Brewer budget plan a tenuous proposition
Gov. Jan Brewer's budget plan is structured much like a game of Jenga. Pull out one piece, and the entire pile of blocks could come crashing down. The plan, released Jan. 15, would balance the budget using a variety of maneuvers to reduce costs and raise new revenue. But some of the ideas rely on future events that are out of the governor's control.
EV Tribune offer expanded to include other papers
MESA - A Colorado company that offered to buy the East Valley Tribune from Freedom Communications has expanded its offer to include two other Phoenix-area newspapers in the proposed sale.
Governor explains her cost-saving proposals
Things were bad when Gov. Jan Brewer took office in January 2009, and they've gotten worse since then. The plan Brewer pitched as a remedy to Arizona's crippling budget problems met fierce resistance, and 10 months later it still has not been enacted. But as Brewer begins her second year as governor, she said she still believes in her plan
Brewer focuses on future, takes shots at past
In her first State of the State address, Gov. Jan Brewer lamented the problems facing Arizona, expressed hope for the future it may realize, chided those who have stood in her way and took swipes at those who may do so in the future, both in the Legislature and on the campaign trail.
Top four lawmakers present budget arguments at Chamber lunch
Everyone at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual legislative luncheon agreed: Arizona's budget needs to be the top priority, and the state needs to change its course.
Arizona said to be on track for financing
Arizona is on track to complete a big financing deal needed so the cash-short state government can pay its bills during February, officials said Jan. 6. The Department of Administration said it plans to complete approximately $735 million of sale-leaseback financing for prisons, legislative buildings and other state properties this month.
Brewer wants more nuclear power in state
Gov. Jan Brewer said Jan. 5 that Arizona should include more nuclear power plants in its energy portfolio while cutting taxes and government regulation to provide a welcome mat for solar and wind projects encountering "green tape" elsewhere.
GOP proposal calls for tax cuts amid budget crisis
Republican lawmakers unveiled a plan to change Arizona's economic course, calling for major shifts in tax policy - including tax cuts - and creation of tools to lure high-wage businesses to the state.
Brewer appoints Colangelo, other business leaders to new council
Gov. Jan Brewer has appointed a new council focused on spurring economic development and growth in Arizona. The Governor's Commerce Advisory Council, comprised of business leaders across the state including former Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamonbacks owner Jerry Colangelo and Pinnacle West/APS CEO Don Brandt, is scheduled to present its findings and proposed plan during the first quarter of 2010.
Govs ready speeches as fiscal woes persist
As governors prepare their 2010 state of the state addresses, at least 36 of them are still struggling to close continuing budget deficits for the current fiscal year, while worrying about new gaps looming in their 2011 spending plans. The shortfalls show no signs of going away as state revenue continues to fall far below projections, leaving some lawmakers and the public poised to rethink the rol[...]
Lights out on payday loans
Next year, the Arizona Legislature will decide whether to eliminate payday lending in the state, which presents a dilemma for Republican lawmakers who will have to decide between their free-enterprise beliefs and a moral objection to the large fees on short-term loans.
Brewer’s office: No word on regulatory reform
Eleven months after vowing to slash regulations on Arizona businesses, Gov. Jan Brewer still isn’t saying what existing regulations she will strike down.