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Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid
In Minnesota, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts in state funding to local government forced cities and counties to consider their own round of layoffs, furloughs and benefit freezes. State reductions were so troubling in Massachusetts that three cities are now deciding whether to cancel their primary elections to conserve cash.
Budget cuts drive states’ DMV changes
Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.
Ariz.’s jobless rate reaches 9.2 percent in July
Arizona's unemployment rate rose a half percentage point in July to reach 9.2 percent. The state's seasonably adjusted unemployment rate remains just below the national jobless rate, which was 9.4 percent in July.
Fraudulent flipping: State agency gets extended power to battle mortgage scams
The housing bubble in Arizona became a cash cow for the unscrupulous. Up until the bubble burst in late 2008, crooked investors and people involved in writing up loan documents bilked banks and homeowners out of millions.
Are struggling community banks prepared for a new threat?
Most community banks in Arizona are losing money, lending is down, and a veteran banker concedes that every day is a challenge. It was a little too challenging for two Arizona banks, which were closed by state and federal regulators Aug. 14. A third bank is operating under federal orders to improve what were found to be “unsafe and unsound banking practices.”
Next stop for tax repeal: Governor’s Office
The House of Representatives has joined the Senate in approving a measure that would eliminate the only statewide property tax. The floor vote came a day after a House panel passed the bill.
Budgets overshadow social, political highlights
The national economy may have dominated the 2009 state legislative session, but history was also made both politically and on the social policy front. Many expected 2009 to be quiet in state political circles before the surge of 37 gubernatorial races in 2010, but the year will go down as one of the most explosive with the removal of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) in Illinois, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin[...]
Most states plug budget holes, for now
This year's state legislative session will go down as one of the most brutal in recent memory as the national recession forced lawmakers to find money to cover a staggering $215 billion in estimated budget gaps for 2009 and 2010 - the equivalent of more than $700 for every man, woman and child in the country.
AZ lobbyists run through $3.5M in 2008
Last year represented bad times for the United States economy, but the financial reverberations generally weren’t felt in Arizona’s lobbying community, though 2009 might be a different story.
Buyouts lure 9,000 state workers into retirement
Looking to shield their work forces from tumultuous cutbacks, at least six cash-strapped states have decided this year to spend millions on incentives to encourage government employees to retire.
Homebuilding strong in Mesa
MESA - New home construction permits are on the rise in Mesa. The city has seen an increase in the permit activity since falling below 20 in February. Mesa saw 72 permits in June, the latest numbers available. The number of permits is considered a good measure of upcoming home construction activity.
Impact of Harper work force amendment murky
A budget amendment that would cut 5 percent of the state's work force has left some open-ended questions as to how many people would lose their jobs and how much money Arizona would save.
