Today’s Arizona Republic editorial sums this issue up well:

Empathy for the downtrodden and needy

Meet Sen. Al Melvin, R-District 26

Republicans reject Democrats’ non-solution to Arizona’s growing budget crisis. Their proposal consists of property tax increases, a massive expansion of items and services subject to sales taxation, and a proposed increase in local sales tax collections.

Our deepest condolences go out to Treasurer Dean Martin. We have been touched and saddened by the sudden passing of his wife Kerry, and son Austin. Kerry Martin was considered a part of our Senate family, and Treasurer Martin and his family are in our thoughts and prayers during this terribly difficult time.

The Legislature passed a bill in special session today to provide continued scholarships for disabled and disadvantaged children. The bill has been transmitted to Governor Brewer for her signature.

Sen. Russell Pearce speaks about the value of SB1001 in the Senate Appropriations committee. The bill provides scholarships to disabled and displaced students.

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (May 27, 2009) – The Legislature today passed a bill allowing hundreds of our state’s most vulnerable students to avoid disruption and remain in schools that meet their unique educational needs.

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to allow hundreds of disabled and foster children in Arizona to remain in their schools, and others the opportunity for stability – some for the first time in their lives.

Schedule for May 25 through May 29, 2009

In a comparison of statistics, the National Education Association (NEA) and the Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA), effectively demonstrate that the minimal correlation between class size and student achievement inf Arizona’s education system.

The following is Sen. Steve Pierce’s full statement on the budget

The Senate was scheduled to enter into special session at 1:00pm today to hear SB1001. This bill helps the educational needs disabled kids and foster children. Due to the registered absence of 10 Democrats, the special session has been delayed.

Today, Governor Brewer convened the Legislature in a special session to address the educational needs of disabled and foster children. The bill, SB1001 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, May 26.

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – The Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday passed a 2010 budget that closes a $3 billion deficit without raising taxes for Arizonans during the worst fiscal crisis in our state’s history.

After receiving word from the Governor’s office today, it is confirmed that the Senate will be called into a special session on Thursday to help the educational needs of disabled kids and foster children.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hear the following budget bills today. Click HERE to see the Appropriations Committee agenda.

The 138th NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits were held this weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center.

President Burns and the Speaker continue to meet with the Governor on an FY2010 budget solution. A meeting is scheduled tomorrow at 3:15.

Schedule for May 18 through May 22, 2009