Recent Articles from Camryn Sanchez Arizona Capitol Times
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.
Legislative leaders want to pass budget ASAP, governor’s staff says it’s ‘false urgency’
Republican Senate leaders said on Tuesday that the Legislature is working with Gov. Katie Hobbs to pass the state’s budget in the next two weeks, citing an April deadline connected to federally allocated Medicaid funding, but the governor’s staff say it’s a play to create “false urgency.”
Senate panel unanimously approves two Hobbs’ nominees
A Senate panel took a cordial tone today - after some fractious prior meetings – and voted unanimously to approve two of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ department nominees.
Senate kills expansive zoning deregulation plan
The Senate killed a bill with some bipartisan opposition– and a hint of bipartisan support– on Monday that would have drastically cut down on zoning restrictions statewide in the sponsor’s hopes of increasing Arizona’s affordable housing supply.
Gress aims to help mobile home dwellers facing eviction
Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, is amending a bill to increase compensation for mobile home owners, including residents of three parks in Phoenix currently facing eviction and homelessness. The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, but it didn’t have unanimous support.
Senate passes ban on certain foreign groups owning Arizona land
Senate Republicans voted on Thursday to ban foreign groups from buying Arizona land but would not stop a land lease Saudi Arabia entered that allows the country to use Arizona groundwater for agriculture.
Resolution cuts governor out of budget process
The Senate passed a resolution March 1 that would allow the previous year’s budget to go into effect for the next year, if the governor won’t sign off on a new budget.
Senate Minority leader leaves leadership to run for Congress
Sen. Minority Leader Raquel Terán, D-Phoenix, is stepping down from her leadership role in the Senate to run for Congressman Ruben Gallego, D-AZ's, congressional seat.
Abortion debate brings out lawmakers’ personal experiences, emotions
In a usually contentious forum, lawmakers on Wednesday wept, offered comfort, and spoke about their struggles with ambivalence on abortion as they discussed a proposed law that would require medical professionals to try and save any “infant born alive.”