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Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
Ragtag Army: Life getting harder for paid petition circulators
He has been chased from two shopping centers already, and if Steve Martin is kicked out of this one, he won’t earn any money today. It didn’t used to be so difficult for professional petition circulators like Martin, but changes to state law and business policies have made life harder for them.
Ugenti: Legislative privilege prevents search for evidence of affair with co-worker
Republican Rep. Michelle Ugenti is citing her legislative privilege in an attempt to block a subpoena to obtain her text messages in what is becoming a contentious divorce battle with her husband, Frank Ugenti.
Session Wrap 2014: UpClose with House Minority Leader Chad Campbell
After eight years at the Capitol, House Democratic leader Chad Campbell is going back to private life. Campbell has seen the state through good times and bad, and in this May 16 interview, he reflected on his time in the House with an air of relief to be leaving, and very little nostalgia.After eight years at the Capitol, House Democratic leader Chad Campbell is going back to private life. C[...]
Barto, Lovas lead in percentage of bills signed into law
Republican Sen. Nancy Barto of Phoenix scored the highest legislative batting average of the year, with 65 percent of her 23 bills signed into law.
Ableser attributes low attendance to family responsibilities
Democratic Sen. Ed Ableser of Tempe regained his title of most absentee lawmaker this year, showing up for only 62 percent of Senate floor sessions, though he voted on 70 percent of all the bills put before the chamber.
SB1062 drew attention to Arizona and set the tone for the 2014 session
SB1062 forced the Arizona business community to push back against Republicans in the Legislature and take a more active role in opposing legislation many viewed as bad for business and Arizona’s image. And while maintaining the bill was mischaracterized following the outcry over the intent, some Republican leaders were wary to take on other headline-grabbing controversial measures this year.
How the 2014 session unfolded
Week of January 6-10 Known as “hell week” around the Capitol, the week before the legislative session was when lawmakers were focused on raising campaign contributions and held at least... […]
Erroneous gun claim sparks war of words in CD1 GOP race
A Republican businessman running for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District has apologized for saying most mass shootings in the U.S. are committed by Democrats, but one of his opponents is demanding he end his candidacy.
Months before the election, lawmakers jockey for leadership roles
Although the 2014 election season is just heating up, a quieter campaign has been continuing for months — the election of legislative leadership.
Light-hearted post-session breakfast stresses Legislature’s accomplishments
The Republican leaders of the House and Senate gave their take on the accomplishments of the 2014 legislative session and the work left to do in the business arena at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce legislative session wrap breakfast on May 1.
Illegal, but here to stay: Rideshare companies say they won’t leave Arizona
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft aren’t leaving Arizona, even though their drivers will continue to receive tickets for illegally operating a taxi service after Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill that would have legalized rideshare businesses in the state.
High-profile vetoes: Brewer makes her mark on this year’s legislative session
Hundreds of people rallied around the Capitol in February urging Gov. Jan Brewer to veto a controversial religious liberties bill, and the crowd broke out in elation when the governor announced she had broken out her veto stamp for the first time this year to knock down the bill.
