Thursday, 11 April 2002
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/20411legbriefing.html
Veterans exemption
On a 20-9 vote, the Senate agreed to ask voters whether to give veterans of war or military action a break on their property taxes.
SCR 1003 would provide for a $3,000 property tax exemption for those qualified veterans who have lived in Arizona at least one year and whose property tax assessment does not exceed $10,000 - meaning a home with a market value of about $100,000.
To be eligible, the total income could be no more than $13,200 for a veteran without children in the home and $18,840 if there are dependents.
The measure was criticized by some lawmakers who said it could cost the state up to $6.2 million to make up for lost local property taxes. If the measure passes the House, it will go on the November ballot.
State lottery
With no real dissent, the Senate on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to asking voters to continue the Arizona Lottery.
The state-run gaming agency will self-destruct next year without voter renewal. HCR 2012 provides that renewal and eliminates the need for future votes.
The bill already has been approved in nearly identical form by the House.
Satellite signals
The Senate voted 16-13 Wednesday to begin taxing satellite television subscription services.
Supporters of SB 1062 said it is not fair that cable companies have to pay sales taxes, but their competitors in the direct broadcast industry do not. Foes said it amounts to a tax hike, even with the proceeds earmarked for cities and counties.
The bill now goes to the House.
Prescription drugs
The Senate gave final approval Wednesday on a 25-4 vote to setting up a clearinghouse for providing information about existing discount prescription drug programs.
HB 2464 would allow the Department of Health Services to accept private donations for a program to educate needy seniors and others on where they can find low-cost drugs and how to save money.
The measure already has been approved by the House.
Sen. Chris Cummiskey, D-Phoenix, criticized the plan as doing very little. His own plan to force manufacturers to sell drugs to seniors at a discount was defeated earlier this month.
Prison oversight
State senators voted Wednesday to establish a committee to review, monitor and make recommendations about the operation of the state Department of Corrections.
Sen. Elaine Richardson, D-Tucson, said there have been a series of problems at the agency that apparently cannot be resolved internally. Many of those relate to working conditions, she said, which results in high staff turnover.
Richardson said there also have been complaints about how the agency treats family members of inmates.
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