The Arizona Senate is celebrating the season, with a Christmas tree from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. On November 26, Navajo County Supervisor David Tenney made his annual family visit to the forest. Tenney and his son Stetson cut a tree to donate to the Arizona Senate. It is now on display in the lobby. This year’s tree, a 10 foot blue spruce, came from an area near Bear Canyon Lake. Senate staff decorated the tree.

(Phoenix-State Capitol) – Senate President Bob Burns has received the Arizona Tax Research Association’s Watchdog Award. The award recognizes Pres. Burns’ efforts over three decades to fight for the taxpayer and target wasteful spending. ATRA complimented Pres. Burns for his “almost singular focus” to control the growth of government. Burns is retiring in January. He was first elected to the Legislature in 1988, and served as Appropriations Committee Chair in both the House and Senate. The award was presented at the group’s annual Outlook Conference at The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. “It is moving. I am really appreciative for the recognition,” said Burns. Organized in 1940, the Arizona Tax Research Association is the largest and most respected independent and accurate source of public finance and tax policy information in the state.

Maria Garcia has been sworn in as Senator for District 27. Garcia will serve the remainder of the term of her late husband, Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia. Garcia, the Senate Minority Leader, died on October 15 at the age of 57. Jorge and Maria were married for 38 years. She was appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to fill out the remainder of her husband’s term.

President-elect Russell Pearce talks about the upcoming legislative session

Senate Republicans announced new leadership after a post-election organizational meeting. Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa will be President, Scott Bundgaard will be the Majority Leader and Sen. Steve Pierce of Prescott will remain as Majority Whip.

A representative from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office met recently with Senate President Bob Burns. Director General Chung-Chen Kung and President Burns celebrated the 30 year relationship Taiwan, Republic of China and Arizona have had. The two states have worked closely to build economic and cultural ties. Sister-statehood promotes mutual trade, business cooperation, and a better understanding of the two communities.

Here in Arizona, we are committed to the latest technology, and using it to serve our great citizens. In the past five years, we have made tremendous progress in transparency, and as a result our electorate is better-informed.

On July 30, a group of Tennessee Senators and Representatives paid a visit to Arizona, to recognize Republican legislators for the state’s tough new illegal immigration law. The nine lawmakers also presented those who voted for SB 1070 with a resolution of support overwhelmingly passed by the Tennessee General Assembly. The group also met with bill sponsors. The lawmakers plan to introduce similiar legislation in Tennessee next year.

Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa appears on Fox 10’s Newsmaker Sunday with host John Hook.

The Arizona Manufacturers Council has named Sen. Al Melvin the 2010 AMC Senator of the Year. The Tucson Republican was honored at a luncheon May 5. Sen. Melvin was selected by the Board of Directors of the Arizona Manufacturers Council for his strong record of fostering an economic development environment that is attractive to business, and especially manufacturers.

Thursday on Horizonte, Senator Ron Gould discussed Senate Bill 1070, which enforces illegal immigration law. Sen. Gould clarified what the bill does, addressed misconceptions surrounding the bill, and explained the rationale and reasoning supporting the bill.

Today, the Arizona House of Representatives passed an important measure to help save our valuable state parks from closure. Senate Bill 1349 allows local governments, private companies and Indian tribes to temporarily take over operations and management of the parks.

Today, Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law the beneficial Senate Bill 1070, sponsored by Senator Russell Pearce. This bill will provide law enforcement with an important tool to enforce laws against illegal immigration and will make Arizona a safer place.

Senate President Bob Burns will discuss key legislative ideas and issues on Horizon on Monday, April 26 at 7 p.m. on PBS.

Sen. Russell Pearce explained the critical importance of meaningful illegal immigration policy through Senate Bill 1070 in a segment of 12 News’ “Sunday Square-Off.”

Sen. Jack Harper discussed key legislative issues, including important bills, term limits and his bold predictions, in a head-to-head event on 12 News’ “Sunday Square-Off” roundtable.

The following statement is attributed to Speaker Adams and President Burns:

“As a state, we have gone to great lengths to balance a historic budget deficit. The federal health care mandate effectively cancels that out and creates a recipe for fiscal disaster – no thanks to Arizona’s congressional Democrats who voted for this misguided bill. Their votes have unraveled the meaningful budget solutions that took so much effort and hard work these past 14 months.

Senate President Bob Burns and House Speaker Kirk Adams talk about the budget, state debt and other pressing legislative issues on Horizon.

Senate President Bob Burns talks about the state cash crisis in an interview with KPHO, CBS – Channel 5.

Senate President Bob Burns discusses balancing the state budget and handling state debt in an interview with Arizona Public Media.