From: "Friends of Transit" To: Subject: Transportation 5 Bills Date: Friday, January 16, 2004 3:53 PM Friends, below is information about five biils that have been introduced on transportation. Some are good for transit - and some are not. You make the call - and speaking of "calls"...their phone numbers are listed in article as well. Email this article Click to send Print this article Click to print Most popular pages Today | This Week Merits of light rail debated as lawmakers unveil 5 bills Elvia Díaz The Arizona Republic Jan. 16, 2004 12:00 AM Some state lawmakers hope to throw a wrench in the wheels of an expanded light-rail system as others try to persuade them to back off. The discussion over the merits of light rail surfaced this week when lawmakers unveiled five bills that would allow Maricopa County voters to decide whether to extend a half-cent transportation sales tax for 20 more years. At stake is $15.8 billion worth of freeways, streets and other transit improvements. While there appears to be little disagreement about whether to extend the tax, lawmakers differ on whether the election should be held this May or November. They also disagree about spending money from the sales tax on light rail. Those who want to hold the election in May must have a bill signed by Gov. Janet Napolitano by Feb. 3. The sponsors of transportation tax bills at the Capitol and the measures they are championing: Email this article Click to send Print this article Click to print Most popular pages Today | This Week Contact lawmakers Jan. 6, 2003 03:05 PM Sen. Robert Blendu R-Litchfield Park Age: 60 Stockbroker Committees: Rules, Natural Resources & Transportation, Commerce (602) 542-5955 rblendu@azleg.state.az.us Rep. Chuck Gray R-Mesa Age: 44 Internet sales Committees: Natural Resources, Agriculture, Water & Native American Affairs, Environment, Government & Retirement, Judiciary (602) 542-5495 cgray@azleg.state.az.us Rep. Gary Pierce R-Mesa Age: 50 Former Lobbyist for Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona Committees: Transportation, Public Institutions & Counties, Judiciary (602) 542-3163 gpierce@azleg.state.az.us DISTRICT 22 Sen. Thayer Verschoor R-Gilbert Age: 41 Valley Metro bus operator Committees: Education, Appropriations, Family Services (602) 542-4136 tverscho@azleg.state.az.us Rep. Andy Biggs R-Gilbert Age: 44 Retired attorney Committees: Appropriations, Commerce & Military Affairs, Federal Mandates & Property Rights, Utilities & Municipalities (602) 542-4371 abiggs@azleg.state.az.us