Dem lawmakers protest border-security speaker, call him anti-Semitic

Two Democratic senators walked out of a border security panel this morning after its chairwoman invited an activist who is described by a civil rights group as a “vitriolic Mexican-basher.”

Volunteer strike force on border gets Senate OK

A senator who believes Middle-Eastern terrorist groups are active in Mexico and Central America persuaded her colleagues to advance a proposal that would create an armed volunteer force to help apprehend criminals who illegally enter the United States.

The Senate passed the measure today by a vote of 20-10.

Universities: Guns-on-campus measure would have multimillion-dollar impact

Universities are offering one more reason to oppose a measure to allow guns on campuses — it would cost millions of dollars to implement.

Unions planning big rally at state Capitol

Unions from across Arizona are planning to bring hundreds of workers to the state Capitol on Thursday, two days after the Senate advanced a second bill that targets public unions.

They also want to send a clear message that they’re opposing Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to overhaul the state personnel system and make it easier to hire and fire workers.

Second anti-union bill gets Senate OK

After being pulled from the debate calendar twice, a proposal that would prohibit public employees from being paid for union work finally received Senate approval today.

Former Rep. Quelland says bill may be trying to influence election

Senators Feb. 27 unanimously advanced legislation to prevent candidates from running for office if they owe at least $1,000 in fines. As approved, the measure prohibits election officers from accepting the nomination of a person who is facing unpaid fines, penalties, late fees or any administrative or civil judgments.

Effort to gut Clean Elections one step closer to the ballot

The Senate today gave preliminary approval to a ballot measure that aims to dismantle the public financing of candidates in elections. Before voters can decide the fate of the public campaign financing system, the measure still needs the full vote of the Senate and must be approved by the House of Representatives.

‘Parent empowerment’ bill barely passes Senate

A bill that would allow parents to shut down a failing school, fire its principal or turn it into a charter school narrowly won passage in the Senate today. The legislation applies to schools that receive a “D” or “F” under the state’s new grading system.

Fight continues against anti-union bills

Unions are stepping up the pressure on lawmakers as they seek the defeat of a slew of bills that would fundamentally weaken public unions in Arizona. 

Line in the sand

Republican governor and GOP Legislature are digging in for long budget fight

Bill restricting HOA parking authority advances


The Senate on Thursday approved a proposal to prohibit homeowner associations from regulating public roadways that are owned by a government entity. But both Democratic and Republican legislators also opposed it, which showed that issues dealing with homeowners associations often transcend political boundaries.

Embattled Babeu urged to evaluate congressional campaign

The act of sending out sexually suggestive photos via the Internet ended the political careers of two New York congressmen last year. But while many questioned his judgment, outrage involving Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu’s similar actions was mostly muted at the state Capitol. So far, no Republican or Democratic lawmakers have called for his resignation.