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.