Sen. Majority Leader Bundgaard discusses how SB1322 will save taxpayer money:

Senators Gould and Schapira discuss legislation regarding Birthright Citizenship:

Sen. John McComish has been named to Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy Board of Advisors. He was invited to serve on the Institute’s Board on Thursday, based on the participation and support he has provided the Board over the years.

Common sense, common values.

The incoming Senate Republican Caucus best embraces this sentiment.

As incoming Senate Majority Leader, I spent time with each member of the Senate Republican Caucus to listen to their priorities for the upcoming session. The top priorities are to redesign and reform government and to reinvigorate our economy. This talented group of legislators will help achieve these goals through responsible budget cuts, by simplifying the tax code and through common sense reforms.

Watch as Sen. Crandall discusses his plan for education relief.

In case you missed it, here is last night’s Horizon interview featuring President Pearce and Speaker Adams (1/13).

Senate President Russell Pearce and Speaker of the House Kirk Adams will be appearing on Horizon on PBS (channel 8) tonight. Tune in at 7 PM to watch them speak with host Ted Simons about their ideas and priorities for the new legislative session!

The 50th Regular Session of the Arizona Legislature is under way. Opening Day at the Senate featured the swearing-in of all 30 Senators, including new Senate President Russell Pearce. American hero and astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin spoke to the audience.

Senate President-elect Russell Pearce went on CNN’s John King USA to talk about the misapplication of the 14th Amendment

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.