Sine die: 5 of 6 bills pass
A disagreement between the Senate and the House over the timing of a bill aimed at lowering business taxes and creating jobs derailed one of the six measures the Legislature crafted during the special session.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly at first. The Senate passed all six budget bills Feb. 2 with support from both Republicans and Democrats.
House narrowly approves bill to borrow $750M
The House today narrowly approved a bill that would close about half of the current year's budget deficit through borrowing.
Local governments against changes to shared-revenue formula
So far, lawmakers and the Governor's Office have avoided conjuring the greatest fear of local governments - changing the formula that determines who gets what from the collective pot of money they all share.
Passing the buck: Local governments’ worst budget fears
Local government is usually the last place the Legislature looks to find extra money, but the state budget deficit has forced lawmakers to take desperate steps. This year and last, cities and counties have been forced to pay bills that historically have been the state's responsibility. During the past year, lawmakers have taken money that was intended to pay for local services, limited cities' [...]
Cheuvront wants lawmakers’ pay cut if state employees take hit
After shooting down five straight ballot propositions to give state lawmakers a raise, Arizona voters may get a chance to give them pay cut instead.
Jobs dilemma — government or private sector?
Republicans and Democrats couldn't be farther apart on the issues of corporate taxes and job creation.
House bill banning ‘sanctuary cities’ advances
A House panel has approved a bill that would prevent cities, counties and police departments from prohibiting law enforcement officers from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Tax cut bill zips through House, heads to Senate
The House of Representatives has approved a bill to stimulate economic development by cutting taxes and creating new incentives for businesses, despite complaints from critics that the measure was rushed through before it could be understood completely.
Obama urges nervous Dems to fight for his agenda
WASHINGTON - Democratic lawmakers must soon decide whether President Barack Obama is leading them toward statesmanlike courage or political folly.
JLBC options include shifting burden to property owners
Legislative budget analysts gave lawmakers a list of options they can use to erase billions of dollars of red ink this year. The solutions range from the elimination of some government services to sharply increasing property taxes.
Tobin shelves payday loan bill due to lack of support
Two-dozen people who came to the Capitol Jan. 25 to oppose a bill that would allow payday lenders to continue doing business in Arizona left without saying a word. The bill didn’t last long enough in committee for them to testify.
GOP jobs bill sails through committee
A House panel on Jan. 25 forwarded a measure to the floor aimed at spurring job growth through incentives to large corporations and tax cuts, where it is scheduled to be debated by the entire body.