Governor Brewer signed into law an important piece of education legislation today.

The bill, SB1196, sponsored by Senator John Huppenthal, R-Chandler, instituted a series of important education reforms.

For the fifth year in a row, the Goldwater Institute has given Sen. Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City, the highest score in the entire Arizona Legislature in their annual Legislative Report Card.

“I am shocked and disappointed with First Things First’s refusal to help mitigate skyrocketing childcare licensing costs,” said Sen. Carolyn Allen, R-Scottsdale, in a news release today. Allen, chair of the Senate’s healthcare committee, urges them to review their mission and role in helping Arizona’s children, and provide some relief.

In today’s Arizona Republic, Senate President Bob Burns says let voters decide what they’re willing to do to help our state recover:

Be sure to tune into Horizon tonight on Channel 8. Sen. Al Melvin will be a guest, talking about today’s ad hoc committee on water and energy.

Senate President Bob Burns today sent a memo to all senators about hearing bills next session.

A Senate and House committee is meeting today to evaluate the important needs and opportunities facing Arizona’s water and energy supplies. Lawmakers will hear from various experts to evaluate current methods, obstacles and possible solutions. View the agenda and list of participants here.

Sen. Steve Pierce had the following statement about Amy McBroom being named the best rural teacher in the entire country by the National Rural Education Association.

The National Guard has recognized Sen. Jonathan Paton for his exceptional and outstanding dedication to military issues at the Arizona Legislature. He recently received the Patrick Henry Award, the civilian counterpart to the Distinguished Service Medal, at a conference in Nashville, Tenn.

Senate President Bob Burns and House Speaker Kirk Adams sent a letter Sept. 10 to the governor about concerns with some of her line item vetoes. Text is pasted below.

Republican leaders responded today to the governor’s budget action.

Senate President Bob Burns: “The Legislature had hoped to avoid negatively impacting our fragile economy with a record tax increase in the midst of a recession. We believe we provided the governor with a responsible budget. Now we have more questions than answers, but – again – we will continue to work towards a responsible budget for Arizonans.”

Senate President Bob Burns has rounded out his leadership team with the appointment of veteran lawmaker Sen. Barbara Leff from Paradise Valley as president pro tempore.

Lawmakers from around the country have elected Sen. Pamela Gorman to serve as the 2009-2010 NCSL Standing Committee Chair for the Executive Committee.

Sen. Thayer Verschoor has been hard at work as head of a newly established commission to streamline state agencies’ organization, operation and costs. The Arizona Budget Commission will identify information about how agencies spend tax dollars and identify cutting edge technologies that will assist in balancing state budgets.

Sen. Chuck Gray Receives 2009 “Katie’s Hero” Award

The parents of murder victim Katie Sepich were joined by John Walsh from America’s Most Wanted in presenting Sen. Chuck Gray with the “Katie’s Hero Award.” (See photo.)

The Senate Adjourned the Forty Ninth Legislature – Third Special Session Sine Die on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.

The Senate approved a motion to reconsider HB2015, the taxes and budget stabilization bill, and adjourned until 1 p.m. Monday.

The senate is gathering votes on the budget and has adjourned until tomorrow at 10:00am.

The Senate has scheduled an Appropriations Committee meeting at 3:00pm today. Click HERE to see the committee agenda.