Born to a pioneer Arizona ranching family, Steve Pierce, a graduate of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has become a fixture in the cattle industry.

“Do you know why there is a rock wall around the UA?” asks Stephen Pierce. The question is directed to a stumped administrator on a recent visit by Pierce to the University of Arizona campus.

The Senate Majority Program provides a framework of goals and objectives within the Republican Caucus for the 50th Legislature. The Caucus recognizes the importance of freedom and individual liberty, the promotion of growth and strength in our economy, and responsible government. It is important to reflect on the priorities of government and ensure that they are consistent with the will of the electorate and meet the needs of the citizens of the State. As such, we intend to execute this plan to promote sound public policy through a diverse legislative package.

Senator John McComish appeared on Channel 3 to talk about his bill to ban many teens from using cell phones while they are driving.

Senator John McComish appeared on Channel 3 to talk about his bill to ban many teens from using cell phones while they are driving.

For the first time in years, there appears to be a reason for optimism at the state Capitol.

“I am cautiously optimistic heading into this legislative session because we are finally not bleeding red,” said state Sen. Don Shooter. “We are in the best shape in five years because we made the difficult choices to (rein) in spending. But you never know. People need to beware and guard their pocketbooks. The Legislature is in session.”

Read more: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/state-75955-session-school.html#ixzz1jjsg4CiB

For the first time in years, there appears to be a reason for optimism at the state Capitol.

Senator Al Melvin appeared on Arizona HORIZON Thursday night to talk about his proposal to recycle and store waste from nuclear facilities in Arizona.

Senator Al Melvin appeared on Arizona HORIZON Thursday night to talk about his proposal to recycle and store waste from nuclear facilities in Arizona.

Compounds used to make so-called bath salts, synthetic stimulants currently sold by some smoke shops and convenience stores, would be illegal under legislation endorsed Wednesday by a state Senate committee.

Noting that bath salts can cause hallucinations and violent outbursts, Sen. Linda Gray, R-Phoenix, the author of SB 1043, said it’s important for the Legislature to act because use of the substances has increased dramatically since 2010.

“It’s very important that shops cannot legally sell these bath salts,” she said. “The effects of these are destructive.”

To read the rest go to: http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2012/01/12/senate-committee-endorses-ban-on-synthetic-stimulant-ingredients/

Tomorrow, January 13 Senator John McComish will be speaking at a Pizza and Policy luncheon. The event is sponsored by Target Stores, and takes place at the Target located on Warner and Priest in Tempe. The discussion will highlight key legislative issues with a focus on Target’s priority issue: the collection of the sales tax for online shoppers. Target is one of the main proponents of this tax because it does away with the evasion of paying for sales, while at the same time taking away from financial support for local communities. The luncheon begins at noon.

Noting that bath salts can cause hallucinations and violent outbursts, Sen. Linda Gray, R-Phoenix, the author of SB 1043, said it’s important for the Legislature to act because use of the substances has increased dramatically since 2010.

Tomorrow, January 13 Senator John McComish will be speaking at a Pizza and Policy luncheon. The event is sponsored by Target Stores, and takes place at the Target located on Warner and Priest in Tempe. The discussion will highlight key legislative issues with a focus on Target’s priority issue: the collection of the sales tax for online shoppers. Target is one of the main proponents of this tax because it does away with the evasion of paying for sales, while at the same time taking away from financial support for local communities. The luncheon begins at noon.

“I am encouraged to hear that the Arizona Commerce Authority has restructured the contract for the CEO, so that the private sector picks up half of that person’s compensation package. Today’s action is what the legislature envisioned with a true public-private partnership. This greatly minimizes the taxpayer’s burden for the ACA’s administration costs.

I also want to wish Don Cardon well, as he steps down from his position as president and CEO of the Commerce Authority. He was a strong leader while handling the challenging transition from the Department of Commerce to the public-private Arizona Commerce Authority.”

“I am encouraged to hear that the Arizona Commerce Authority has restructured the contract for the CEO, so that the private sector picks up half of that person’s compensation package. Today’s action is what the legislature envisioned with a true public-private partnership. This greatly minimizes the taxpayer’s burden for the ACA’s administration costs.

Gov. Jan Brewer unveiled a decades-old saguaro cactus on Thursday in honor of Arizona’s 100 years of statehood.

At 70 to 100 years old and about 21 feet tall, the saguaro at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is part of a larger effort to beautify the Capitol Mall to prepare for the state’s official Feb. 14 centennial.

Senate President-elect Steve Pierce, R-Prescott, and other state and business representatives joined Brewer at the unveiling.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2012/01/05/20120105arizona-centennial-cactus-debuts.html#ixzz1ihRaTyjq

http://www.phoenixchamber.com/news/newsletter/azinfocus/2012/0105/pierce

Gov. Jan Brewer unveiled a decades-old saguaro cactus on Thursday in honor of Arizona’s 100 years of statehood.

Governor Jan Brewer and Senate President Steve Pierce to Speak

ARIZONA — (January 3, 2012) — In advance of Arizona’s upcoming centennial in February, a team of community leaders from both the public and private sectors will officially unveil the results of their united effort to beautify Arizona’s Capitol Mall and Wesley Bolin Plaza on Thursday. Governor Jan Brewer and Senate President Steve Pierce will speak at the press conference scheduled for Thursday, January 5, at 3:00 p.m.

For the rest of the article, go to: http://www.svherald.com/content/news/2012/01/03/242013

ARIZONA — (January 3, 2012) — In advance of Arizona’s upcoming centennial in February, a team of community leaders from both the public and private sectors will officially unveil the results of their united effort to beautify Arizona’s Capitol Mall and Wesley Bolin Plaza on Thursday. Governor Jan Brewer and Senate President Steve Pierce will speak at the press conference scheduled for Thursday, January 5, at 3:00 p.m.