The Finance Advisory Committee yesterday reevaluated its economic growth estimate for FY13, lowering it from 5.1% to 3.4%.  The downward adjustment was due largely to sales tax revenues which have shown a decline over the first three quarters of FY12.

Although state revenue over the next year appears to be lower, the FAC remained positive about the economic outlook.  The forecast showed steadily rising state revenues through the middle the decade -- 6.3% in FY14 and 7.2% in FY15.  Most of the committee seemed to agree that there is little chance of a second recession.

This new estimate is likely to slow budget negotiations.  The Governor's budget is based on higher projections; but yesterday's revision only widens the gap between the executive and legislative budgets.

Watch a video of the JLBC presentation HERE.

See the supporting materials HERE.

National County Government Month continues, and AACo is providing resources for all members to use in promoting "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families" to their residents.

In addition to daily Twitter and Facebook posts providing statistical data and talking points to address health-related issues in Arizona, the Association has produced a series of videos -- releasing one each week -- dealing with public health topics. 

This week's video focuses on the NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card, and how it can save users an average of 24% on pharmaceuticals.

For those unable to view our channel at work, links to these videos appear in the Official News section of AACo News in our mobile app.  In-app viewing of videos is supported on Apple and Android products. 

Arizona counties and their departments are welcome to link to these videos on their websites, or to post them on their social media outlets.

Another Arizona legislator has resigned amid an ethics scandal and growing legal troubles.  Rep. Daniel Patterson this week submitted his resignation citing "a hostile work environment" after an ethics panel unanimously recommended his expulsion from the House.  The resignation was submitted just minutes before the House was set to vote on the matter.

Patterson was elected in LD29 as a Democrat, and in the wake of the scandal, fellow Democrats urged him to resign.  Unsatisfied with the ethics investigation and his party's reaction, Patterson re-registered as an Independent.  Although he has once again registered as a Democrat, he was officially an Independent when he submitted his resignation.  This means that in order to fill the vacancy, under A.R.S. 41-1202, the Pima County Board of Supervisors will have to appoint a citizen panel of Independents, who will then nominate three Independents for the Board to select from. 

However, because those appointees need not be long-term Independents, many expect that interested Democrats will register as Independents in order to get another Democrat appointed in LD29 under the guise of being an Independent.

Ironically, one item in the 2012 County Government Platform which has not yet been enacted specifically addresses this scenario. A section of HB2379 would clarify the legislative intent behind the requirement for vacancies to be filled by same-party appointees.  If enacted, it would require appointees to be of the party that the vacating official was elected as -- aligning the office with the expressed desire of the voters.   

With the 2nd Regular Session of the 50th Legislature moving quickly toward sine die, a number of bills have already been signed into law; and as the next few weeks pass, even more will make their way to the Governor's desk.

Links to the Governor's communications regarding enacted laws and vetoes, as well as a comprehensive list of session laws can be found on AACo's website in the Advocacy Center.

Visit this section for all the latest news on the session, the County Government Platform, and issues affecting your county office.