Lawmakers approved a tax amnesty provision in the January fix to the FY2009 budget. The provision was designed to generate state revenue by freeing taxpayers from penalties which would normally apply to back taxes. Funds collected from this program far exceeded the state’s expectations.

President Burns rode with his son and grandson, among 800 other cyclists, in a two-day, 150-mile bike tour for MS in March. Thanks to more than 30 contributors who sponsored his team, the president raised $13,680. He presented the check today on the Senate floor to Sheryl Keeme, president of the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and others involved in Arizona’s MS chapter.

Bob Robb’s column in today’s Arizona Republic clears up some misinformation out there on the budget. It illustrates how the differences between parts of the Republican legislative budget and the governor’s aren’t as vast as some are claiming.

The 3 p.m. meeting today with Senate President Bob Burns, House Speaker Kirk Adams and Gov. Jan Brewer was positive and productive. House, Senate and Governor’s staff continue to meet and make progress on the budget.

On Thursday, we will go to Floor after Caucus to Third Read bills and for a possible COW. This means we will be working late on Thursday evening.

Sen. Ron Gould, R- Lake Havasu City, issued the following statement about legislative leadership.

“It is regrettable that we now have another delay in negotiations. It is unfortunate the governor is seeking to involve the courts in an ongoing budget negotiation while the Legislature is still in session. It delays and obstructs the process.”

Senate and House Republican leadership will hold a brief press conference at 1:15pm.

The Briefing will be held in Senate Hearing Room #3.

The Senate passed 29 bills today; 17 with bipartisan support.

Monday, June 15, 2009

9:00 a.m.

• Floor

1:30 p.m.

• Committee on Judiciary

• Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Deb

The Senate heard four sets of bills today in Committee of the Whole (COW).

Click HERE to watch Senate President Bob Burns and House Speaker Kirk Adams on Horizon this week talking about budget negotiations with the governor.

Read the post on the House Republicans’ website that explains how our budget proposal does not raise taxes in any way.

Update: Members continue to work with the Governor, but there is currently no budget agreement.

The Senate was lucky enough to have two birthdays this week!

Sen. Ron Gould was on the Mike Broomhead Show on KFYI this morning talking about the budget.

Members sang Happy Birthday to Sen. Steve Pierce on the Senate floor today. Sen. Pierce’s son Nelson Pierce and grandson Walker Nelson Pierce were also here to join in the celebration.

One year ago today Sen. Jake Flake, R-Snowflake, passed away at the age of 72 in Show Low, Arizona from injuries he sustained after being thrown from a horse.