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Burns’ debt measure approved by committee
Senate President Bob Burns' plan to rehabilitate the state from its addiction to borrowing has been approved at the committee level.
McCain, Kyl oppose Arizona sales-tax hike
U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl say they oppose Arizona's plan of a short-term sales-tax hike as a way to deal with the state's budget crisis.
The not-so-fast track for constructing high-speed rail
The last time intercity passenger trains served Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, students at the University of Wisconsin campus there were protesting the Vietnam War. The trains stopped running when Amtrak took over passenger service around the country in 1971. But in January, the federal government announced it would give the state $810 million in stimulus money to return passenger trains to Wi[...]
Despite wide support, construction of a $187M medical school building still on hold
On the surface, it seemed like a no-brainer to build a new Health Sciences Education Building for Arizona's three state universities.
No budget yet, but some details slipping out
Republican lawmakers hoped to have a budget plan approved by March 4, but were apparently unable to cobble together the support needed to paper over $3.4 billion in deficit.
Lawmakers hope to gain more than they lose on incentives for movie companies
Despite the bone-dry coffers of state government, Republican lawmakers are trying to provide new tax breaks for - get this - the movie industry.
Taxes on smokes, Cokes and booze might save AHCCCS
Alcohol, tobacco and soft drinks have been targeted for tax increases as a group representing hospitals and health care providers searches for a revenue source that will pass muster with voters while generating enough money to maintain Arizona's Medicaid program.
Burns proposes new controls on state borrowing, debt repayment
Senate President Bob Burns said he will propose a ballot measure to cap the state's ability to take on new debt. First, he wants to remove the debt limitation in the Arizona Constitution, which is $350,000. That limit has been in place since the state's founding in 1912.
Brewer wants tax hike or targeted cuts to schools, cities
In an attempt to curry public support for her sales tax increase proposal, Gov. Jan Brewer has sought to make deep cuts to education and to allow the state to keep some of the money it normally shares with cities if voters reject the temporary tax increase in May's special election.
GOP budget plan includes more than $1B in cuts
Details of the Republican budget plan given to majority party lawmakers this week show they and Gov. Jan Brewer aim to close a nearly $2.7 billion budget gap with more than $1.1 billion in cuts and wholesale elimination of a number of state programs.
Legislature attacks foreclosure problem with 16 bills
Sen. John Nelson's S1130 would establish rules for mortgage consultants who claim to negotiate with lenders on behalf of homeowners facing foreclosure.
Foreclosure scams add to homeowner misery
Gregory Nave wanted justice after he was bilked out of $3,495 by a foreclosure consultant, but the state Attorney General's Office told him there were no laws to protect against the kind of scam that victimized him and thousands of other Arizonans.
