Tim Bee is a Republican from Tucson and the Senate president in the Legislature. He is running for Congress in Arizona's 8th District.

Other articles by Sen Tim Bee:

By Sen. Tim Bee: Domestic-violence progress inadequate

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RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION

This year was not business as usual at the Legislature. More than ever, 2008 required decisiveness from the start to prevent dire consequences for our state.

Normally, political conversations don't turn to the budget until late spring. But this year the Legislature had two budget shortfalls to work through. There had never been a clearer call to action for those of us in the executive and legislative branches.

The Legislature's budget is the product of numerous negotiations throughout the entire session. The cuts were done strategically to ensure that we continue providing the necessary stewardship for our public institutions, especially agencies protecting the well-being of our most vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, we passed a budget that addressed the shortfalls without cutting vital services or taking funding from education. And while the state's finances are of utmost importance, we were also successful in passing many significant pieces of legislation.

An unfortunate reality is that too many children are harmed by the very people entrusted to protect and educate them. I sponsored legislation that makes it a Class 2 felony for teachers or clergy to have sexual conduct with teenagers. It also ensures offenders serve a flat time with no early release, sending a strong message to people who violate this ultimate position of trust.

Another new law allows reserve peace officers to join school safety programs, adding another layer of safety at school and increasing the declining number of school resource officers without increasing costs.

Fort Huachuca, the largest employer in southeast Arizona, is invaluable to our economy. A new law I introduced helps protect this military range that serves as the Army's sole radio and electronic testing site. It is vital to national security and our war on terrorism that we balance private-property rights with the ability of the base to preserve its mission.

Military families will also benefit from a new law that will make it easier for military children to assimilate in a new school after a parent's transfer. Senate Bill 1334 creates an interstate compact for military children to remove barriers to educational success during frequent moves.

Other legislation appoints a board and establishes federal impact funds to pay for maintenance and operations of Fort Huachuca's accommodation schools. It also allows the school system to continue its high quality of education for the students who attend schools on the fort.

I was very pleased that teacher performance-pay legislation remained alive in the budget. Equal funding for teachers has always been a priority of mine. Currently, only 28 schools receive funds. This legislation levels the playing field for all districts participating in the program.

Despite current economic turbulence, we must continue to attract the best and brightest to our state. I spearheaded the research and development tax credit to encourage more high-tech companies, like Intel, to expand their operations and locate in Arizona. This will be particularly helpful in pulling Arizona out of its recent fiscal slump.

Like all sessions, this one has been challenging. I am honored to complete my legislative tenure as Senate president. I have worked hard to create and maintain a cooperative spirit without sacrificing the principals of a responsible and responsive government.

I look forward to continuing to serve Southern Arizona in my future endeavors, and helping to create a prosperous future for all citizens.