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Next Week at the Capitol: Take Action!
Support the 2012 County Government Platform!
Lend your support to the 2012 County Goverment Platform by signing into the Legislature's Request to Speak system and:
- Oppose - HB2075 Unification & Consolidation of School Districts
- Oppose - HB2826 Election Dates
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Health & Human Svcs. Issues Final Rule on Exchanges  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) March 12 published a final set of policies to assist states in building health insurance Exchanges.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires that states have Affordable Insurance Exchanges in place by late 2013 so they can begin processing applicants by 2014. Exchanges are designed to be one-stop marketplaces for consumers and small businesses to shop for a private insurance plan that best meets their needs.
The policies announced by HHS this week establish standards and basic functions that all Exchanges need to have in place. The HHS guidance also calls for a streamlined, web-based system for consumers to apply for and enroll in qualified health plans and insurance affordability programs.
"These policies give states the flexibility they need to design an Exchange that works for them," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "These new marketplaces will offer Americans one-stop shopping for health insurance, where insurers will compete for your business. More competition will drive down costs and Exchanges will give individuals and small businesses the same purchasing power big businesses have today."
The Obama administration has touted its efforts to work with states, small businesses, consumers and health insurance companies to develop the framework for the state Exchanges, although many states are waiting to see if the Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the health care reform law this spring. |
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Watch AACo Videos on our YouTube Channel
 Each week, AACo produces a new video for our YouTube Channel detailing Association news, programs and services, upcoming events, legislative updates, and more. This channel is an invaluable resource for information about Arizona's counties and their concerted efforts.
Check back to our channel each week, as we post a new informative video for all to see. These videos will be the place for the latest information on the 2012 AACo Conference, its programs, events, and speakers. So don't miss out; SUBSCRIBE today, and get notifications when the newest videos come online! |
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Last Week to Hear Bills in Second Chamber Passes  This week marks an important milestone in the legislative session: the last week to hear bills in committee in their second chamber.
As the session winds down into its final weeks, only one AACo bill was left to be heard in committee -- SB1283. But that bill was held in House Government and relevant portions were incorporated into SB1243, which deals with the petition process for the creation of new special districts. SB1243 unanimously passed House Ways & Means earlier this week. All other AACo bills have made their way through committee.
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Upcoming AACo Webinars
 Join AACo for our ongoing FREE webinar series. Today at 2:00 p.m. we will be presenting a Pension Legislation Update with AACo Executive Director, Nicole Stickler.
On March 27 at noon, AACo's Communications & Education Director, Jeff Curwen, will be presenting "Making AACo Mobile: A Guide to Our Mobile App" which will be a demonstration of all of the unique interactive features of the 2012 Arizona Government Directory app.
On March 30, we will hold our monthly Legislative Update Webinar, and on April 6 we will present our monthly Programs & Services Webinar.
Then, on April 24, join AACo and Granicus for a presentation on "Increasing Government Efficiency & Engaging Citizens with Open Platform Technologies."
CLICK HERE for more information, or to register for these webinars. |
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BJA is Looking for Pilot Sites for eLearning System 
With funding from BJA, the research team of Dr. Faye Taxman (George Mason University) and Dr. Ralph Serin (Carleton University) developed SOARING2, an eLearning system focused on the skills associated with using evidence-based practices for the effective management of offenders. The system consists of five modules: Risk-Need-Responsivity, Offender Engagement, Case Planning, Problem Solving, and Desistance. The modules focus on both knowledge and skill enhancement. Within each module are three lesson plans at the beginning, intermediary, and advanced level.
Drs. Taxman and Serin are seeking three sites to participate in a pilot of the system. The goals of the pilot are to: 1) assess how line and administrative staff can use the eLearning system; 2) assess whether the eLearning system advanced their competency in understanding and use of evidence-based practices; and 3) determine the impact of improved officer skill on perceptions of value of using evidence-based practices.
For additional information about this opportunity, including how to apply, Click Here. |
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Share Your Ideas for the 2012 AACo Annual Conference  You want the best value for your conference, and AACo wants to bring you the best programs. Don't miss out on your opportunity to share your thoughts on what topics, speakers, exhibitors, and events should be presented at the 2012 AACo Annual Conference and Tradeshow. Send your suggestions to Jeff Curwen today! |
