If you know my record at the Legislature, you know my tough approach in dealing with people who choose to drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car.

I was proud to sponsor the bill lowering the state’s extreme DUI level from .18 to .15 and to impound vehicles when the offender failed to get the ignition interlock as required. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has recognized me several times for my efforts to strengthen Arizona’s DUI laws. I’m also the only legislator to serve on the National Safety Council’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee.

Sen. Andy Biggs sat down with Ch. 12’s Brahm Resnik to defend bill abolishing Medicaid.

Sen. Smith Talks Medicaid on Ch. 12 “Sunday Square Off”

Sen. Smith debates fiscal impacts of illegal immigration with Sen. Schapira and Howard Fischer.

“The Arizona Senate today will consider major changes to three public-pension systems with a bill that would force police, firefighters, politicians and corrections officers to pay more to fund their retirements and suspend cost-of-living raises for retirees.

“It is very difficult but we are going to reduce the size and scope of state government. There are no tax increases. We are committed to doing this and to turn the state’s economy around making this a business friendly state that attracts new businesses and helps those of us that are already here. There are going to be tax reforms, and all thru government new reforms will be occurring.”

Senate President Russell Pearce and members of the Republican Leadership in the Arizona State Senate today announced they are in full support of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his efforts to institute common sense reforms to benefit programs for Wisconsin state workers.

“Gov. Walker is staring at the same financial challenges we are facing in Arizona, and in states all across this great land. He’s come forward with a sensible proposal to close a $137 million deficit. Public employees would make a modest 5.8% pension contribution, which is roughly the national average, and well below what Arizona state employees contribute,” says Pres. Pearce.

Senate President Russell Pearce is praising a clear, concise ruling from Judge J. Kenneth Mangum of Maricopa County Superior Court, siding with the Legislature in a dispute over the wording of a Proposition approved by Arizona voters in 2000.

Judge Mangum today dismissed a claim by school districts and the largest teachers union that Prop. 301 required inflation funding for not only transportation, as lawmakers supported in the current budget, but for schools’ base spending levels, as well.

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony Monday regarding new legislation that would protect young athletes from concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

SB1521 is designed to address the prevention, risk and treatment of sports-related concussions, which are becoming more commonplace in youth sports and whose effects are all too often underestimated and even ignored.

Senate President Russell Pearce announced today he has selected Richard Stertz to serve on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.

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