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Sales tax breaks erode state revenues
As shoppers in 15 states rush to buy tax-free clothing and school supplies this August, some lawmakers are experiencing buyer's remorse: Their "sales-tax holidays" are pinching revenues at a time when state coffers are hurting.
Budget woes, recession challenge day-labor centers
Until a day-labor center opened nearby, jobseekers in Keenan Strand's north Phoenix neighborhood used to drink from people's hoses, urinate on walls and duck behind bushes to escape triple-digit heat while waiting for work. But the economic downturn is threatening the 6-year-old day-labor center and others like it around the country, leaving some advocates concerned that job seekers will return[...]
Agreement in hand; vote expected tonight
Gov. Jan Brewer and House Speaker Kirk Adams announced that they and Senate President Bob Burns have reached a tentative budget deal, which they hope will be approved in the Legislature by the end of the night.
Hard times lead to more power cutoffs in Phoenix
Two Phoenix area electric utilities cutoff power to more homes in June of this year than in June of 2008. Hard economic times and higher rates led consumers to fall behind in their bills. APS raised average household monthly rates about $4.50 in December, and SRP raised its average bill about $4.70 in October.
Runway improvements will mean shorter wait on the tarmac
Federal stimulus dollars are giving airliners a shortcut to their terminals, in addition to putting nearly 300 people back to work, said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
Lawmakers: Changes needed on foreclosure bill
UPDATE - Sen. Steve Pierce told the Arizona Capitol Times that his foreclosure bill will have to be fixed, either in special session or next year when the Legislature begins the regular session. Pierce and stakeholders met this afternoon (July 28) to discuss changes to the legislation.
Brewer announces release of more stimulus funds
Federal officials approved the release of the final portion of Arizona's stimulus funds for education, which Gov. Jan Brewer said will give the state more flexibility as it tries to tackle its 2010 budget deficit.
Freeport-McMoRan 2Q profit drops, but beats forecast
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. on July 21 said its second-quarter profit dropped 38 percent, largely because of weak copper sales in North America.
U.S. puts new uranium claims at Grand Canyon on hold
FLAGSTAFF – The federal government announced Monday it is temporarily barring the filing of new mining claims, including for uranium, on nearly 1 million acres (400,000 hectares) near the Grand... […]
States closed record $142.6 billion in gaps
States closed $142.6 billion in budget gaps for fiscal 2010 and could face more shortfalls in the next two budget years, according to a report released Monday (July 20). The National Conference of State Legislatures issued the report on state budgets and taxes as it opened its annual legislative summit in Philadelphia.
Fewer tourists, fewer dollars coming to Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF - Blame it on the weather for lower than anticipated sales taxes collected by the city of Flagstaff. Store owners and even city officials say unusually cold and wet weather in May drove away some tourists who normally visit Flagstaff.
GAO stimulus report shows no major issues for Arizona
Questions over whether Arizona was jeopardizing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal stimulus money were alleviated when the Legislature approved several new budget measures, and a federal report issued days later showed the state has had no major problems complying with the stimulus act.
