Steve Smith’s state Senate update

Just wanted to give you an update as to what has been happening this month with Senate-related business because, after all, I work for you and you have a right to know what is going on with your elected official.

1)  In early December, I attended the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference in Washington D.C.  ALEC is a great event attended by state legislators around the country who share and promote the values of limited government, free markets, and Federalism (1/3 of all state legislators are members of ALEC).

During this 5-day conference, I was able to meet with and learn from some of the brightest minds in politics including Texas Governor Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, Herman Kane, and many more.  I also was able to meet with some of our own representatives from Arizona including Sen. John McCain and Rep’s. John Shadegg, Trent Franks and Jeff Flake, where issues affecting Arizona were discussed.

2)  After I returned home from Washington, I spent a day in Yuma at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS).  The MCAS is an amazing treasure we have here in Arizona in that it not only supports 80 percent of the Corps’ air-to-ground aviation training, but it is now officially the future home to the brand new F-35B Joint Strike Fighters which is one of the most incredible aircrafts in the world.  I had the pleasure to meet with Col. Mark Werth and many of the Marines and, all I can say is, what an extraordinary group of people!  We should all be very proud we have these brave men and women right in our own backyard.

3)  Roughly a week or so ago I took part in the day-long Senate orientation which was followed by a meeting with Governor Brewer.   I asked the Governor what we can do to actually start building a wall/fence on the border!  The following day we, as the Senate Majority, met for several hours to discuss the upcoming legislative session and what our priorities are.  I for one am very excited about the possibilities of what this Legislature can accomplish, but more on this to come later.

4)  Met with U.S. Representative-elect Paul Gosar and learned what he has been doing thus far and what he is getting ready to try to accomplish.  He announced he was recently appointed to the Natural Resources committee, which is great news as we have many issues here in Arizona he will be able to address.  What a great man we have representing District 1.

All of this combined with about a dozen or so meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Alliance, mining companies, college boards and education professionals, etc. has lead to a very productive and busy month thus far, but as we all know, the real work begins next month.  I will be sworn in on January 10 and will officially start immediately thereafter.

Please know that I will continue to send these type of updates to you so that you may be aware of exactly what is happening both in your district and state (if you choose not to receive these updates, simply reply to let me know).  I want to once again than you for your support and of course, you can contact me at any time with your thoughts, ideas, or suggestions as they are encouraged and welcomed.

God bless and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Steve Smith is District 23  state senator, representing Maricopa.

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