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Arizona raided water funds that held money deposited by Nevada
The Legislature is getting sued, again, over fund sweeps initiated earlier this year to close the state budget gap. A commission charged with delivering water from the Colorado River to several Arizona counties and Native American tribes has filed a lawsuit with the Arizona Supreme Court to challenge the Legislature's decision to sweep millions of dollars held by the Arizona Water Banking Autho[...]
Garcia to explore a run for Corporation Commission
Senate Minority Leader Jorge Luis Garcia said he will be exploring a run for the Arizona Corporation Commission. Garcia said he would announce his plans on October 13 at a restaurant in Phoenix.
Brewer: multiple special sessions possible
The off-season for lawmakers might be even shorter than they thought. Since Gov. Jan Brewer partially vetoed the Legislature’s budget in early September, she has been adamant about the need to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session to restore funding for a handful of state agencies, including the Arizona Corporation Commission and Department of Revenue.
Pearce sets out to eliminate ‘sanctuary’ policies, create new fines for businesses
In addition to granting civil subpoena power to county attorneys for employer sanctions investigations, Sen. Russell Pearce is working on other legislation to crack down on illegal immigration in Arizona.
State workers’ domestic partners to keep benefits through Oct. 2010
Although the recently enacted state budget strips health benefits for domestic partners of state workers, officials say the health insurance coverage will remain intact for the next 12 months.
Employer sanctions coming up short
Arizona's employer sanctions law has been in effect for 21 months, yet no businesses have been shut down over hiring practices. In fact, there hasn't yet been a single business forced to defend itself in court. But now, one lawmaker wants to change all that by giving county attorneys more enforcement powers.
After two judges backed out, Daughton got abortion case
Critics of an injunction to stop a series of abortion restrictions from taking effect are questioning how and why the case was assigned to three Maricopa County Superior Court judges. The first two judges removed themselves from hearing the case – one was vacationing out of the country and the other gave no reason. The third judge, who came out of retirement to take the case, issued an injunctio[...]
Brewer hopes showing impact of cuts will spur revenue increase
At Brewer’s request, all state agency heads were required to submit reports detailing the effects 15-20 percent spending reductions would have on their departments. Those reports, which were due Oct. 9, are intended partly to demonstrate to the Legislature that sizeable cuts would have dramatic consequences, according to Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman.
Budget Web site to cost fraction of $100M estimate
It looks like Arizona won’t have to spend $100 million to put state budget information online. In fact, not even close. The cost of the Financial Transparency Web site scheduled to be launched in 2011 is estimated to cost $740,000, according to a Sept. 1 report by the General Accounting Office.
Uranium rush: Sparks fly over mining near the Grand Canyon
The forces of nature that blessed Arizona with the Grand Canyon also provided high-grade uranium, trapped in nearby layers of rock. Whether the uranium is a blessing or a curse depends on whose side you take.
Casa Grande HOA stripped of powers over accusations of theft and fraud
A Casa Grande homeowners association was placed in receivership, following allegations that board members drained funds for their own benefit - including what was described as the "theft" of more than $600,000.
Arpaio blasts feds, vows to continue immigration enforcement
Blaming a conspiracy by his political enemies for the apparent end to his authority to arrest illegal aliens on immigration violations, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio vowed to continue the crime-suppression sweeps that have rounded up nearly 300 illegal immigrants during the past two years.
