Recent Articles from Camryn Sanchez Arizona Capitol Times
Democratic Senator seeks AG probe of prevailing wage ordinance
A Democratic state senator has asked the Attorney General to investigate whether a Phoenix ordinance to force contractors on public works projects of more than $250,000 to match the wages of union workers in the area is lawful.
LD26 nominates 3 to fill vacant Senate seat
Precinct committeemen in Legislative District 26 selected Reps. Cesar Aguilar, D-Phoenix, Flavio Bravo, D-Phoenix, and political newcomer Quant’a Crews as candidates to replace former lawmaker Raquel Terán in the state Senate.
Senate approves 4-year continuation for school for deaf, blind
In what has become a mysterious political struggle, state senators on Thursday debated on how long to allow the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind to operate before it must return to the Legislature for approval to continue as a state agency.
Terán resigns to run for Congress
Sen. Raquel Terán resigned today. “It has been an honor and an absolute privilege to serve the people of this district and the State of Arizona,” Terán, a Phoenix Democrat, wrote in her resignation letter. The letter does not give a reason for the resignation, but Terán confirmed she resigned to focus on her Congressional bid.
Fight to ban state benefits for lobby group dies – again
Sen. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix, revived a long-running fight at the Legislature this year to block employees of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns from getting state retirement benefits.
Mohave County politicians to reshuffle next year
Mohave County politicians will reshuffle themselves in 2024, including Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, and Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu City.
I-10 expansion bill survives latest hurdle in saga
One senator’s last-minute amendment saved I-10 expansion funding from making it through the Legislature as a bill this session.
Terán makes Congressional District 3 run official
State Sen. Raquel Terán, D-Phoenix, officially announced on Wednesday that she is running for Congress in 2024 in District 3, after hinting that she would in February.
School for the Deaf and Blind can continue, may face extra scrutiny
The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind is facing a shorter continuation timeline because Republicans in the Senate say there are issues with the agency that need to be scrutinized but would not clarify what those may be.
Legislature spent $8.5 million on renovations, more spending possible
The Senate spent millions on renovations inside the building and a new fence at the Capitol, including more than $20,000 for a new majority caucus table and almost $70,000 on new door handles, but Sen. President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said he won’t approve the last $2 million in spending that was originally planned.
Wadsack recall effort underway
Freshman Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, is facing a burgeoning recall effort led by her constituents in Legislative District 17 and out-of-district organizers frustrated by controversial bills and colorful comments.
Senate passes bipartisan homelessness mitigation measure
The Senate passed a homelessness mitigation bill today with overwhelming support, much to the happiness of sponsor Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Laveen, who has made this her main effort.