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Lawmakers aim high in budget talks
Small-group discussions have begun on the state budget, offering rank- and-file lawmakers their first chance to give input on next year’s spending plan, and nearly everyone has a pet priority they want funded.
Heroes and traitors: Medicaid debate forces lawmakers to take sides on budget
When discussing the progress made in budget negotiations so far this year, Senate President Andy Biggs reminded the Arizona Capitol Times that patience is a virtue.
Business, religious, law enforcement leaders endorse immigration proposal
A group of business, religious and law enforcement leaders on April 17 endorsed the broad outlines of a comprehensive and nuanced proposal by eight U.S. senators, including Arizona’s John McCain and Jeff Flake, to fix the nation’s woeful immigration system.
Lobbyists expect pressure to give more to politicians
So-called hell week, the annual spate of fundraisers before the start of the legislative session, may get more hellish for lobbyists because of new campaign finance rules that allow contributors to give far more money.
Opponents say higher contribution limits violate Clean Elections, Voter Protection Act
A provision in the 1998 ballot measure that created Arizona’s Clean Elections system may hold the key to whether the state’s new campaign contribution limits will go into effect for 2014.
New contribution limits could be game-changer for campaigns
Campaign cash may come pouring into some of Arizona’s top races next year thanks to a new law allowing candidates to raise far more money.
Critics say the bill will flood campaigns with more money and influence-buying, and that it may be the final nail in the coffin of Arizona’s voter-approved Clean Elections system.
Gaming director may challenge Horne in GOP primary
Mark Brnovich, the director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, may challenge Attorney General Tom Horne in the Republican primary next year. Brnovich, a former assistant U.S. attorney and assistant attorney general, said supporters have been urging him to run for the office.
Recall bill soundly defeated in Senate
A bill to overhaul the recall election process in Arizona to protect Sheriff Joe Arpaio and other elected officials was defeated today in the state Senate. HB2282 failed by a 10-18 vote. It would have created a primary and general election process in the event an elected official is recalled, as opposed to the current non-partisan, winner-take-all election.
Brewer vetoes militia, rulemaking bills
Gov. Jan Brewer brought her veto total for the 2013 session to six Wednesday after rejecting a bill to eliminate the age limit for the state militia and another bill to restrict state agencies’ regulatory powers.
Hotly debated firearms bill goes to the governor
A bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk would close a loophole used by some Arizona cities to destroy firearms turned over to police and other state agencies. The Arizona Senate approved HB2455, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Barton, R-Payson, by an 18-12 vote Tuesday afternoon, giving its final approval to a measure that also requires agencies to sell all unclaimed firearms in their possession.
State appeals court ruling on education funding
The Attorney General’s Office is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that said lawmakers violated the will of voters three years ago when they failed to increase education funding to match inflation. The state filed the appeal and argued that the Arizona Court of Appeals erred in its Jan. 15 decision in which it found that the 1998 Voter Protection Act allows vote[...]
Advocacy groups’ poll indicates most voters oppose early ballot bill
Nearly 60 percent of Arizona voters oppose a bill that could stop some voters from automatically receiving early mail-in ballots, according to a poll announced Monday by liberal advocacy groups ONE Arizona and Arizona Working Families.
