|
Counties Achieve Top Legislative Priority in Budget  The top priority this session for counties was to ensure the inmate shift - set to begin on July 1 - was repealed. A full repeal was included in SB1531 which was sent to the Governor on Tuesday. Additionally, for the first time in years, none of the counties are being required to make cash contributions to the state; a savings to the counties of $38.6M. Among shared-revenue sources restored to counties include:- $1.2M for Immigration Enforcement
- $1.9M Reimbursement for the CD8 Special Election
- $973K for State Aid to County Attorneys, and
- $187K for Grand Jury and Postconviction Reimbursement
AACo is continuing its analysis of the budget and its impacts on Arizona's counties. Stay tuned to AACo's website for a detailed summary of the impacts in the days to come. Governor Brewer has five days to act upon the budget legislation. However, as the budget was a negotiated agreement between the legislature and the 9th floor, a signature is expected soon. For more information on budget impacts on the counties, and for information about the remaining bills in the Legislature, visit AACo's Advocacy Center. |
|
Sine Die Expected by This Week 
The Arizona Legislature Tuesday passed the budget and officially transmitted it to the Governor, indicating that sine die is fast approaching. One of the last items for the legislature to address is the Governor's bill to overhaul the personnel system in the state. HB2571 was stalled in the Senate for about a month while budget negotiations took place. However, this week it has started to move again. The Senate sent the measure through Committee of the Whole and Third Read earlier today where it passed 21-9, along party lines.
Both chambers are now left receiving bills from the opposite chambers, holding conference committees, adopting conference reports, and Final Reading remaining bills. The House has adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Thursday. By all account though, sine die is expected this week. |
|
AACo Mobile App Wins Gold Hermes Award
 The 2012 Arizona Government Directory Mobile App has won a gold-level Hermes Creative Award!
The Hermes Awards recognize excellence in the creation and delivery of traditional and emerging media. Creative professionals all over the world -- including writers, graphic designers, public relations and IT professionals -- compete each year for this award, administered by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP).
The AMCP advisory board provides judges who are experts in the fields of marketing and mass communication to identify exceptional and revolutionary communications methods.
The 2012 AGD Mobile App was one of over 4,700 entries in this year's competition. The gold-level prize is awarded to those entried exceeding the highest standards of industry norms. |
|
Nat'l County Gov't Month is Over, But Work Continues
 National County Government Month (NCGM) was this past month, and AACo promoted events in Arizona's counties as well as our own campaign in support of Healthy Counties, Healthy Families. Although the official events of NCGM are now over, its time to implement the lessons learned in April about public health.
In case you missed them, you can watch AACo's NCGM video series HERE, review our Twitter feed for facts and tips about public health, and join NACo on Wednesday, May 9 at 11 a.m. for a free webinar on increasing the impact of your county's health initiatives. |
|
DOJ Partners with Maricopa Co. on Justice Grant
 The Department of Justice has partnered with Maricopa County and several cities and towns to receive over $1.4 million through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Under the partnership, Maricopa County will receive $256,752.
Grant funds may be used to support all components and aspects of the justice system, from law enforcement, courts and corrections, to treatment and other alternative sentencing programs. |
|
Don't Miss Out on AACo's Upcoming Webinars
 AACo has a number of great, FREE educational opportunities coming up in the next few weeks. Don't miss out on any these; register today!
On May 4, we will present our monthly Programs & Services webinar. On May 25, we'll be presenting our monthly Legislative Update, and as this is the final week of the legislative session, this webinar will serve as a session review.
On May 29, AACo business member Ameresco will present an educational webinar on green technology and renewal energy options for local governments. And on June 26, SIRE Technologies will present a webinar on how local governments are going paperless.
Lastly, for those interested furthering the mission of this year's National County Government Month, join NACo for an educational webinar, Wednesday, May 9 on "Increasing the Impact of Your County's Health Initiatives."
Register for AACo's webinars HERE. |
