Sign In
Free Newsletter
Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
Politically loyal staffers get sharp pay increases under former House speaker
The records show that between Gowan’s ascension to speaker in January 2015 and his departure from office in November 2016, the former speaker increased the cost of payroll for top House departments by 25 percent, and gave five-figure raises to several of his most loyal political employees.
Construction of House security system runs 52% over budget
Construction of the new security system in the Arizona House of Representatives, which includes metal detectors, gun lockers and a Kevlar wall, cost taxpayers significantly more than expected.
Jesus Rubalcava: Education lawmaker sees the House as a big classroom
Jesus Rubalcava is representing Legislative District 4, hoping to become a conduit for communication between the education community and the Legislature.
Spring thaw: Ducey proposes 97 new state jobs to end hiring freeze
The governor is seeking funding for 97 new positions across state government in the coming fiscal year, to the tune of just over $10 million per year.
Prosecutors look to cut phone line for public meetings to expose ‘weasels’ who attend
The Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council, a statutorily created body made up of county prosecutors and other law enforcement figures, doesn’t want reporters listening in on their public meetings.
Maria Syms: From zoning commissioner to legislating on behalf of crime victims
As an attorney, a former assistant Arizona attorney general and former United States attorney, Republican Rep. Maria Syms is attempting to bring her background in law enforcement and empathy for victims to the state House.
Miles and spending still riding high even as House road trips decrease
Travel-related expenses by the Arizona House decreased sharply in 2016, after the Arizona Capitol Times exposed then-House Speaker David Gowan and some of his close allies for leading an unprecedented increase in the chamber’s travel budget the previous year.
Rep. David Cook: Ranching not a sweet deal when dealing with the feds
As the only active rancher in the state Legislature, Republican Rep. David Cook of Globe is trying to keep Arizona’s ranching legacy alive.
House Republicans join Dems in killing ADOT omnibus bill — for now
The Arizona House on March 9 killed a measure that supporters say is a priority of the governor and a must-have bill for the Department of Transportation.
Thorpe answers question of where he’s at — a radio town hall
Caving to pressure from constituents who have been hounding him for a meeting for more than a month, Republican Rep. Bob Thorpe of Flagstaff announced that he is holding a “town hall.”
Becky Nutt: A sophisticated lawmaker and ‘boonie’ who lives off the grid
Republican Rep. Becky Nutt of Clifton is a self-proclaimed “boonie woman” who lives on a homestead ranch deep in rural eastern Arizona. But she also has a more refined side.
House approves crackdown on citizen initiatives
The Arizona House late Thursday night approved a package of measures that would make it harder for citizens to propose their own laws via the initiative process, and make it easier for lawmakers to repeal or change those voter-approved laws.
