Yee offers medical marijuana reforms as alternative to repeal
A Republican state senator is gaining bipartisan support for bills that would reform Arizona’s medical marijuana law rather than repealing it, as one Republican lawmaker would prefer.
Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, introduced four bills late Monday that she says strengthen Arizona’s medical marijuana program, making it more workable in the long term.
Yee’s proposals come [...]
Tide changing in Arizona’s immigration politics
At the recent Republican statewide meeting in a north central Phoenix church, pews were packed with party loyalists listening to elected officials speak about issues facing the state and the nation.
But the topic that would have dominated the conversation in past years — illegal immigration — was scarcely mentioned.
Lawmakers push election overhaul — target early voting, contributions, signature gathering
Maricopa County elections officials don’t want to see a repeat of 2012.
After Election Day, the county had a record number of provisional ballots. For two weeks afterward, they counted votes, including thousands of provisional ballots caused by people who had received early ballots in the mail but chose to vote in person on Election Day instead.
Brewer approves emergency funding for CPS
Gov. Jan Brewer signed an emergency appropriations bill today that provides $4.4 million for Child Protective Services to hire new staff, and lawmakers sent another bill to her desk to continue funding the Independent Redistricting Commission as it heads to trial in federal court.
Joe Arpaio foes launch recall effort
Members of the coalition that recalled former Senate President Russell Pearce are setting their sights on a bigger prize – Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Organizers of a recall campaign against the long-serving sheriff filed paperwork for their recall committee, Respect Arizona, with county election officials today.
Hallman jumps into 2014 governor’s race
Former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman made his official entry into the 2014 governor’s race.
Hallman, a Republican, has long been an oft-rumored candidate for numerous offices. On Tuesday he filed a campaign committee with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office for a gubernatorial run.
“We’re off and running,” Hallman said.
Senators fast-track money for CPS, IRC
Lawmakers plan to send two bills to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk by the end of the week: an emergency provision to hire new staff for Child Protective Services and $500,000 for the Independent Redistricting Commission for an upcoming trial in federal court.
Brewer noncommittal on comprehensive immigration reform plan
Gov. Jan Brewer took a noncommittal stance on immigration reform plan unveiled by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, saying she will review the plan in the coming weeks.
Democrats reelect Bill Roe as state chairman; Republicans choose Robert Graham
There were no surprises at the Arizona Democratic or Republican parties’ statutory meetings on Saturday. The Arizona Democratic Party reelected incumbent Chairman Bill Roe to a full term at the party’s helm. Meanwhile, the Arizona Republican Party got new leadership, electing businessman Robert Graham in a landslide.
Art of the single shot: How less can mean more when voters get to choose two
At first glance it might make sense for the two main political parties to fight over every seat possible.
But when it comes to Arizona’s House of Representatives, where voters elect two candidates to represent each district, a more tactful approach can sometimes pay off.
2 bills push student loyalty
Two Republican lawmakers are taking slightly different tacks in their efforts to affirm Arizona students’ loyalty to their country.
One wants mandatory compliance. The other started out with the same idea, but has since had a change of heart.
Lawmakers propose the ultimate solution to distracted drivers
If you live in northern California, seeing a car driving itself down the highway might not surprise you. They may soon be seen on Arizona roads.