s First Vice Chairman Jan Martinson is asking for volunteers to help with the ARW jewelry table at the Feb 20 “Candidate Corral” at Pioneer Village. Contact Martinson at 623-546-3753.

ATTN Republicans: Go to the Arizona Secretary of State Website www.azsos.gov/equal to sign candidate petitions for the 2016 ballots and contribute $5 to clean elections candidates. Candidates can get one-half of their signatures and $5 contributions via the website. This saves candidates a lot of time and shoe leather.

Volunteers needed: Candidate Corral 2016 coordinator Nina Marlowe is asking for about 30 volunteers to help with the Feb 20 Candidate Corral scheduled at the Pioneer Living History Village. Marlow needs people to help with parking and busing handicap people from their car to the front of the three stages set up for candidates presentations. She also needs set-up and tear down volunteers. Contact Marlow at 602) 541-1436 cell nmarlowCBL@gmail.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEB 6

The Sun City West Republican Club will meet on Sat., Feb 6 at the SCW Foundations building (Quail Room) 14465 R.H.Johnson Blvd, Sun City West. Former LD5 Senator Dr Kelli Ward will address the group on her campaign against US Senate John McCain. Doors open at 8 am with coffee and donuts; the general meeting at 8:30am. $2 donation which helps with the room rental. Contact: Publicist Jean Goncalves 623-214-8010.

Legislative District 14 will meet at 9:30 am., Sat., Feb 6 in the Benson City Council Chambers 120 W. 6th Street, Benson, AZ. Contact: Maureen Tozzi, Secretary - LD14

FEB 8

US Senate candidate Dr Kelli Ward will have Lunch with Supporters at Big House Cafe in Casa Grande RSVP at noon, Mon, Feb 8. She will address the AZRA Meeting in Casa Grande at 6 pm in the Central Events Hall at the Arizona Plaza . RSVP

FEB 9

The Sun Lakes Republicans will meet with Constitutional attorney Shane Krauser to address constitutional education at 6:30 pm., Tues., Feb 9 in the Arizona Room at Sun lakes Country Club, 25601 S Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, AZ 95249. Also meet US Senate candidate Alex Meluskey. Contact Chr Mike Tennant, 480-802-178. www.slgop.org

US Senate Candidate Dr Kelli Ward will have lunch with supporters at noon, Tues., Feb 9 at Dirtwater Springs Restaurant in Apache Junction, AZ RSVP . She will attend a Meet & Greet at Liberty Arts Academy at 4:30 pm in Mesa. RSVP

FEB 10

Arrowhead Republican Women will meet at 11:30 am., Wed., Feb 10 with AZ Speaker of the House David Gowan at the Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West, according to club president Bonnie Hochberg. Check-in begins 10:45am. Reservations required. $20 per person - payable by cash or check at the door. Reservations must be made through arwlunchrsvp@gmail.com or readers may go to our website to make a reservation - http://arrowheadrw.weebly.com/luncheons. Or contact Lezlee Alexander at 602-354-5224 to Reservation deadline is Fri, Feb 5. ARW is open to Republican women registered to vote in AZ. Republican men may join as associate members.

The SaddleBrooke Republican Club will meet at 3:30 pm., Wed., Feb 10 in the Mountain View Clubhouse Ballroom 38759 S. Mountain View Blvd, Saddlebrooke AZ to hear National Republican Committeeman Bruce Ash address the upcoming national elections, the potential for a brokered convention in either party, potential pitfalls for candidates, and the potential of a split of the Republican or Democratic Parties, Contact: President Neil Macdonald

FEB 11

Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy invites you to join an advocacy training session at 6 pm, Thurs., Feb 11 at Arizona Republican Party Headquarters, 3501 N 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Experts in law and policy will give the facts on marijuana legalization and what it will mean for our families, communities, and businesses. Join radio personality and communications expert Seth Leibsohn, County Attorney Bill Montgomery, County Attorney Sheila Polk, and Debbie Moak, Director of the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Families, as they give you the tools you will want and need to understand and advocate on this important set of issues. Those in attendance will be invited to write or give video testimonials about why they oppose the legalization of drugs.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department educator webinar is scheduled at 7 pm., Feb 11 on Arizona's State Symbols - Learn the history and trivia about state symbols. Register Here.

Retired Copperhands Old Timers will gather at the American Italian Club in Phoenix at 7 pm, Thurs., Feb 11 to visit with US Senate candidate Dr Kelli Ward. RSVP

CONGRESSIONAL HEADLINES

Please comply with the 300 word limit policy. If statements exceeds the limit, it will be edited.

Rep. Gosar Introduces Cottonwood Land Exchange Act

House Passes Gosar Amendment And Bill To Stop Executive Abuse Under Operation Choke Point

Rep. Gosar: “EPA Negligent In Response To Flint Water Crisis”

Gosar: Arizona-Lawmakers-Blast-Historic-Designation-Proposed-Mine

Franks: Whistleblower Indictment Ignores True Crimes Of Abortion Industry

Salmon, Flake Introduce Bill To Establish New Circuit Court

Rep. Salmon Applauds Passage Of Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act

Chairman Salmon Celebrates Freedom Of Navigation Exercise In The South China Sea

Video: Flake Calls For Markup Of EB-5 Reform Bill

Flake, Salmon Introduce Bill To Establish New Circuit Court U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.) today introduced the bicameral Judicial Administration and Improvement Act, a bill to move Arizona, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska out of the oversized and overworked 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and into a newly-established 12th Circuit.

Rep. Gosar: “EPA Negligent in Response to Flint Water Crisis” - “I find it despicable that McCarthy waited seven months after an EPA regulations manager first reported a very serious contamination to take this matter seriously” Congressman Paul A. Gosar after participating in a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing titled, “Examining Federal Administration of the Safe Drinking Water Act in Flint, Michigan” where the Congressman questioned Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator Joel Beauvais: “Today, the EPA admitted to first discovering contaminations in Flint’s water system in the Spring of 2015. Shamefully, the EPA dismissed an internal memo from one of its own and failed to take any real action till January 2016. During that time, EPA Administrator Susan Hedman tried to dismiss the seriousness of this crisis stating that the memo was just a draft and that it should have never been released as the memo had not received final approval from the EPA hierarchy. Innocent children and families in Flint were exposed to unsafe levels of lead and copper in their water while the EPA was twiddling their thumbs and downplaying the severity of this contamination.

“If the EPA was serious about making the Flint water crisis a priority, as it claims, why did EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy just visit Flint for the first time yesterday, the day before a Congressional oversight hearing? I find it despicable that McCarthy waited seven months after an EPA regulations manager first reported a very serious contamination to take this matter seriously. Her failure yesterday to take responsibility for the EPA’s negligence is absolutely shameful. Why has no one been fired or held accountable at the EPA for this incident? McCarthy’s actions continue a sickening trend by the EPA of hiding government incompetence and ducking accountability. Disgustingly, the EPA risked the health and safety of our citizens because they failed to take any real action for nearly seven months.

Congresswoman Martha McSally introduced legislation to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a full analysis of the current and potential threats along our nation’s southern border. The last complete mile-by-mile assessment conducted by DHS was in 1993, over two decades ago. “The threats along our border have shifted significantly in the last few years, let alone over the last two decades,” said McSally. “Our Border Patrol can’t do their job if they’re operating off of outdated information. This isn’t just bad strategy, it’s a situation that puts Southern Arizonans at risk, and I’ll continue to work to improve our border strategy. “The Southern Arizona Border Threat Assessment Act would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a new Southwest Border Threat Analysis within 180 days of the bill being signed into law, mandating that accurate assessments be made of the current and potential threats, as well as the measures that need to be taken to counter them. The bill also requires the U.S. Border Patrol to design a new strategic plan based on DHS’s threat analysis. full bill text HERE.

Congresswoman Martha McSally introduced legislation to keep more Border Patrol Agents along the border while more efficiently getting medical treatment to people interdicted by agents. Under current policy, individuals apprehended by Border Patrol who require medical care must be transported to local medical treatment facilities by two Border Patrol Agents, taking these agents away from their duties along the border. The Border Security Health Initiative Act expands a program with proven success to place qualified medical teams at Border Patrol Stations where they can provide immediate care to apprehended individuals, saving Border Patrol man hours and money. Full bill text HERE.

Congresswoman Martha McSally today led over 50 House members to call on Acting Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy to reinstate inurnment rights of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) at Arlington National Cemetery. In a letter, the lawmakers write that the decision to rescind WASP inurnment eligibility at Arlington in March 2015 “perpetuates and validates” past gender discrimination in the military. “As you are aware, the WASP stepped up to serve during a time of great need during World War II,” the lawmakers write. “It is clear the main reason the WASP were not commissioned at the time was cultural hang-ups on the role of women in the military. The men who flew the same missions as the WASP before, alongside, and after these women would have been able to earn eligibility for Arlington National Cemetery.” Today’s letter was co-signed by 55 House members. View a PDF of the letter HERE.

US Senator John McCain thanks Congressman Bill Shuster, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for including language in the committee’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill released today that would address concerns raised by residents of Phoenix, Arizona about recent flight path changes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Last week, Senators McCain and Flakesent a letter to Chairman Shuster and Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, requesting that they include such language in their committees’ respective FAA reauthorization bills:

US Senator John McCain on the Forest Service’s announcement that it will allocate an additional $10 million per year over 10 years to Arizona’s Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI): “The Forest Service’s announcement that it will allocate an additional $10 million per year over 10 years to Arizona’s Four Forest Restoration Initiative is an important step forward in advancing forest thinning projects in our state. These resources are essential for reducing the intensity of catastrophic wildfires across the four national forests in Arizona. While today’s announcement is welcome news, there are still large swaths of federal land in eastern Arizona – one of the most wildfire-prone regions of our state – that the Forest Service has been slow to make available to the local sustainable timber industry. The Forest Service should further demonstrate its commitment to the 4FRI effort by releasing the backlog of approved projects ensure these areas are not left to chance in our state’s next major wildfire.”

ARIZONA ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT

Please comply with the 300 word limit policy. If statements exceeds the limit, it will be edited.

Supt Diane Douglas: Senator Jeff Dial’s SB 1416 is Anti-Voter and Pro-Common Core: AZ Supt of Public Instruction on Sen. Jeff Dial’s SB 1416, scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee meeting at 9 am., Feb 4. “I was shocked by the repulsive nature of Senator Dial’s bill, SB 1416. Having successfully faced a primary election, a general election, a pathetic recall effort and an ongoing lawsuit by the State Board of Education, I am stunned that a so-called conservative Republican would try to reverse the will of the people.

“SB 1416 strips the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of many of its Constitutional duties and gives them to unelected board members that meet around once per month. This is the same board that refused to put the repeal of Common Core on an agenda until two lawsuits were filed and staff removed.

“When the issue was finally allowed to be voted on, the Board voted 6-2 to eliminate Common Core. Jeff Dial’s bill gives all the power back to the two members who voted no so they can reinstate Common Core. Both of those board members, Greg Miller and Reginald Ballantyne, gave personal checks of $1,000 to support pro-Common Core Democrat David Garcia in the general election.

“Apparently Jeff Dial is anti-Common Core and Republican on the ballot, but a pro-Common Core liberal in office. It’s not the first time I’ve seen someone misrepresent their views to voters to get elected. I just can’t believe his audacity in trying to strip a Constitutional officer of their rights in order to reverse the will of the voters. His bill is anti-voter, anti-democracy, anti-education, anti-parents and anti-children. It’s one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen and I hope his voters know or find out about his antics at the State Senate.

“I am publicly calling on Senator Sylvia Allen to put this bill in her drawer and never hear it, and for President Biggs to unassign this outrageous bill.”

News Links

Rescue-Interrupted On ABC - Sharyl Attkisson

Texting-And-Driving: Should-Arizona-Ban-It?

Federal Agency Helps Red States Make Voter Registration Harder

Chandler Lawmaker OK With Politics As Part Of Redistricting Process

Call-Over-Native-American-Hair-Bun-At-Game-Prompts-Outcry

Arizona-Lawmakers-Object-To Oak-Flat-Historic-Designation-Near-Resolution-Copper-Mine

Disability-Community-Protests-Accessibility-Legislation

No-Transparency-Maricopa-County-Ballot-Envelopes-Opaque

Bills-Will Restore Career-Technical-Education-Funding-To Arizona-Schools

Legislature-Ignores-Ducey’s Wish; Drops-Flurry-Bills

Some-Us-Foods-Workers-Vote-To-Strike; Now-Picketing-Company-In-Arizona