News from February 2016


Phoenix chamber backing Proposition 123 to aid education

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce said last week that it is in full support of the passage of Proposition 123, which will continue to propel the educational system on a rising path.

Sinema sponsoring Senior$afe Act to protect seniors from scams

U.S. Rep. Krysten Sinema (D-AZ), along with U.S. Reps. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) , Patrick Murphy (D-FL) and John "Mick" Mulvaney (R-SC), recently introduced the Senior$afe Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent financial fraud among seniors.

Arizona legislators respond to Justice Scalia’s death

Three U.S. lawmakers from Arizona, Rep. Matt Salmon and Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake, all Republicans, responded to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, 79, who died Saturday in Texas.

SRP advances green-friendly push with sPower's Sandstone Solar facility

Independent power producer sPower recently announced the opening of Sandstone Solar, in conjunction with Salt River Project (SRP).

McCain urges permanent extension of Internet Tax Freedom Act

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) recently urged President Barack Obama to sign the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act.

McCain, Flake applaud Bureau of Reclamation investment in Arizona water storage programs

U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) recently endorsed the Bureau of Reclamation funding plan for water management and drought response projects in Arizona.

ADOT highway 95 project to protect motorists from flash flooding

A 600-foot-long bridge over a flood-prone highway area will improve a major trade route between the U.S. and Mexico as well as improve safety for regular commuters, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced recently in Yuma.

Ducey’s administration ‘innovating’ economic development with data-driven reform

Effectively consolidating disparate government offices, legislation recently introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives to boost economic development by State Rep. Karen Fann will create the Governor’s Economic Opportunity Office (GEOO), designed to simplify job creation.

TEP turns up the heat on savings, efficiency for Arizona customers

Smart thermostats, advanced tune-ups and even a school pilot program are among cost-cutting measures awaiting Tucson Electric Power customers of all kinds as TEP launches its 2016 Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan after recent ACC approval.

Flake reintroduces FACT Act with support for more patient privacy

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week to discuss his reintroduction of the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency bill, or the FACT Act, with a focus on looking to further improve privacy issues of patients while still providing a “long overdue transparency” of asbestos trust funds.

Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station receives VPP Star certification

The Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station near Tonopah was recently recertified as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star workplace by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH).

Arizona Corporation Commission to discuss Team Capital, UNS Electric rate case

The Arizona Corporation Commission will discuss Team Capital and an appointment to the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee at its meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 1200 W. Washington St., Phoenix.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce names key legislative goals for 2016

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently named its four clearest legislative goals for 2016 - funding for technical education, campaign finance reform, pension reform and a balanced Arizona budget.

ACC to debut ‘Inspire’ videos aimed at Arizona entrepreneurs, job seekers

The Arizona Commission Corporation (ACC) has teamed with Goodwill of Central Arizona and Phoenix Sheriff Joe Arpaio on a series of 10 "Inspire" videos aimed at Arizona entrepreneurs and job seekers, with the first video debuting Wednesday.

Mining has safest year, promising future in Arizona

Mineral mining, which makes up a major part of Arizona’s economy, saw only 17 fatalities nationwide in 2015, which was the safest year on record for mining in America, according to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration.

ADOT invites small and disadvantaged business owners to attend upcoming expo

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and affiliated agencies have invited small business owners to a free seminar from 7 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Glendale Civic Center, regarding eligibility for the state’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

ACC approves Tucson railroad crossing project

The Arizona Corporation Commission authorized a Tucson railroad crossing upgrade beginning in autumn 2016 to level and widen an intersection at Interstate 10 and Ina Road.

Arizona Corporation Commission elects Little as chairman

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted to confirm Doug Little, who had been serving as interim chairman, as its chairman.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association advocates solutions to reduce drug costs

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt offered several market-based solutions for escalating drug prices during his testimony presented Thursday before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. 

Gosar and Kirkpatrick pan Arizona copper mine land grab

U.S. Reps. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) recently protested the lack of public input prior to a proposed federal land grab and demanded that the National Park Service (NPS) void the controversial proposal usurping Arizona’s Resolution Copper mine site.