APS: $3.7 million spent on metering publicity
Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest energy company, told regulators Nov. 6 that its parent corporation has spent $3.7 million dollars to fight for a drastic reduction to a key rooftop solar incentive in Arizona.
Solar industry: $336k spent on net metering PR so far, another $100k planned
An advocacy group for rooftop solar companies told Arizona utility regulators today that it has spent $336,000 fighting the state’s largest utility provider over an incentive that has led to explosive growth for the solar industry in Arizona.
Republican candidates could benefit from their support of Medicaid
When asked how his vote for Medicaid expansion could threaten his chances at another term in the Arizona Legislature, Senate Majority Leader John McComish points to an Arizona Capitol Times newspaper hanging in a frame behind his desk “The risk of defiance,” the headline reads. “What will GOP senators’ ‘no’ votes on immigration bills cost them?”
Democrats oust Landrum Taylor as Senate Minority Leader in favor of Tovar
In a dramatic turn of events, Senate Minority Leader Landrum Taylor was ousted as minority leader by her party-mates following a closed-door meeting in the Senate today.
Arizona “dark money’’ groups face combined $1 million in fines
California’s Fair Political Practices Commission has reached a settlement with two so-called “dark money” groups in Arizona that will see them pay a combined $1 million in fines.
Contribution limits vs. free speech
Supreme Court campaign finance case could change Arizona elections
While Arizona’s higher campaign contribution limits hang in the balance, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court might achieve what the state law’s supporters seek – give people the ability to contribute more to their favorite politicians and allow candidates to raise bigger amounts from backers.
Why Marriage Matters
As gay marriage proponents eye a possible constitutional amendment in 2016 to allow same-sex marriage in Arizona, advocates on both sides are trying to win voters’ hearts and minds by emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of gay marriage.
We take a look at both sides below in our two-part segment.
Search warrant provides details into investigation of Gary Husk
A small group of lobbyists with Husk Partners met in an office in 2009 at the firm as allegations of a Fiesta Bowl scandal involving illegal political contributions swirled.
Lobbyists John MacDonald, Dana Paschke and Dean Miller made a pact of sorts as they looked over the statute outlawing reimbursement of contributions, according to a search warrant affidavit that provides details of an i[...]
Free ride
Clear path to general election provides a boost to DuVal, but …
After five Republican gubernatorial hopefuls held their first candidate forum, some observers said the big winner was a candidate who wasn’t in the room — Democratic nominee-in-waiting Fred DuVal.
Brewer discusses Grand Canyon reopening with feds, but no deal yet
Gov. Jan Brewer spoke briefly with U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell about options for reopening Grand Canyon National Park using state and private funds, but no agreements have been reached, the Governor’s Office reported.
Debt Dilemma
2010 decision to mortgage state’s assets threatens cash reserves
Borrowing billions of dollars allowed Arizona to limp through the worst financial crisis in its history. But the decision to mortgage state assets that include the House and Senate buildings has an unwanted underside: It precludes the state from having significant cash reserves.
Class action lawsuit alleges securities fraud against First Solar of Tempe
A federal judge in Phoenix on Tuesday certified a class action lawsuit alleging securities fraud against First Solar and its executives, a company that is selling a Mesa plant that Gov. Jan Brewer once hoped would be a shining example of solar investment.