Corporation Commission Approves Fortis/ Unisource Energy Merger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2014

PHOENIX—The Arizona Corporation Commission today approved the acquisition of Unisource Energy/ Tucson Electric Power by Fortis Inc., a Canadian company. The companies, along with other parties with an interest in the case submitted a settlement agreement of the terms.

 

“I applaud this merger, which will be a boon for customers in Southern and Northern Arizona,” said Chairman Bob Stump. “It will improve access to capital on more favorable terms and benefit ratepayers, in the process.”

 

According to the settlement agreement, the merger is expected to balance the interests of the company and its customers and provide substantial benefits to the public such as providing $30 million of direct customer benefits over 5 years, through bill credits of $10 million payable in year one, and $5 million per year payable in years 2 – 5.

 

Fortis has agreed to maintain existing employee levels with UNS and TEP for at least 4 years, retain senior management and maintain their headquarters in Tucson. Fortis will continue to support low-income assistance programs at or above current levels and continue its charitable giving and community programs.

 

The agreement also strengthens UNS Energy’s financial position which will enhance their ability to provide safe, reliable service. Fortis will immediately inject $220 million of equity capital. UNS Energy and TEP will become part of a larger and more financially secure company with a stronger credit rating. This merger will also improve the regulated utilities’ access to capital to meet their needs.

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Senator Adam Driggs Endorses Mark Brnovich For AZ AG

Arizona State Senate Majority Whip Adam Driggs endorses Mark Brnovich for Attorney General

Today, Republican candidate for Attorney General Mark Brnovich received the endorsement of Arizona State Senate Majority Whip Adam Driggs. Senator Driggs remarked:

“As a State Senator, I see on a daily basis the need for a strong Arizona Attorney General that stands for Arizona values. I served together with Mark Brnovich as a felony prosecutor in Arizona and I know he is a man of integrity who stands up for the rule of law. Mark is a proven conservative and skilled prosecutor.  I proudly support Mark Brnovich for Arizona Attorney General.”

Senator Adam Driggs serves as the Chairman of the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee in the Arizona Senate. He is also a member of the Judiciary Committee, Commerce & Energy Committee and the Banking & Insurance Committee. Prior to his election to the Arizona Senate, Driggs served two successful terms in the Arizona House of Representatives. Professionally, Driggs' background is in law and business. He served as a prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office from 1995 to 1997. As a private attorney, Driggs has successfully litigated several complex and high profile cases, both locally and internationally. His primary areas of expertise are federal immigration law, criminal law, and international sports law. Driggs also started a successful small business in Phoenix in 1997, where he continues to serve as a director.

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Brenda Burns Endorses Mark Brnovich for AZ Attorney General

Conservative Leader Brenda Burns Endorses Mark Brnovich 

for Attorney General

Today, Republican candidate for Attorney General Mark Brnovich received the endorsement of current Arizona Corporation Commissioner and former Arizona Senate President Brenda Burns. Commissioner Burns remarked:

“During my 16 years in the Arizona State Legislature, I often fought the overreach of the federal government.  As an elected member of the Corporation Commission, I have seen how federal government policies have raised rates for water and electricity in Arizona. We need an Attorney General that will protect our state's rights. Mark Brnovich will stand up to the burdensome EPA. He did a great job as Director of the Center for Constitutional Government at the Goldwater Institute, an organization that I consider to be a valuable voice in Arizona.”

Burns continued:

“Mark's experience as an Army JAG, Maricopa County prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney make him eminently qualified to be Arizona's Attorney General. I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy."

As an owner/manager of a family business, Brenda learned firsthand the impact that laws, rules and regulations can have on any small businesses’ ability to create jobs and succeed. Brenda Burns’ business experience was invaluable when she began her distinguished career of representing Arizonans. She served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995. In 1993, House Republicans elected Brenda to be their majority leader, making her the first Arizona woman to hold the position. Brenda served eight years in the Arizona State Senate, from 1995 to 2003. In 1997, she became the first Arizona woman to be elected Arizona Senate President.

Mark Brnovich remarked:

“Brenda understands what serving the people of Arizona truly means. She knows firsthand the crippling effect the federal government can have on businesses and the private sector. As Attorney General, I will be diligent in my efforts to fight back against job-killing policies and defend Arizona and the Tenth Amendment.”

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Andy Tobin Proud to have the Chamber's endorsement...for US Congress

The Tobin for Congress campaign is proud to announce the endorsement of the United States Chamber of Commerce

I’m a small business owner who has devoted my life to positively affecting our community through job creation, public service and advocating for conservative principles.

I am honored to have the endorsement of the United States Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has been on the front lines fighting for energy independence, reducing burdensome regulations and creating jobs.

The Chamber of Commerce and I stand shoulder to shoulder with small businesses all across Arizona, who have been burdened by Obamacare mandates that have increased healthcare premiums and kicked people off their healthcare plans. It’s time to send someone to Washington who will fight President Obama and Ann Kirkpatrick’s reckless agenda.

The past six years while serving in the Arizona Legislature, I’ve saved Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars and lead the fight to stop the implementation of the disastrous ObamaCare.

During my time in the Arizona House of Representatives, I drastically cut government, balanced Arizona's budget and worked to pass the largest tax cuts in Arizona's history.

The Chamber has always been dedicated to working together to improve and secure a pro-business environment throughout Arizona.  I am honored to work along side of them in this important effort.  

Rob Engstrom, national political director for the US Chamber shared, “The U.S. Chamber is proud to stand with our local business partners to endorse Andy Tobin for Congress in Arizona’s first congressional district. Andy has a demonstrated record of fighting for policies that promote jobs in Arizona and presents the clearest contrast between Ann Kirkpatrick’s failed record on economic issues.”

Engstrom continued, “Andy led the state’s fight against Obamacare, championed regulatory reform and domestic energy production and balanced the budget. That’s the type of leadership we need in Washington and we’re proud to stand with him.”

This endorsement adds to the growing number of individuals and organizations who are supporting Andy Tobin’s campaign for congress, they include: Governor Mitt Romney, Former Senator Jon Kyl, Former Congressman John Shadegg, Arizona Police Association, Arizona Right to Life, State Senator Frank Antenori, and four county sheriffs, among others.

I need your vote on August 26th, please vote early if you can! 

Together, we’ll bring Arizona conservatism to Washington and please consider a donation today.

Thank You and God Bless,

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HALLMAN AND PULLEN SUPPORTED TAX INCREASES AND THE OBAMACARE MEDICAID EXPANSION

Phoenix - Jeff DeWit, CEO/Investment Professional and candidate for Arizona State Treasurer, applauds the Arizona Republic for acknowledging the accuracy of his statement that both Hallman and Pullen have supported tax increases.

“BOTTOM LINE: DeWit is accurate in saying Pullen and Hallman supported tax increases.” and “Both have… supported the expansion of medicaid under the law.”

        -Arizona Republic, Sunday August 10th, 2014

“As I have said from day one of my campaign, I am running to represent all Arizona voters and to protect their tax dollars.  The first step in this is being honest about bad policies,” said DeWit.

The recent fact check done by the Arizona Republic was a two-part check on statements DeWit made during the Politics Unplugged televised Treasurer’s debate.  The first point was that his opponents, Hallman and Pullen, supported tax increases, which was proven to be correct.

On the second point, the Republic said that while Pullen and Hallman support the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare and that “Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act are related,” that it may be a stretch to say they support Obamacare in general. 

But the Medicaid expansion, which they both favored, and Pullen championed, is an integral part of Obamacare.  Title II, Subtitle A, Section 2001 of the Affordable Care shows that the expansion is a critical part of its implementation.  And by supporting Obamacare through the expansion, it has opened our state up to the shackles of the Federal Government involving itself in our health care system.

“We have all heard the horror stories of the impact that Obamacare is having on the American people. In the long run this is not good for Arizona and will put a financial burden on the people of Arizona,” said DeWit.

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To view fact check article: Click here

Politics Unplugged Treasurer Debate: Click hereClean Election, Horizon Treasurer Debate: Click here

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Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu Endorses Hugh Hallman for State Treasurer

Says Leadership on Difficult Regional Issues Shows Hallman is the Right Choice   Pinal County Sheriff and leading conservative Paul Babeu has endorsed Hugh Hallman in the Arizona State Treasurer’s race. Babeu said that Hallman has demonstrated himself to be a regional leader with conservative principles to make him the right choice for the State Treasurer’s Office. “Our state needs strong leadership that is adept at handling the difficult issues to ensure our quality of life,” Sheriff Babeu said. “As past Mayor of Tempe, Hugh Hallman has shown himself to be a true leader on issues of statewide importance, with a commitment to conservative principles that is important for Arizona’s future. I am pleased to endorse him for Arizona State Treasurer and know he is the best choice to represent all Arizona residents in this important office. Sheriff Babeu joins conservative leaders across Arizona who have endorsed Hallman in the Republican primary for State Treasurer. A full list of endorsements is available at  www.hughhallman.com/endorsements.

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Governor Jan Brewer Endorses Scott Smith

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