Recent Articles from Jim Small and Luige del Puerto
Money talks, doesn’t necessarily win elections
Money couldn’t buy tonight’s elections - or at least not all of them. Many of the most expensive campaigns fell flat, and even outside spending couldn’t rescue several candidates.
Senator amends ‘sloppy’ report, defends driving 16K miles on campaign’s dime
A senator who has come under fire for filing a campaign finance report that showed he paid himself nearly $20,000 in 2013 for fuel and mileage costs has filed a new report that cuts the total nearly in half.
GOP lawmakers approve $8.6B spending plan (updated)
Republican leaders quickly consolidated support behind an $8.6 billion budget plan and gave it final approval today, less than a week after finally reaching a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer.
The spending plan is a product of a session-long negotiation between Brewer and legislative leaders, and the give-and-take between the two sides is palpable throughout the budget document.
Budget doc reveals money stashed for ‘rainy days’ ahead
Lawmakers and the governor plan to set aside $450 million to offset anticipated deficits in the state budget in two years.
That’s money that won’t be available for critical needs now, but depositing it in the state’s “rainy day” fund reaffirms a fiscally conservative outlook that has dominated the Capitol following the fiscal crisis that led to several years of incessant budge[...]
GOP compromise budget gives $450M to rainy day fund, $7M to tourism
As Republican lawmakers begin to receive briefings on the budget deal that GOP leaders and the Governor’s Office agreed to in principle April 25, details are beginning to emerge.
The major sticking point between the two sides has been revenue projections — not just for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, but also for the following two years. Though Gov. Jan Brewer had bee[...]
GOP leaders heeding Brewer’s veto warning
After Gov. Jan Brewer yesterday told GOP legislative leaders that she will veto any bills that land on her desk before a budget is completed, the warning is being heeded in the Senate. “I am not sending any bills to her today,” said Senate President Steve Pierce. “She asked not to. So we’re going to try and help her out and work with her.”
Student: Huppenthal video was edited, taken out of context
A video circulated by Democrats that purported to show a Republican candidate for state schools chief walking out on an interview with a high school journalist earlier this year did not reflect what actually happened.
Siné die: Several lawmakers say final goodbyes after contentious session
The Arizona Legislature’s push to adjourn siné die began April 26 when Republican senators rejected a bill that was a top priority for House Speaker Kirk Adams.