Sign In
Free Newsletter
Legislative leaders, governor reach agreement on special session
Legislative leaders and the governor have reached an agreement on the framework of a special session later this month. The plan is to fix the budget problems of several agencies that resulted from Gov. Jan Brewer's veto of a budget bill that had contained funding mechanisms for the agencies.
Lawmakers discuss streamlining, consolidating mining permits
A panel of lawmakers and experts has begun looking into the state of the mining industry in Arizona with the ultimate aim of helping the industry grow. Among the topics... […]
Burns mum on special session meeting with Brewer
Republican leaders and Gov. Jan Brewer are slated to meet this afternoon to discuss the provisions of a possible special legislative session to address budget issues.
50 years ago: Tucson couple broke down barriers to interracial marriage
Henry Oyama was beaming as he led his new bride from the altar of St. Augustine Cathedral 50 years ago. The photos taken that day might leave the impression nothing was out of place, as if it was any other marriage ceremony. But in 1959 the country was on the brink of a major cultural shift.
Wishful thinking interrupted by budget reality
JLBC has singled out three budget provisions that wouldn't live up to their billing: a plan to save $50 million due to reduced fraud in the health care system; deals to privatize nine of the 10 state prisons; and a plan to raise $735 million by selling dozens of state buildings, then leasing them back. But there's more.
The Pulse: Brewer might be eying Bee for new gig
Jan Brewer 2.0? The softer side of Jan Brewer? Whatever you want to call the recent shake-ups at 1700 W. Washington, looks like the governor is making some calculated moves to reboot her vulnerable administration.
Lottery renewal needed before state can borrow
The odds of winning the Arizona Lottery's big jackpot are about one in 175 million. The odds that lawmakers will sell off future lottery revenues for a quick cash infusion are exponentially better. As lawmakers ponder how to fix a fiscal 2011 budget deficit that is expected to top $2 billion, many are viewing lottery securitization as a last resort whose time has come.
GOP-passed election laws targeted by Democrats
Two electoral changes implemented by Republicans this year have attracted opposition and litigation from Democrats who argued the laws violate the state Constitution to advance partisan agendas. In July, Gov. Jan Brewer signed S1123 into law. The legislation, proposed by Tucson Sen. Jonathan Paton, banned local governments from including partisan affiliations for candidates on the ballot.
No moratorium, Senate to hear bills early in session
The Senate is going to hear bills when session starts, Senate President Bob Burns said Oct. 29. This is a departure from the strategy the Senate leadership adopted during the most recent regular session, when a moratorium on hearing non-budget bills was used so lawmakers could direct all their energy to solving the state's record-breaking budget deficit.
Burke says he’ll focus on stopping violence, drug trafficking – not Arpaio
U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke came into his new job with a goal of clamping down on the rash of crime emanating from Arizona's border with Mexico. Now, Burke not only will battle drug cartels and human smugglers on his own turf, but he will have a chance to influence the way the entire Department of Justice fights them as well.
AZ Supreme Court declines case challenging tuition tax credits
UPDATED AT 6:27 P.M., OCT. 30 A state law allowing businesses to reduce their tax liabilities by contributing money to organizations that distribute private school tuition payments will remain on... […]
Libertarian files to run for governor; Hess up next
The first Libertarian of the election season has jumped into the governor’s race, and it isn’t Barry Hess. Overgaard resident Bruce Olsen, a retiree who moved to Arizona seven years... […]
