The State Legislature went back to work on Monday, and it looks as though, similar to the past several years, there will be plenty of work and controversy to keep members busy.

Fountain Hills’ own Representative John Kavanagh made news recently when he publicly proposed that Child Protective Services receive additional funding from a voter-approved package that supports the First Things First program.

He said he will ask the legislature to approve a constitutional amendment for voters to consider.

Kavanagh said his proposal would provide money for the social, support and counseling services offered for families in the CPS system. He emphasized that none of that funding would go toward CPS enforcement programs.

“I’m proposing that we amend the mission of the First Things First program to allow 25-cents on the dollar to go toward CPS,” Kavanagh said.

If the legislature approves sending the question back to voters as a constitutional amendment it would be on the ballot this November, according to Kavanagh.

“(CPS) is extremely dysfunctional, but money is not the only problem,” Kavanagh said. “Policies and process need to be improved. It needs a house cleaning.”

Last summer’s deadly Yarnell Hill Fire will likely prompt some attention from the legislature.

Kavanagh said he is proposing a bill to have fire officials in the state propose recommendations that will help prevent wildfires and protect property and lives.

“Are zoning changes needed to limit building in fire prone areas?” Kavanagh asked. “Should there be mandatory clearance requirements around structures, and how do you address enforcement?

“These are highly controversial issues, but may provide a safer environment in the long run.”

Kavanagh said he does not believe there will be an immediate effort to address compensation for families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died at Yarnell Hill.

“The survivors of the full-time firefighters have received very generous benefits,” Kavanagh said.

“Compensation for part-time firefighters seems to need more funding, but now those families have filed lawsuits and (the legislature) wants to wait and see whether they are compensated by the courts before acting.”

Kavanagh said he is putting forward a second constitutional amendment to address public pension plans.

“The constitution does not allow for reduction in public pension benefits,” Kavanagh said.

“Increasing employer payments threatens the financial stability of such funds. The amendment would allow any governmental entity in the state to reduce benefits if they can show the plan is not viable. These should be self-sustaining plans.”

As a constitutional amendment, it too would need to go to voters in November.

Kavanagh, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said the state budget continues to be a mess.

Rep. Michelle Ugenti of Scottsdale, who also represents District 23 that includes Fountain Hills, chaired an Ambulance Medical Service Transportation Study Committee between sessions.

Ugenti said the committee adopted recommendations for legislation designed to increase transparency and efficiency in the process for awarding a certificate of necessity (CON) to agencies providing ambulance service.

CONs are awarded by the Arizona Department of Health Services and are required to operate ambulance services in Arizona.

The recommendations include reducing the time period for processing applications, requiring audited financial statements from CON applicants and extending the time that a CON is valid.

Ugenti said she will be proposing legislation based on the recommendations.

The committee included representatives from ambulance companies, fire districts, the director for DHS, the director for AHCCCS, the insurance industry and the public.

“My objectives for the upcoming legislative include balancing the state’s budget, protecting Arizona taxpayers and reducing regulatory burdens on Arizona’s businesses in an effort to increase job growth and economic development,” Ugenti said.

“These areas have been my primary focus during my two terms in the House of Representatives and, while progress has been made, there is more work to be done.”

Senator Michele Reagan is in her last term. She will be running for secretary of state for the upcoming 2014 election.

Reagan said in her last session she will continue working for small business.

“As many know, my passion has always been being a voice for Arizona’s small businesses at the Capitol,” Reagan said.

“Small business owners work tirelessly and have been the backbone for our economy for decades.

“Part of my agenda this year is fighting against further government mandates, including an effort to help stop some abuses in the workman’s compensation insurance system.

“Workman’s comp insurance companies, as well as many small businesses, have seen a disturbing trend growing with prescription narcotics. This has been leading to longer work absences, higher insurance rates, and an underground narcotic trade.”

Reagan also said she will support education during this session.

“I expect we will see an unprecedented push to improve our education funding, especially in the areas of science and math,” Reagan said.

“Only with a strong and steady supply of talent, we will be able to attract more business and jobs to our state.

“It’s refreshing to see the business community join forces with the education community to demand a better education system.”