Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Two scenarios forecast widely different effects of sales tax reform
Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to simplify the state’s sales tax system could increase state revenues slightly or carry a hefty price tag depending on which estimate of the Legislature’s budget research arm proves correct.
Union foes prepare to take fight to ballot
Unable to get any traction at the state Capitol, union foes are preparing to bring the fight to the 2014 ballot and let Arizonans decide whether automatic paycheck deductions should be banned.
A group called Protect Employee Paychecks recently filed an initiative with the Secretary of State. Unlike the proposals that are stuck in the Legislature, the initiative would affect both public and [...]
Brewer pitches compromise in sales tax simplification plan
The outlines of a potential compromise between municipalities and supporters of a bill that seeks to simplify the state’s sales tax system emerged this month, a few days after the governor’s office pitched the idea to mayors.
Sierra Club, National Parks organization seek to intervene in Arizona’s case vs. EPA
Two environmental activist groups are seeking to intervene in the lawsuit that Arizona filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over regional haze.
Brewer faces tough decisions on how to expand Medicaid
More than six weeks after Gov. Jan Brewer surprised fellow Republicans by announcing her plan to push for Medicaid expansion, the proposal has yet to be formally introduced in the Legislature.
Yuma residents: Tobin snubbed us
Farmers and businessmen from Yuma said House Speaker Andy Tobin invited them to a meeting Thursday to discuss his proposed comprehensive long-term water plan for Arizona – but then he stood them up.
Senate kills anti-union bill – three times
Reversing its stance just a year ago, the Senate today rejected – three times – a proposal to prohibit automatic paycheck deductions for union dues.
Revenue update: January figures are good
The state collected $915 million in taxes last month, four percent greater than in the prior year, the state’s budget analysts reported.
Grand Canyon Institute: Tax cuts haven’t worked in Arizona
A centrist research group has concluded that tax cuts, in the long term, haven’t boosted Arizona’s economy and have instead led to fewer government resources.
Panel wants schools to stock ER anti-allergy medication
When his son was two years old, Rep. Phil Lovas, R-Peoria, and his wife, Corrine, watched in horror when he began to itch, his eyes became watery and his face began to “blow up” after eating peanut butter.
Pro-life group won’t push for more anti-abortion bills this year
After years of waging a dogged and largely successful campaign to pass a slew of stricter anti-abortion laws, the Center for Arizona Policy, the state’s most influential pro-life group, is shifting gears to defend those laws at the Capitol and in court.
Federal judge strikes law targeting Planned Parenthood
In a major setback for the prolife movement in Arizona, a federal judge today struck down a state law that precludes public funds, such as Medicaid money, from going to any group that provides for an abortion.