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Brewer: Addition of Chinese solar firm shows impact of tax credits
A Chinese solar-panel manufacturer's decision to put its North American headquarters and about 150 jobs in Arizona shows that a law providing tax credits will boost the state's appeal to renewable energy firms, Gov. Jan Brewer said Nov. 16.
Biden: Stimulus has saved thousands of Arizona jobs, will boost IT and high tech
Federal stimulus money has saved more than 12,000 jobs in Arizona and laid the groundwork for a economic recovery built on information services and technology, Vice President Joe Biden said Nov. 16.
Budget insiders see worse ahead in Calif., Mich.
Two of the states hit hardest by the Great Recession-California and Michigan-are bracing for an even tougher time making ends meet next year, putting big spending cuts or outright elimination of some services on the table, top budget officials from both states said Nov. 13.
Lawmaker, experts push idea of competition to provide electricity in Arizona
Opening Arizona to competition by companies providing electricity could lower rates and give providers more incentive to act wisely when considering investments on infrastructure, experts told a group of state lawmakers Nov. 12.
Draft bills show special session cuts of $300M
Draft versions of the bills lawmakers are expected to consider this week in a special legislative session show about $300 million in spending cuts to education and social services, as well as the restoration of funding for high-tech economic development.
Lawmakers getting hammered in court; resources strained
Arizona's 49th Legislature has been tasked with keeping the state financially afloat during the most troubling economic times in state history. But the choices lawmakers made this year in an effort to balance the budget have led to six lawsuits challenging the state's use of fund sweeps to fill in deficits.
Mixed messages emerge from school override, bond votes
If there's a message in the results of this month's school bond and budget override votes, the meaning is up for wide interpretation. The approval rate for overrides and bond issues requested by school districts on Nov. 2 was lower than the five-year average, leading some to conclude that the public's willingness to pay more taxes for education has decreased.
Ariz. colleges turn to young grads for cash
Sean O'Hara graduated from Arizona State University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in political science and then got a law degree from the University of Kansas. He belongs to the ASU Alumni Association, attends many home football games and plans to donate money to the school's foundation one day.
Organizers of MLK parade face a funding shortfall
Despite facing a funding shortfall, organizers will continue with plans for Mesa's annual parade that honors slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Goddard, Mayes, Giffords highlight facilities tapping state’s solar energy potential
Attorney General Terry Goddard goes to work every day in a building he describes as one of the most backward on the energy grid. Built in the 1950s, it has strips under the windows to provide heating, for example. "But we do have a big flat roof," he said.
Special session No. 4 will target schools, DES funding
Republican legislative leaders have reached a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer to erase a portion of the estimated $2 billion budget deficit in a special session later this month, including about $300 million in spending cuts. The plan, if carried out, would eliminate a fraction of the overall deficit, and a $1.4 billion shortfall would remain.
Registrar of Contractors among agencies looking for budget fix
When the Legislature meets in a special session later this month, one of the agencies whose budget problems they will attempt to fix is the Registrar of Contractors. Tyler Palmer, legislative liaison for the Registrar of Contractors, said the agency lost about $390,000 in funding for operating costs when Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a budget bill in September.
