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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
Regents, lawmakers, look to mend fences after chairman’s resignation
Regents and lawmakers alike expect the June 18 resignation of the Arizona Board of Regents’ chairman can heal any lingering wounds between them, though Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, who is at the center of the controversy, said the resignation changes nothing.
ABOR chairman Patterson resigns after mocking lawmaker
The chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents has resigned from the board three days after a report chronicled a secretly-recorded meeting in which he mocked a state lawmaker.
Will Gaona: ACLU lobbyist walking the walk in GOP-controlled Capitol
Will Gaona, a five-session veteran at the Capitol, is in his third year with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, often fighting uphill battles at the Capitol for progressive causes not often embraced by a predominantly Republican Legislature.
Lobbyist: Goldwater Institute wants to ‘second guess’ Legislature with regulatory law
SB1437 puts limits on what Goldwater officials describe as burdensome and unnecessary occupational regulations by limiting them to only those needed for one of three narrow purposes – public health, safety or welfare.
House tightens travel policy, discourages use of state vehicles
Arizona state representatives are now barred in most instances from using the state vehicle fleet, and must physically sign paperwork to be reimbursed for miles traveled on legislative business, according to a new policy announced today by House Speaker J.D. Mesnard.
Wrap up with Katie Hobbs
Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, led Democrats in her chamber through yet another session where the minority party tried and failed to substantively change the budget. But the Phoenix Democrat found a few reasons to be pleased with the session, while mostly remaining frustrated by Republican legislative victories.
Wrap up with Steve Yarbrough
In his first year at the helm of the Senate, President Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler, took to heart his experience as the majority leader to lead a united Republican Caucus — at least, most of the time.
Democrats almost had a voice in budget process, but Republicans didn’t hear them
Republicans say Democrats overplayed their hand. Gov. Doug Ducey and GOP leaders were willing to talk, but Democrats asked for too much and were too firmly entrenched in their request to make negotiating a reality.
Indicted lobbyist takes leave of absence to focus on criminal defense
Lobbyist Jim Norton is stepping down from Axiom Public Affairs to fully focus on his defense against an indictment for fraud, bribery and other charges.
‘Farley for Governor’ paperwork filed with Corp Comm, senator mum on run
Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, signaled he’ll run for governor against Doug Ducey, though he refused to comment on his political future until a campaign announcement next week.
Teacher of the year to challenge Brophy McGee
Christine Marsh, an Arizona high school teacher and outspoken advocate for more funding for K-12 public schools, will challenge Sen. Kate Brophy McGee for her state Senate seat.
Embattled social service agency gets new leader
Gov. Doug Ducey appointed a veteran agency director to lead the Department of Economic Security, an agency that has endured years of controversy.
