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Recent Articles from Caitlin Coakley Beckner
Solar advocates say waste incinerators aren’t green enough
A proposed waste-to-energy plant in Phoenix is being touted by supporters as a source of renewable energy and a way to minimize the amount of trash in landfills. But critics of the project argue that the waste incinerators aren’t as green as supporters make them out to be — and the proposal has a loophole that could allow a utility to get renewable energy credit for burning fossil fuels.
Rural GOP legislators torn between ideology and helping jobless constituents
Not all Republicans are celebrating the special session as a victory over federal spending.
For representatives from rural areas, where unemployment is more than 20 percent in some pockets, it can be frustrating to hear their colleagues from urban centers like Phoenix denounce efforts to help the unemployed as unnecessary spending.
Tobin/Brewer tiff expected to heal
In his first real test in his new role, House Speaker Andy Tobin found himself battling Gov. Jan Brewer.
Six weeks after being chosen by his caucus, Tobin and Brewer squared off over an extension of unemployment insurance: Brewer wanted to extend the benefits by 20 weeks and make some limited reforms, while Tobin publicly challenged her to expand the special session to include corporate[...]
Arizona unemployment rate drops again
For the second consecutive month, Arizona’s unemployment rate has dropped, according to figures released today by the Office of Employment and Population Statistics
Arizona State president Michael Crow’s contract extended to 2017
Dr. Michael Crow will continue to serve as president of Arizona State University for another six years, the Arizona Board of Regents announced today.
Keep to the right: Does tea party politics mean yesterday’s conservative is today’s moderate — or a statesman?
Months after the red wave from last November, with the tea party gaining steam both in the streets and at the Capitol, some veteran conservative legislators are doing a double-take at where they now stand in their caucuses.
And for some, having a party morph around them, and seeing perceptions shift from “staunch conservative” to “moderate statesman” isn’t necessarily a welcom[...]
Housing report shows foreclosures down, long-term market health unclear
A report by Arizona State University shows the foreclosure rate in the Phoenix area has continued to decline, but that the trend may not be sustained.
Tobin: Special session must address job creation
House Speaker Andy Tobin said his chamber would only extend unemployment benefits that are slated to expire this week if the Senate and the governor agree to also institute major tax reforms that were vetoed during the legislative session.
Budget analysts: Arizona might be back in black by end of fiscal year
Legislative budget analysts say preliminary revenue reports for May show the state could wipe out the bulk of its red ink in the current fiscal year.
Republicans take aim at feds over Wallow Fire
Two Arizona Republicans are angrily questioning whether the United States Forest Service is to blame for the wildfires raging out of control in the eastern part of the state that have charred more than 230,000 acres.
Brewer declares state of emergency for Wallow Fire
Gov. Jan Brewer has declared a state of emergency retroactive to May 29 in Apache and Greenlee Counties in response to the Wallow Fire.
Specialty license plates run amok
If a cactus and sunset don’t suit a driver, Arizonans can now opt for one of the 49 specialty plates when they register their cars.
But some call the numerous specialty plates, including the ironic Tea Party plate and one for the embattled Phoenix Coyotes, a threat to public safety and private groups using the government to pad their bottom lines.
