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Recent Articles from Luige del Puerto
Guns-on-campus bill advances despite overwhelming opposition
The testimony heard by lawmakers on Monday was overwhelmingly against a proposal to allow guns on university and college campuses, but it was not enough to dissuade Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee from advancing the measure.
Guns-on-campus proposal is clearer, but still highly controversial
Gov. Jan Brewer last year rejected a proposal that would have allowed guns on campuses because it lacked “clarity.”
This year, gun proponents have revived the proposal — minus the provisions that led to Brewer’s veto.
Political firestorm looms as lawmakers advance strict anti-labor measures
In what is shaping up as one of the biggest political fights this year, conservative lawmakers are pushing a slew of measures that would fundamentally weaken public-sector unions in Arizona.
Taken together, the anti-union bills that were approved this week by a legislative committee are more restrictive than what was enacted in Wisconsin, where political turmoil erupted after its govern[...]
LD4 Republicans pick 3 to replace Burges; Bundgaard ally selected
Republicans from the West Valley on Wednesday nominated a district party chairwoman and two others to replace the House seat formerly held by Sen. Judy Burges.
Lawmakers warned of political ‘firestorm’ as they approve anti-union measures
A group of conservative lawmakers backed by an influential policy think tank are picking a fight with public unions -- and the unions are fighting back.
School tuition legislation could cost state up to $28.5M
The Senate on Jan. 19 approved a two-bill package that expands a program allowing a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for contributions to groups that give scholarships to private school students.
Trio of bills target unions
A major push is underway in Arizona to strike at the very heart of public unions by eliminating their ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements. As envisioned, the prohibition would extend to all public-safety unions, including firefighter and police associations.
Two anti-illegal immigration measures are back
Undeterred by major setbacks last year, a freshman legislator is once again pushing immigration bills that could lead to another showdown over how best to confront the issue.
Sen. Steve Smith, a Maricopa Republican, is proposing laws that would require school districts to count the number of students who are in the country illegally and to require hospitals to report patients who canno[...]
Sen. Smith makes way for Melvin; will run in House
Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican from Maricopa, has reached a deal with a colleague to run for the House, a move that avoids what could have been a bruising primary slugfest for the Senate seat.
Cherny steps down as Democratic Party chair
Andrei Cherny, chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, is stepping down from his position in order to take on a “new and different task.”
He didn’t mention it in the letter he sent out today, but Cherny is expected to soon announce he is running for Congress in the new 9th Congressional District, which includes parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.
Antenori running for Congress
Sen. Frank Antenori of Tucson today announced he is running for Congress to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Congresswoman Gabriele Giffords.
Big shake up at hospital association as 3 hospital groups withdraw membership
Three big hospital groups in the state have severed their membership from the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Abrazo Health Care, Banner Health and Dignity Health, which runs St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, today informed the association that they are withdrawing.
