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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
Republicans vote to expand voucher program, revamp oversight
Republican senators advanced a bill that would expand eligibility for Arizona’s school voucher program and strip oversight of those vouchers from the newly elected Democratic head of the Department of Education.
Bill to protect secondary-ticket sales market tabled
When U2 made its final stop on the Joshua Tree Tour in Phoenix, Rep. Jeff Weninger almost couldn’t get into the show. The Chandler Republican had two tickets to the... […]
Bill strips Department of Education of voucher oversight
A Republican lawmaker wants the state to hire a private company to oversee and administer Arizona’s voucher program and wants State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, not the newly elected Democratic superintendent, to choose the vendor.
Tyler Pace: Businessman turns true freshman
When Tyler Pace jumped into the race for the state Senate, his victory was all but assured thanks to the timely retirement of former Sen. Bob Worsley.
Committee moves bill to purge permanent early voting list
Signing up to receive a ballot by mail in Arizona, a system known as the Permanent Early Voting List, may no longer be as permanent as the name suggests.
Bill proposes extended deadline to file state income taxes
A proposal from Sen. J.D. Mesnard would extend the deadline to file taxes with the Arizona Department of Revenue by two months, from April 15 to June 15.
Early voting change short on votes
While the Arizona Senate took another step towards banning voters from dropping off their mail-in ballots at polls, the measure is effectively dead due to opposition from two Republicans.
Bill gives recounts to anyone who can pay
If you can afford it, then you can get a recount. At least that’s what could happen in the 2020 election cycle if lawmakers approve SB1484, a bill sponsored by Sen. J.D. Mesnard that would allow anyone to call for a recount of any election in Arizona, so long as they can pony up the cash to pay elections officials to conduct it.
Competing bills address new era in car rentals
Two Republican lawmakers are at odds over what constitutes a “car rental” in the new sharing economy.
Republicans approve tax conformity bill that cuts rates
Republican lawmakers squared off against GOP Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday by passing legislation to grant Arizonans a reprieve on their state income taxes.
Republican legislator calls for a state Lt. Gov.
A Republican lawmaker is again asking voters to give Arizona a lieutenant governor, a role that would supersede the secretary of state as first in the line of succession for the governor’s office.
DACA students to get special tuition rate under proposed Republican law
Barred from receiving in-state tuition at Arizona community colleges and universities, DACA recipients could still get a break on the cost of tuition under a Republican-backed bill.
