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Lawmaker: consolidating IT systems might save money
Arizona might be able to save money by streamlining government computer systems - at least that’s the hope of one lawmaker who is leading a committee to examine the issue before the Legislature returns to the Capitol next year.
UPDATE: Attorney says MCSO captain’s claim smacks of extortion
The Sheriff's captain who last year headed up a secretive political committee that broke campaign finance laws in its efforts to support Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is threatening to sue the county for "emotional distress" and investigate county officials for federal crimes unless it pays him $75,000.
Budget gap grows as result of ‘unrealized savings’
Legislative budget analysts said last week that $165 million of the state budget deficit is due to "potential unrealized budget savings" that were assumed as part of the spending plan, which was designed to bridge a $3 billion shortfall. In short, several savings measures won't work as planned.
School districts betting heavily on upcoming overrides
For many Arizona school districts, a lot is riding on upcoming November budget override elections. Schools already have been hit by state budget reductions, and many districts will have to cut programs and staff even further unless they receive a funding boost from override elections.
Some agencies avoid submitting reduction reports
When drafting reports to show the impact of 15 percent cuts to their budgets, some state agencies described how their services would be gutted. Some simply explained why such cuts aren't feasible. And others, such as the Governor's Office, which ordered the reports, don't seem to know where to even make the cuts.
Gambling pitched as Arizona’s budget salvation
The struggling Arizona racing industry is hoping it can sell lawmakers on a proposal to help racetracks stay open and give the state hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue. But the idea faces resistance on several fronts, as it would expand gambling by allowing "racinos" and by lifting limits on tribal casinos.
Lawmakers inch toward special session
Lawmakers are inching closer to a special session as Senate leadership proposes that the Legislature convene to fix the budget woes of state agencies affected by the governor's veto. House leadership was polling members to see if they support the idea, Senate President Bob Burns told the Arizona Capitol Times on October 22.
Tyne’s ouster a sign of things to come
Kevin Tyne's tenure as Gov. Jan Brewer's most loyal and trusted adviser came to an end as the governor announced that budget chief Eileen Klein would replace him as her chief of staff. Lobbyist Chuck Coughlin described the move as a "collaborative decision" between the Republican Governors Association, Brewer and Tyne that would allow Tyne to continue assisting the governor if she seeks a full te[...]
Bankers file suit to challenge repeal of foreclosure law
A coalition of bankers has asked the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn the repeal of legislation enacted to benefit banks harmed by a wave of foreclosures. On Oct. 21, the Arizona Bankers Association has filed a petition for special action with the state's highest court in hopes of negating a provision included in state budget legislation that successfully repealed a foreclosure law signed into[...]
Pearce: Stemming illegal immigration is Arizona’s top priority
Sen. Russell Pearce, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee said illegal immigration is his top priority, even as Arizona grapples with the largest budget deficit in state history. "I just don't know what it takes to wake people up," Pearce, a Mesa Republican, said during a press conference on Oct. 21.
Mitchell foes visit Washington
WASHINGTON D.C. - Two Republicans vying for the right to face off against Rep. Harry Mitchell are in Washington this week, meeting with party leaders and learning from top political operatives how best to run for Congress.
Out-of-state money flows to AZ delegation
WASHINGTON D.C. - Arizona members of Congress have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from out of state, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. In the race for campaign cash, the eight-member House delegation raised at least $177,000 from individuals outside of Arizona and pulled in another $383,000 from political action committees during the past three months, th[...]
