Brenda Burns

Biographical Information

The following is from ALIS for the 45th Arizona State Legislature (2001-2002):

State Senator
Brenda Burns
Republican -- District 17
Office number: 305
Phone: 602-542-3160
E-mail: [email protected]
Home City: Glendale
Occupation: Business Manager
Member Since: 1987-94
ALEC 1999 National Chair

In the November 2, 2010 General Election, the Hon. Brenda Burns was elected to the Arizona Corporation Commission.  This is her biography from the 2011 Corporation Commission site:

Commissioner Brenda Burns:
Raised in a military family, Brenda Burns lived many places while growing up.  In 1969 she moved to Arizona and made it her home.  As an owner/manager of a family business, Brenda learned firsthand the impact which laws, rules and regulations can have on a small business’ ability to succeed and create jobs.

Brenda Burns’ business experience was invaluable when she began her long history of representing Arizonans.  She first served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995.  In 1993, Republican House members elected Brenda to the position of Majority Leader, making her the first woman to hold the position in Arizona.

Brenda served eight years in the Arizona State Senate.  In 1997, she became the first woman to hold the position of Arizona Senate President.  As Senate President, Brenda was instrumental in the formation and passage of the State’s $6 billion dollar budget and reduced the Senate’s multimillion dollar budget by over eight percent.  A champion of taxpayers, she led successful efforts to reduce and keep taxes low for both individuals and business.  Brenda’s persistent emphasis on protecting Arizona citizens from high taxes, high regulatory costs and excessive spending led to her recognition by the U.S.  Small Business Administration as “a leader in regulatory reform”.

Throughout her political career Brenda Burns worked with leaders throughout the United States.  As an active member of the American Legislative Exchange Council, she served on its board for nine years, becoming ALEC’s national Chairman in 1999.  There she worked with other national leaders on many issues, with a strong focus on States’ Rights.

Brenda lives in Scottsdale and is a licensed real estate agent.  She is married to Bob Isbell.  They have a combined family of six adult children and ten grandchildren.

Additional Information

First woman elected Majority Leader of the Arizona House of Representatives.
First woman elected President of the Arizona State Senate.

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth: Arizona Legislative Biography sheet "Brenda Burns"; Occupation(s):  ALIS 45 bio, AZ Corporation Commission bio