As the legislative session passes its target Sine Die date, and with lawmakers eager to hit the campaign trail, leadership has indicated that a budget is emerging.

Not all of the details are clear, but it appears that Gov. Brewer has accepted the Legislature's FY14 & FY15 revenue estimates -- the major sticking point to date.  In addition, spending for the next three years has been scored at $8.572 billion in FY13, $8.83B in FY14, and $9.208B in FY15.

For the upcoming fiscal year this includes $450 million for the "rainy day" fund, $40M for K-3 reading programs, $12M for K-12 building renewal, $6M for the Phoenix medical school, and $7M for the Office of Tourism.  Triggered spending will also be in place if the federal healthcare law is overturned, though there are no details on what or how much will be triggered.

Lastly, while AACo continues work to ensure the inmate shift repeal stays in the budget, details of that provision were not available by deadline.

For the first time in history, an Arizona redistricting map has been precleared by the Department of Justice, without objection, on the first attempt.

The DOJ yesterday informed the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission that its legislative map has been approved.  This potentially saves the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal and consulting fees that now will not be spent resolving concerns from the federal government.

The approved map could resolve questions about district boundaries for the next decade; however, the Legislature still may sue the IRC over procurement irregularities during the hiring of mapping consultant Strategic Telemetry.

The map was submitted to the DOJ on February 9.  To receive approval, the IRC had to show that the districts have no discriminatory purpose or effect.  The map was officially approved on April 9.

CLICK HERE for more information on the redistricting process.

Pinal County Supervisor Bryan Martyn this week resigned from his position, effective April 30. The next day he will become the new Director of the Arizona State Parks Department.

Martyn - a Republican from District 2, which inlcudes Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, and parts of Florence and Queen Creek - has stated that he did not set out looking for a new position, and that he just happened upon it on Monster.com.  He described the circumstances as "very fortuitous."

The county's other supervisors, Pete Rios and David Snider, are beginning the search for a replacement.  Although a new Republican supervisor must be appointed before the end of Martyn's term in December, it is likely that they will make a selection soon in order to avoid the possibility of tie votes.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors this week named Tucson attorney Nick Fontana to replace Daniel Patterson in the open LD29 seat, following Patterson's resignation from the House of Representatives.

Fontana is a native Tusconan and graduate of the University of Arizona and U of A Law.  Formerly a Democrat, Fontana registered as an Independent to qualify for the open seat.  He has stated that he will not run for election this fall.

Fontana will be sworn in on Monday and will serve out the remainder of Patterson's term, ending in December 2012.

Do you have a program or accomplishment that has benefitted your county?  Do you want to put the national spotlight on it?

The NACo County Courthouse Awards recognize county leaders who pioneer new programs and services.  Winners are selected in three categories - rural, suburban and metropolitan - and receive a $5,000 college scholarship to award to graduating high school senior in their community.

Today is the last day to apply for the County Courthouse Awards.

APPLY NOW!

National County Government Month is winding down, but AACo continues 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 preventing skin damage and cancer in the Arizona sun with proper use of sunscreen and sunblock.