Senator-Elect Sylvia Allen Prepares For Upcoming Legislative Session

When asked what she believes the priorities are at this time, she said the budget is first and foremost.

“The budget is a critical issue. The projected revenues called for a five percent increase this last year, but it was actually three percent so we are already in a deficit,” said Allen.

“We’ll be working with a new governor and so far (Doug) Ducey appears very open and aggressive in finding solutions so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

When asked what she plans to do to help ease the burden of counties struggling under state mandates to offset the deficit, she replied, “The counties have worked with the state to restore funds, but there is still waste within the government and we need to explore more ways to save even more to ease those pressures. I’m hopeful that the governors’ office will want to explore ideas for reform,” she said.

Another area that Allen wants to see addressed is how the state is funding the schools and how it mandates the anticipated needs of each district.

“I want to take a look at how our schools are being funded. Right now the funding is not equal, with some districts getting more than others,” Allen noted.

She also believes that state mandating to public schools needs to be addressed.

“The state shouldn’t be dictating what is needed in schools. For example, vision and hearing tests are mandatory. The schools and parents should be deciding what’s needful. If it’s mandated then it has to happen whether the money is there or not. This is an issue that won’t be addressed during this session, but it is something we need to look at down the road with a coalition of educators and businessmen,” she said.

Allen also has concerns about the multitude of regulations being passed on the federal level that fall to the taxpayers to support.

“Federal regulations cost the citizens to the tune of $1 trillion each year. Those regulations place demands on the states and the citizens. I’m hoping that the moratorium put in place by Governor Brewer will continue under Ducey,” she said.

Rather than creating more taxes and new mandates, Allen wants the citizens to have more control over where their money goes.

“We need to encourage growth in the private market. People need to be able to realize their dreams and, by doing so, revenues will grow. Trying to make up the deficit with higher taxes weakens businesses and our economy,” she said.

During the last legislative session, Allen said that too much time was wasted on fighting and arguments, and she’s hopeful that the upcoming session will see legislators working together.

“We represent the people and they gave us the responsibility to run their government. One of the most important things we can do in a crisis is pull together instead of having the ‘us against them’ mentality. It should have nothing to do with party affiliation,” Allen said.

Regarding jobs in Navajo County, Allen says she remains hopeful for future economic development, but has concerns about jobs that are needed right now.

“I’m very worried about our rural areas. The 4FRI project is beginning to show results and the Heber saw mill is now able to process the timber, providing jobs there as a result, so I’m excited about that. But I pray that something will happen with potash mining. It’s still sitting there just waiting for the financing to come through to make it happen,” said the senator-elect.

According to Allen, Navajo County has a great deal to offer to manufacturers and developers looking for good infrastructure, and she intends to encourage the governor’s office to focus on rural areas, not just in Navajo County, but throughout the state.

“I’m going to do what I can to make things better for our rural areas and I’m so excited to get started. I appreciate all the voters in Navajo County, and also in Gila County who really put me over the top during the election. We live in a great place with great opportunities,” she concluded.

Allen, along with the other state lawmakers will gather at the capitol for the first legislative session of 2015, which will convene on Jan. 12.