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Lawmakers, Brewer looking past rocky 2011
The road from the end of the last legislative session to the beginning of the new one was full of potholes for Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature.
Both sides say there’s nothing unusual about the two branches butting heads, and say they’ve moved past the disagreements of 2011. But there was no shortage of feuds between Brewer and the Legislature.
IRC approves final maps amid clashes
The members of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission spent their final mapmaking meeting the same way they’ve spent most of the past nine months – arguing, sniping at each other and lobbing accusations across the aisle.
Lawmakers cast wary eyes on rosy surplus projections
While they’re uncomfortable with Gov. Jan Brewer’s higher revenue forecast in two years, Republican lawmakers aren’t rejecting her spending plan outright.
In fact, many are agreeable to some of the expenditures Brewer is seeking.
Schapira makes congressional run official
Sen. David Schapira announced his candidacy today for the 9th Congressional District, which will pit him in the Democratic race against former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
Condemned prisoners use separation of powers argument in appeal
Three prisoners took their case to the Arizona Court of Appeals Friday, arguing that the statute governing lethal injection violates the separation of powers doctrine because the Legislature delegated its authority over executions to the executive branch. They also argue that they aren’t left with any legal recourse if the Department of Corrections changes its execution procedures.
Immigration, guns on campuses and ‘birther’ bills to return this session
Whether they were killed by lawmakers or the governor’s veto stamp, some of the bills that didn’t make it into law last year are being resurrected for another round this session.
Bundgaard’s party-mates pick 3 to replace him
Republican leaders have picked three prospects to replace former Republican state Sen. Scott Bundgaard of Peoria.
Brewer budget plans for slow growth, cautious spending
Gov. Jan Brewer is treading carefully and offering a multiyear budget that plans that includes hundreds of millions in one-time expenditures, but gives the state a financial cushion for the coming fiscal cliff in 2014.
The Governor’s Office today unveiled budget plan for fiscal year 2013 and the remainder of 2012 that is projected to leave the state in the black by about $329 million [...]
Brewer drops medical marijuana suit
After a nearly eight-month court fight, Arizona’s voter-approved medical marijuana law is back on track for full implementation.
Governor, lawmakers will need to reconcile budget estimates
Gov. Jan Brewer today laid out her spending plan, but before she can hammer out a deal with lawmakers, the two sides will have to reconcile their revenue projections for the next few years.
Right now, their only clear agreement is that, barring another economic downturn and events beyond the state’s control, revenues will climb steadily, albeit slowly.
Former Cardinals player running for Legislature
Football fans in the Ahwatukee area may have a familiar name representing them in the Legislature next year.
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Michael Bankston is running for the House in District 20.
Retired police officers sue state over pension changes
Two retired cops filed suit Wednesday to regain benefits lost from the passage of SB1609, the Legislature’s marquee bill for revamping public pensions.
