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Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
United front leads to budget compromise and short session
When Gov. Doug Ducey unveiled his first state budget proposal to the public in January, House Speaker David Gowan, Senate President Andy Biggs and their chambers’ budget committee chairmen stood at the new governor’s flanks, nodding and smiling for the cameras.
Glendale lawmaker Kern renews effort to ban ‘ballot harvesting’
Republican Rep. Anthony Kern of Glendale is reviving a years-running controversial measure to ban volunteers from collecting voters’ early ballots and delivering them to elections officials.
Allen succeeds Ward as Senate Education chair
In her new role as head of the Senate Education Committee, Sen Sylvia Allen said she wants to use “every committee meeting” to put a spotlight on the successes of Arizona schools.
Inalienable right: Senator files bill to let children grow food at school
Republican Sen. David Farnsworth of Mesa wants to ensure children can taste the fruits of their labor – or the veggies of their labor.
Donahue chosen to replace Ward in state Senate
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors this morning appointed Republican Sue Donahue to fill the state Senate seat left vacant by Republican Sen. Kelli Ward.
Celeste Plumlee: New lawmaker advocating for liberal changes
Celeste Plumlee came to the Legislature following a domino appointment process to fill former Sen. Ed Ableser’s seat in the east Tempe and west Mesa Legislative District 26, and she filled former Rep. Andrew Sherwood’s seat when he moved to the Senate.
Plumlee sworn in as newest representative
Surrounded by a cadre of Democrats, family, legislative staff and House Republican leadership, Celeste Plumlee was sworn in as the newest member of the House today.
Think tank report concludes rainy day funds need to be reformed
Rainy day funds in states such as Arizona should be reformed if they are to protect the states effectively during economic downturns, according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trust.
Study committee shoots down body camera legislation proposals
Saying the issues surrounding law enforcement body cameras should be left up to local police chiefs and county sheriffs, a study committee examining concepts for possible legislation about body cameras voted down more than a dozen different proposals.
Supervisors appoint Plumlee to Legislative District 26
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors this morning chose Democrat Celeste Plumlee as the newest representative from Legislative District 26.
Analysis shows Begay voted far more often with Democrats
When state Sen. Carlyle Begay switched parties, joining Republicans after spending more than two years in office as a Democrat, Democrats were quick to say they weren’t losing much, as Begay often voted with Republicans, anyway.
New law likely to reduce number of absurd candidates
In 2008 and 2012, the Tucson Weekly seized on the minimal requirements and encouraged average citizens to run for president in Arizona as part of a “reality journalism competition” dubbed “Project White House.”
