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Recent Articles from Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services
House, Senate propose increases to their budgets
If state lawmakers get their way, Arizonans will be spending an extra $6.2 million a year to support the folks who make our laws.
Kern spurns sex abuse victims in House committee hearing
A Republican dominated House panel approved changes in laws about when those who have been sexually abused can sue their assailants, but in a form that the victims and their advocates say really won't help them at all.
State education board eliminates rule to promote heterosexual marriage
Over the objections of one member, the state Board of Education voted Monday to scrap a rule that requires sex education classes in Arizona to "promote honor and respect for monogamous heterosexual marriage.''
Company free from lending laws under ‘sandbox’ statute
Attorney General Mark Brnovich has given the go-ahead for an Illinois firm to "lend'' up to $12,500 to Arizonans without state regulation - and potentially at a higher cost than state law allows traditional consumer finance companies to charge.
Ducey prefers to educate parents on vaccinations, not force them
Gov. Doug Ducey won't support eliminating the ability of parents to claim a personal exemption for their children from vaccines despite a new published study showing the state's largest county at risk for a measles epidemic.
Lawmaker, farmers make pitch for $20M for water plan
Insisting the state made a "commitment,'' a Central Arizona lawmaker and farmers he represents is making a last-ditch pitch for $20 million in taxpayer dollars to drill new wells and water delivery canals.
House votes to raise age to smoke, vape to 21
The preliminary approval of SB 1147 on a voice vote came after Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale, who is working with the vaping industry, agreed to some last-minute changes designed to blunt opposition.
Athlete who was victim of sex assault supports bill to aid victims
A former national speed skating champion lent her voice Tuesday to those who want to give victims of child sexual assault and abuse more time to sue their assailants – and specifically those who permitted it to happen.
Lawmakers’ per diem goes down as cost to legislate goes into overtime
The failure of lawmakers to finish their business by now will cost taxpayers more. It just won't be as much on a daily basis as it was until now.
Bill to make primary elections earlier goes to governor
Arizona voters may be on the verge of getting three more weeks of candidate speeches, robocalls, door hangars and mailers.
Billionaire Steyer to spend money to ‘educate’ voters on utility
Having burned through $28 million in a pair of losing political battles in Arizona last year, California billionaire Tom Steyer is now prepared to pump some more cash into the state.
Student group refocuses school safety efforts
A student-led group that tried to get lawmakers to enact gun control last year is refocusing on something more attainable.
