Sign In
Free Newsletter
Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
AG to ask feds for expedited review of bill that would impact Quelland
The author of a measure that seeks to prohibit people from running for office if they have outstanding elections-related fines will be asking the U.S. Department of Justice for an expedited review of the bill.
The measure, if enacted before the deadline to file candidate paperwork in this year’s elections, would impact former Rep. Doug Quelland, who has refused to pay a $31,000 Clean [...]
Sine die: Conservative agenda dominates session
Lawmakers wrapped up their work at 8:25 p.m. on May 3 after nearly four months in session, having stashed away money for anticipated rainy days ahead, approved a sweeping measure that allows state workers to be more easily fired and fought on the unending battlefronts of abortion, taxation and border security.
And like the year before, lawmakers with conservative leanings shaped the age[...]
Pearce allies fail to push through recall reimbursement bill
A last-minute push to create the legal framework to reimburse recalled politicians for their campaign expenses died on the last day of session, after allies of former Sen. Russell Pearce failed to consolidate support behind the legislation.
The proposal could have paved the way for Pearce to get a reimbursement of more than $260,000 — the amount his campaign spent defending him last y[...]
Pearce allies OK legislation to pave way for recall reimbursement
Allies of former senator Russell Pearce secured a critical step in pushing for legislation that creates the framework for reimbursing officials who face recall elections.
The proposal could pave the way for Pearce getting a reimbursement of more than $260,000 — the amount his campaign spent defending him last year, when he was ousted from the senate in a recall election.
Senate OKs overhaul of state personnel system
The GOP-controlled Senate today approved Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to overhaul the rules that govern state workers. The measure seeks to remove workers from the state’s merit system, giving supervisors more flexibility in firing them. The measure split the Senate along party lines.
Pearce allies exploring 11th-hour push to reimburse him for recall election
Allies of ousted senator Russell Pearce aren’t giving up on the idea of reimbursing him for campaign expenses related to his November recall election.
Lawmaker’s next focus: Brewer’s personnel overhaul
After wrapping up work on the budget, senators immediately turned their attention to a sweeping proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer to overhaul the rules that govern state employees.
Bill shields professionals from losing licenses based on religious objections
The Senate today approved legislation to prohibit the government from suspending or revoking a person’s professional license for declining to provide a service because of a religious objection. The measure, SB1365, divided the Senate along party lines: Republicans backed the bill while Democrats opposed it.
Republican lawmakers begin fine-tuning budget plan
A budget deal between Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders received quick approval in the Senate Rules committee this afternoon.
But Republican leaders indicated they’re open to tweaking the budget proposal before they vote on it, which could take place as early as Tuesday.
Lawmakers expected to pass budget Tuesday, then tackle Brewer’s personnel agenda
The Republican-led Legislature plans to approve an $8.6 billion spending plan for the state on Tuesday, shortly after Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders sealed a budget agreement last week.
Bills caught in the logjam
Here’s a list of some of the most controversial, substantive or prominent measures that are awaiting a vote, struggling to get support or are simply caught in the moratorium and are ready to be sent to the governor’s desk.
Bills stacking up after Brewer threatens mass vetoes
The 2012 session appears to be in its final days, but some of the biggest pieces of legislation this year — including Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to make it easier to fire state employees — remain stuck at the state Capitol.
The glut of measures yet to be passed — or in some cases held by legislative leaders — is at least partially a result of an embargo on sending bills to the[...]
