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Records show Dem connections with redistricting commissioners, but incumbent knowledge denied
A Democratic redistricting commissioner and the Democratic party’s interim executive director denied insinuations they were part of a conspiracy to rig the state’s legislative maps. But newly released records showed party leaders and incumbent lawmakers were at least included in mapping strategy emails sent to the commissioner on his non-commission email account. And phone rec[...]
AIMS repeal headed to Governor’s desk
A bill to scrap the requirement that high school students pass the AIMS test is heading to the governor’s desk after being approved by the House on Tuesday during a heated debate.
Pullen backs Brewer Medicaid plan
Once again, Randy Pullen is coming to Gov. Jan Brewer’s defense at a time when she needs allies on the right.
Kavanagh proposes a different approach to the ‘bathroom bill’
Faced with a chorus of criticism from LGBTQ groups and even some fellow lawmakers, Republican Rep. John Kavanagh of Scottsdale is modifying his “bathroom” bill – his reaction to Phoenix’s decision to expand its anti-discrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Recall petition filed against Kavanagh
Republican state Rep. John Kavanagh of Fountain Hills is the third public official in the state facing a possible recall campaign, as opponents filed a recall petition against him today citing “attacks on students, LGBTQ individuals and attempts to thwart legitimate recall efforts.”
GOP lawsuit aims to pull former Dem lawmaker into mapping conspiracy theory
The Republican conspiracy theory that accuses Democrats of rigging the state’s legislative district map during the most recent redistricting cycle now includes the alleged involvement of Richard Miranda, a former Arizona lawmaker who is currently serving time in prison for unrelated crimes.
Judge partially tosses 2011 pension reductions for sitting judges
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that a law reducing pension benefits for members of the judiciary violates the Arizona Constitution, but only for those who were on the bench before 2000.
Sales tax reform struggles, but supporters urge action this year
Gov. Jan Brewer and some Arizona lawmakers are determined to pass her plan to simplify the state’s tax code this year, but municipalities are just as determined to delay at least one portion of the governor’s proposal that they argue could do irreparable harm to their finances.
Lawyer says suit alleging sexual harassment at private prison reflects badly on Corrections Dept.
A trial is set for next month in a sexual harassment lawsuit pitting the state against one of its private prison contractors in a battle that promises to shine a harsh light on private prisons and the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Obstacles hold up bills that seemed bound for success
Many notable bills that seemed on their way to success this session suddenly faltered — sometimes for personal reasons, sometimes for ideological reasons and sometimes because there just wasn’t enough time to smooth out the details.
Senate split leaves little room for error
Unlike the supermajority Senate Republicans enjoyed under the leadership of Russell Pearce and Steve Pierce in 2011 and 2012, Senate President Andy Biggs has been forced to work with the chamber’s slimmest majority in years, leaving little room for error on the Senate floor.
Legislature lags behind on budget negotiations — and forecast is not optimistic
The Legislature is well past the midway point of an ideal 100-day session. But with several big issues still hanging in the air, and not even a legislative budget proposal drafted, finishing the session promises to be anything but quick and easy.
