sign up for eNewsletter

past eNewsletters

ATA eNewsletter

October 2009

A Word from ATA Lobbyist Barry Aarons

In all the conversation about the budget we have forgotten that there have been almost 200 bills passed and signed into law this last session and each bill will go into effect on September 30, 2009. Two bills of particular interest to Alliance members are in relation to guns in restaurants (an annual affair whether we like it or not!) and guns in parking lots (a new wrinkle on an old issue). 

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce has prepared a briefing document on compliance with the guns in parking lots issue and we have distributed this to all Alliance members. If, however, you missed it please contact the Alliance office for another copy. Compliance questions on guns in restaurants should be directed to the Restaurant Association or the Licensed Beverage Association. I'll drink to that!

While it seems that we have been in session forever, the time has come to discuss legislative initiatives for the 2010 regular session. The tourism industry will have a lot to consider. Our members at AAA have indicated that they will be pushing a "distracted driving" bill this year. This legislation will seek to limit what we can do in our cars while driving. For those who believe they can multitask, a recent Stanford study indicated that the more things we try to do at the same time the less any one of them gets done. The same is believed for distracted driving. And oh yes there are safety issues too!

In addition there are several legislative proposals that our Centennial Commission have asked our help on.
First is to create the authority for commemorative license plates that will promote our Centennial as well as raise money for the Centennial Celebration in 2012.

Another Centennial related proposal is to receive official legislative designation for Arizona as The Grand Canyon State. Legislation to do this fell short last session but we are optimistic that it will pass this year.
Historical markers seen on the highways also need to be updated. The Centennial Commission has begun working with the Historical Commission and will try to improve on those in 2010.

In addition, the financial condition of the state continues be to a significant challenge (okay maybe I understated that a little bit). So we will keep a jewelers eye on the state budget discussions and hope to hold the line on the AOT and Prop 302 funds.

Lastly, but of significant importance to any Alliance members who are considering legislative initiatives in the coming year are urged to contact us and share those proposals with us. We have found that working together, our members have had significant success and the Alliance would like to consider your proposals to determine whether we can fold them into our legislative agenda to help you achieve your goals.

about the ATA
events
eNewsletter