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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[...]
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[...]
Legal experts see Supreme Court upholding core of SB1070
Legal experts are predicting a mixed ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on SB1070, which could leave the bill’s core provisions in place while sending others to the scrap heap.
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[...]
Feds pre-clear new legislative districts
The U.S. Department of Justice today approved the legislative map drawn by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.
Bill aimed at stopping United Nations takeover of U.S. advances
The Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill that some proponents say is aimed at stopping a United Nations conspiracy to take away the rights of American citizens. Critics say the bill is not only based on crackpot “one-world-order” theories, but that it would make valuable state programs illegal and take away the state’s authority to manage natural r[...]
House OKs revamped ‘intersection’ definition over safety concerns
The House on Wednesday passed a bill that aims to redefine what constitutes an intersection, despite warnings by police that the change will lead to more traffic fatalities.
The new definition would give would-be red-light runners extra time to get through an intersection without breaking the law.
Contraception bill now ready for governor
The Senate today gave final approval to a scaled-back proposal to allow religiously motivated employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers. The measure, which now only needs the governor’s signature to become law, sailed through after a passionate debate on the floor.
Ex-Fiesta Bowl CEO’s sentencing postponed
Former Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker will have a few more weeks of freedom, as a judge postponed his Thursday sentencing. Junker pleaded guilty in February and March in state and federal courts to crimes in connection with a scheme in which the Fiesta Bowl illegally contributed to political campaigns. He is facing a prison sentence of up to 2.5 years.
Dust-up leads to Clemency director’s firing
Gov. Jan Brewer fired the outgoing executive director of the Board of Executive Clemency after three newly confirmed appointees showed up late for work Monday.
Their tardiness caused a two-hour delay of clemency hearings as victims and families of prisoners stood by disgruntled, and waited for a quorum to form.
Thomas won’t appeal disbarment; criticizes accusers
Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas took a swipe at his accusers and the Arizona Supreme Court today in announcing he is not going to appeal his April 10 disbarment. Thomas had until 5 p.m. today to file a notice of appeal, but instead sent an email to the press to say that he can’t continue the legal proceedings because the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors refused to pay for hi[...]
Despite Brewer’s demand for a budget, lawmakers passing – and holding – other bills
The Legislature is sitting on at least a dozen measures it has already approved instead of sending them to the governor, a decision that follows Gov. Jan Brewer’s threat of a blanket veto of all bills that land on her desk before a budget is adopted.
