Policy Briefing

Rick RagerRajalakshmi Gurunathan

Goals of the Governor

Supporting Education Building Arizona Economy Homeland Security Protect Arizona Children and Seniors Preserve Natural Resources

Supporting Education

Recommendations K-12 all day kindergarten (admin. exploring private-public

partnerships for funding). Examination of Students FIRST including funding issues. Spend more dollars in the K-12 classrooms. Increase current 58% to

62% - conduct a series of meetings regarding this.Accomplishments Worked out compromise with key legislators that spared universities

and state departments from further significant budget cuts for FY2003 (excl. Dept. of Transportation).

Problems Arizona ranks 50th in classroom spending. Arizona exceeds the nation in the growth rate of residents with

college and advanced degrees. The state also exceeds the nation in the growth rate of residents who have not finished high school.

Building the Arizona EconomyRecommendations Developing Technology Industries. International Trade (Mexico).Accomplishments Established Governor’s Council on Innovation and Technology – January

29,2003. Arizona Global Committee Meeting - March 26,2003 Greater Phoenix

Chamber of Commerce. The International Trade and Investment Division of the Arizona Department

of Commerce is seeking companies to participate in MatchMex Monterrey, an “individualized” trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico May 27-30, 2003.

Phoenix awarded $170Mil from Federal Funds for tax credits to induce business.

According to recent reports, jobs are expected to increase by 5% in early 2004. Job growth projections for ’03 and ’04 are positive in contrast to ’02.

Problem Arizona per capita income ranks 37th among states.

Homeland SecurityRecommendations Administration is creating a technology-driven Homeland Security Plan

1. Provide better training and equipment to first-responders to emergencies.

2. Ensure that state and local authorities are able to communicate among each other to coordinate their joint response.

3. Establish a public health information system to help citizens identify, avoid, and respond to bio-terrorism.

Accomplishments Appointed Chuck Blanchard as Arizona’s homeland Security Director

on January 29,2003. Met with Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security, In Washington

D.C. on March 9,2003.Problem U.S. AT WAR!!!

Protect Arizona Children and SeniorsRecommendations Children’s cabinet Reorganize Child Protection Services Addressed veterans and seniors issue – prescription drugsAccomplishment DES director resignation. John Clayton replaced by William “Bill” Bell on

March 7,2003

Preserve Natural ResourcesAccomplishment Convened a meeting at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute on March

10,2003 in PrescottProblems Extensive drought and attacks from bark beetle have severely

damaged forests. This situation increases the risk of forest fires

General Recommendations1. Oppose elimination of Office of Tourism(9 mil)-Recent reports:

5% increase in hotel occupancy rates in January/February 2003 due to Cactus League (Record Attendance)

2. Oppose elimination of Department of Commerce3. Hire permanent DES director immediately and reorganize

DES/CPS4. Preserve funding for all three state universities5. Greater partnering between government/private sector in

technology development (Governor’s Counsel, GITA, Arizona Tech Council, etc.)

6. Continue to seek diversified economy7. “Hold” on prescription drugs8. “Hold” on all-day kindergarten9. Budget…Budget…Budget??? Need to balance $1 Billion deficit