State of the State

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Our lame-duck Accidental Governor delivered her first – and last – state of the state address on Monday, whining that legislators have ignored a five-point plan she unveiled last March to bring the state’s books back into balance and promote future economic growth. The governor said much of the plan — especially a call for a temporary tax hike — has been ignored by lawmakers while they consider their own alternatives. Brewer demands action from lawmakers on budget in first State of the State address

News flash, Jan: They'll continue to ignore this plan too.

Most significant, the governor wants voters to “roll back” the decision last decade to expand the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program, so that everyone below the federal poverty level gets free care.

That currently translates out to $18,310 for a family of three.

["In these times, voters must be asked to reconsider the Prop. 204 expansion," Brewer said.]

* * *

Brewer also wants to require that third-graders prove they can read at grade level. She said nothing in current law keeps them from being passed on to fourth grade — and beyond — without the basic skills they need.

“Yet we continue to promote them to more advanced classes, knowing that at every stop we dim the light of their promise,” the governor said

She also wants to further loosen the requirements for teachers.

Existing law does permit those with professional degrees in special areas to enter the classroom, but only after a year of specialized training in teaching.

“Isn’t it astonishing that in Arizona today, Bill Gates and (former Intel board Chairman) Craig Barrett would not be considered qualified to teach students about computer science?” the governor said. “We must stop our gate-keeping and open the doors to all qualified and skilled citizens who want to teach our children.”

Brewer also wants student information online for parents.

“Sorry, kids: No more losing your report card,” she said.

And Brewer wants the current system of rating schools, ranging from excelling through performing and failing, replaced with the same A through F letter grades that teachers award to students.

The Governor also said she will devote $10 million to job training, and has formed a team of agency directors to eliminate regulatory red tape and will soon call together business executives to identify ways to create more jobs. Arizona governor calls for more jobs, revenue to turn economy around Don't get too excited. The Governor promised her own economic stimulus plan last year that she never delivered on.

The Governor’s proposed Commerce Advisory Council is comprised of business leaders across the state including former Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo and Pinnacle West/APS CEO Don Brandt, is scheduled to present its findings and proposed plan during the first quarter of 2010. Brewer appoints Colangelo, other business leaders to new council Passing off decisions to commissions and advisory councils is what you do when you want to kick the can down the road or to avoid accountability.

The seven-member council includes:

Jerry Colangelo, principal, JDMD
Paul Bonavia, CEO, Tucson Electric Power
Don Brandt, CEO, Pinnacle West/APS
Bob Campbell, president, WL Gore
Brad Casper, CEO, Dial Corporation/Henkel
Linda Hunt, president, Catholic Healthcare West Arizona
Roy Vallee, CEO and chairman, Avnet, Inc.

Oh, and Brewer says Arizona needs more N-plants, uranium mining. O.K. So much for that "solar state" promotion. This is what happens when the governor's office is run by lobbyists from High Ground.

Things will get interesting on Wednesday when State Treasurer Dean Martin is expected to announce that he also is running for governor. Ariz. Treasurer to make possible gubernatorial announcement In addition to Jan Brewer, he will join Tucson attorney John Munger, Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker and businessman Owen “Buzz” Mills of Paulden, who has committed to spending $2.1 million of his own money in the primary. NRA official in bid for governor

Goodbye, Jan. I can't say that "it has been a pleasure" all these years. But I do hope that you will enjoy your retirement.