TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020   AACo Bulletin  Advancing Arizona's Counties since 1968
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AACo at 1700 - Video Recap
Check in with AACo every Friday to learn how the components of the 2020 County Government Platform are advancing with state policy officials and what is happening at the state legislature. The video will be posted to our Twitter account and the homepage of our website, check it out here .
Governor Ducey Releases Budget
On January 17 th Governor Ducey released his FY 2021 budget. It contains $12.3 billion in spending and it contains some good news for Arizona’s counties.

Highlights for Counties:
  • $8.4 million to eliminate counties paying for the Department of Juvenile Corrections.
  • $6 million to cover a cost share of Superior Court Judges salaries in Maricopa.
  • $2.6 million for Presidential Preference Election (PPE) county reimbursement.
 
General Budget Highlights:
  • $203 million to fully restore K-12 Additional Assistance.
  • $124.5 million to fulfill 20% teacher pay raises by 2020.
  • $49.7 million for 514 miles of broadband infrastructure in rural transportation corridors.
  • $45 million for I-17 lane additions, funding the second year of the three-year project.
  • $28 million to accelerate the I-10 Gila River Widening project.
  • $25 million deposit to Rainy Day Fund, keeping total reserves at $1.2 billion.
 
The complete budget can be viewed here and view the Governor’s website for more information.

Additionally, the Senate Republicans released their framework for the FY2021 budget, which includes $8.5 million in one-time funding to offset the Juvenile Corrections cost-sharing for Maricopa and Pima counties. View the complete budget framework here .
Summary of State of the State
“We got here by doing things our way, The Arizona Way. And I’m here to tell you: You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Governor Doug Ducey delivered a familiar message in his sixth State of the State. Governor Ducey reiterated his pledge for no new taxes in any form, rescinding 23 Executive Orders which eliminated 18 boards and commissions ( list here ), and calling for an expansion of civics education in both giving middle schoolers the citizenship test and calling for a full day of classroom instruction on civics called the Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Celebrations Day.

In addition to highlighting the past achievements, Governor Ducey honed strongly on economic messages including Arizona’s position as a magnet for new residents, job growth in the state and the popularity of his occupational licensing items while peppering in a few conservative applause lines about limiting the role of government.

To expand upon this record, the Governor Ducey proposed a series of initiatives big and small as targeted investments worthy of the state several of these include:

Rural Investments
  • Increasing the rural broadband development grant from $3 million to $10 million.
  • $50 million for fiber optic infrastructure development along rural interstates.
Education
  • Full restoration of STEM and workforce development funding at community colleges.
  • A larger but not listed investment in school counselors, cops on campus and school safety.
Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
  • Shutting down Florence Prison.
  • Funding for body cameras on every state Trooper.
  • New surveillance cameras along highways in Southern Arizona.

A copy of the full-text of the Governor's State of the State address is available  here .
NACo Webinars: Always a Chance to Learn
Mark your calendars, NACo has important webinars coming up!

Creative Counties Placemaking Challenge Round Two Launch - Jan. 23

Join NACo for this interactive webinar to learn about round two of the Creative Counties Placemaking Challenge. Program staff will provide an overview of the program and walk attendees through the application. Representatives from teams in the first round will discuss their experiences with the pilot round of the program. Lastly, attendees will have time to ask questions of the presenters. Learn more and register !

The Benefits to Counties: Public Health Department Accreditation - Jan. 30

Strong public health departments engaged in effective community partnerships make all communities healthier places to live, work, learn, and play. Aiming to better serve their communities, hundreds of local public health departments across the nation have achieved accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board’s national accrediting program. On this webinar, Public Health Accreditation Board leadership will review the numerous benefits of accreditation and county leaders from Ramsey County, Minn., and Idaho North Central Public Health District will share insights on their counties’ journeys toward achieving accreditation. Learn more and register !
2020 NACo Achievement Awards Now Open
Celebrate 50 Years of County Innovation

Applications are now open for the National Association of Counties (NACo)  2020 Achievement Awards ! Join NACo in celebrating 50 years of county innovation by applying today. 

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities. By participating, your county can earn national recognition.

The 18 "best of category" winners will be recognized on stage at the 2020 NACo Annual Conference in Orange County/Orlando, Fla., and all winners will be recognized in the program book and online. NACo also provides a customizable press release for you to share the good news with the media and county residents.

NACo encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to apply.

EARLY BIRD APPLICATION DEADLINE : March 9, 2020 (save $25 off the application fee)

FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE : March 30, 2020

Please view the online brochure or email awards@naco.org with any questions about this year's application process.