The state Legislature begins the 2012 session and Brewer hopes to buy back state capital properties

The state Legislature begins the 2012 session and Brewer hopes to buy back state capital properties (Alberta Times) Arizona's House of Representatives and Senate began a new session on January 9th...

(Alberta Times)

Arizona's House of Representatives and Senate began a new session on January 9th. Brewer came to the Assembly for the third time as governor to deliver his opening speech. Also taking over on the opening day of the Senate was Prestig Republican Congressman Steve Pierce, who replaced Russell Pires, who resigned due to a recall election on November 8, as Senate Speaker. The current parliament ends in late April. Governor Brewer said in his speech that the state capital has recently celebrated the centenary of statehood on February 14 and is preparing to repurchase several buildings that were sold due to budget shortfalls as the finances improve. Brewer said in her opening speech to both chambers of the Legislature on Monday that she would provide a detailed list of addresses that would allow the Legislature to pass the purchase of the nine-story official office building of the House of Representatives and Senate before Statehood Day. After years of budget cuts, Arizona's fiscal situation has improved significantly. The three main buildings repurchased this time are part of 22 properties sold by the state government. Through the property sales, the state government made a profit of $1 billion to help fill budget gaps in previous years. Voters approved Brewer in 2010 to impose a temporary sales tax, and in 2010 and 2011, lawmakers also used borrowing and spending cuts to finally bring spending closer to balance. While some supporters plan to take proactive steps to extend the temporary sales tax, Brewer said the temporary sales tax will end as scheduled in 2013. "We are together, just like we were last year, let's lower taxes, cut regulations, and tell all employers that Arizona means business." Brewer said she will continue to work for continued economic recovery and growth and have the federal government respect state rights. Brewer also said the federal government should work with Arizona and border security not neglect their responsibilities for unfunded health care or experiment with management policies that leave forests affected by massive wildfires. This is Brewer's third state government job. She was the elected secretary of state. After Napolita resigned and became the U.S. secretary of homeland security, she took over as governor of Arizona and has been reelected for two terms.