Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
Referendum effort against HB2305 has enough signatures to make the 2014 ballot
The referendum effort against HB2305, the law making sweeping changes to Arizona’s elections, has the necessary valid signatures to force a referendum election on the law during the 2014 election.
Marital benefits
Gay marriage would bring stability to gay families, prosperity to Arizona, proponents say
More than saying ‘I do’
Gay marriage represents a fundamental change in society, opponents say
Elections have consequences. So opponents of gay marriage worry that voter approval of the practice would encroach on religious liberties, undermine parental rights and devalue marriage as the founding block of society.
Stark disparities, elusive solutions
Lawmakers express exasperation as they grapple with “seasonal” firefighters’ benefits.
Facing up to Facebook comments
Barton gains nationwide notoriety for observations on Hitler, Obama
In a telephone interview with the Arizona Capitol Times, Barton stood by the comments, saying the comparison between Obama and Hitler was apt, at least in their style of leadership.
Barton: ‘Fuhrer’ not meant to refer to Hitler
Republican Rep. Brenda Barton issued a statement today saying she never compared President Obama to Adolf Hitler. She said her original Facebook reference to “De Fuhrer” referred to the general German term for “leader,” and not the actual official title of Hitler.
Rocky road ahead
From declining revenues to pay for transportation infrastructure, to a gas tax that is well below the national average and the rise in hybrid and electric vehicles, Arizona’s transportation infrastructure funding system is facing a crisis.
Secretary of State knocks 2,300 signatures from HB2305 referendum effort
The coalition fighting the election law approved by the Legislature this year filed 139,161 signatures that passed the first round of verification from the Secretary of State’s Office.
State representative stands by her comparison of Obama to Hitler
Republican Rep. Brenda Barton of Payson compared President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler on her Facebook page today in a post urging county sheriffs to revoke authority from the National Parks Service “thugs” who are enforcing the federal shutdown on national parks lands.
Tobin officially enters race for CD1
House speaker Andy Tobin today announced today what many political operative have been whispering about for months: He is running for Congress in Arizona’s First Congressional District.
Ambulance industry could face battle over competition
Ambulance industry could face battle over competition next session
An ad hoc committee on the ambulance, medical and social service transportation industry set the stage for what could become a contentious debate over ambulance laws in 2014.
Human trafficking recommendations complete
The governor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking wants lawmakers to enact tougher penalties on pimps who sell underage prostitutes and customers who pay them, while easing punishments against child prostitutes and treating them more as victims under the law.