History in the making

History was made this week in Arizona with Governor Ducey's appointment of Brig. Gen. Muehlenbeck to lead our National Guard. The Governor also tapped Tim Roemer as the new Homeland Security Director and signed legislation that will impact thousands of Arizona drivers. Check out the coverage of these and other topics below.

The appointment of Brig. Gen. Muehlenbeck received wide coverage across Arizona this week:

Arizona Republic: Ducey Picks Brig. Gen. Kelly Muehlenbeck To Lead Arizona National Guard, A First For A Woman

Associated Press: Governor Appoints First Woman To Lead Arizona National Guard

KOLD: Gov. Ducey appoints Brig. General Kerry Muehlenbeck To Arizona’s Adjutant General

KGUN9: Woman With Tucson Ties Chosen To Lead Arizona National Guard

Governor Ducey Appoints Tim Roemer To Director Of Homeland Security
In addition to the change in leadership, Governor Ducey announced that the cybersecurity operations overseen by Roemer in the Arizona Department of Administration will become part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Arizona Republic: New Top Security Official For Arizona Will Put Focus On Cybersecurity Of Government Systems
"Prior to becoming Arizona's top information security officer in 2019, Roemer, 37, worked as deputy director for the state Department of Homeland Security and advised Ducey on cybersecurity, border security and counterterrorism issues."

Fox News: Governor Ducey Talks Border Crisis, Protecting The Second Amendment

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Protect Arizona Drivers With Outstanding Fines
The legislation ends the practice of suspending or restricting a person’s drivers license for failure to pay a civil penalty, surcharge, or assessment alone. The bill also reinstates the driving privileges of Arizona drivers whose licenses had been suspended or restricted for failure to pay civil traffic violations alone.

KOLD: Gov. Ducey Signs Bill To Protect Arizona Drivers Who Cannot Pay Outstanding Fees
"SB 1551 also allows judges to waive or change fees at their own discretion if the person responsible for the violation is facing financial hardship. However, judges may NOT mitigate fees for fines related to driving under the influence."

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation Extending Prison Transition Program
The program, which has resulted in strong reductions in recidivism, provides eligible inmates with transition services in the community for up to 90 days by partnering with private or nonprofit providers. Senator Barto, who represents LD15, said that the benefits of the program will extend to all Arizonans.

Arizona Partners With Ability360, The Arc, Special Olympics And DES To Expand Vaccinations
Arizona and community partners will hold vaccination events, allowing those living with disabilities and their families to be vaccinated at familiar locations. The targeted effort will ensure individuals with disabilities have quick, easy access to COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Protect Arizonans From Frivolous Lawsuits
Senate Bill 1377 fulfills a State of the State priority of the Governor’s to protect Arizonans from “frivolous lawsuits.” It provides the legal framework for when a liability claim can be brought in relation to COVID-19 while still ensuring that claims based on gross negligence and wilful misconduct can be heard.

Arizona Launching New State Vaccination Site Serving North Valley At Scottsdale’s WestWorld
A new state COVID-19 vaccination site serving the North Valley area will open at WestWorld on April 22. ADHS, Cigna, and Scottsdale are among those partnering to open an indoor site offering 3,000-4,000 appointments per day initially and operating from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will have the capacity to offer 10,000 appointments a day.

Phoenix Municipal Stadium Vaccination Site Moving Indoors At ASU’s Desert Financial Arena
The shift will move vaccination operations indoors as temperatures grow warmer at Arizona State University's venue for basketball and other large-scale indoor events. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, located just northwest of the Tempe campus, is ASU’s baseball facility.

Governor Ducey Announces $250,000 To Support Local Economic Recovery
Governor Ducey this week announced $250,000 contributing to the launch of the Arizona Economic Recovery Center, led by Local First Arizona, to help local businesses and rural communities apply for and win competitive federal economic recovery grants.

Arizona Extends Individual Income Tax Filing Deadline
Governor Ducey this week signed legislation to extend the state individual income tax filing deadline from Thursday, April 15 to Monday, May 17 to match the federal government’s decision to extend its filing deadline.