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Delay tactics give false impression of Gowan, House travel expenses
Former House Speaker David Gowan deliberately put off the release of public records last year to buy time to disguise questionable spending by his staff, himself, and fellow lawmakers.
Theresa Ulmer turns one term as a lawmaker into a career as a lobbyist
Theresa Ulmer has been a Capitol regular since 2010, when she was elected to her first and only term in the House of Representatives. And what a difference nearly a decade has made.
AG: Officials must preserve public records even on private phones
Public officials can’t use private phones or social media messages to get around public records laws, according to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
Regents, lawmakers, look to mend fences after chairman’s resignation
Regents and lawmakers alike expect the June 18 resignation of the Arizona Board of Regents’ chairman can heal any lingering wounds between them, though Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, who is at the center of the controversy, said the resignation changes nothing.
Wrap up with Katie Hobbs
Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, led Democrats in her chamber through yet another session where the minority party tried and failed to substantively change the budget. But the Phoenix Democrat found a few reasons to be pleased with the session, while mostly remaining frustrated by Republican legislative victories.
Herrod praises new law that threatens Planned Parenthood funding
Lawmakers approved legislation this year that threatens to pull funding from Planned Parenthood, and passed a law that requires physicians to do more to save fetuses that are “delivered alive.”
Wrap up with Rebecca Rios
In her first year as House Democratic leader, Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, a longtime lawmaker, was hopeful that her caucus could take a rare vote in favor of a GOP-backed budget. But when the budget didn’t go far enough toward investing in Arizona’s teachers, House Democrats held true to their beliefs and their prom-ises, and voted against the budget package.
National popular vote and other ideas that did not make the cut
By the time this year’s legislative session adjourned sine die, lawmakers passed 395 out of 1,180 bills, memorials and resolutions. About 70 percent of 2017's big ideas failed.
Wrap up with J.D. Mesnard
In his first year as speaker of the House, J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, managed to get all 35 of his chamber’s Republicans to agree to support the state budget, though two from his caucus still balked at Gov. Doug Ducey’s university bonding proposal.
Few lawmakers chalk up perfect attendance and voting records
Only 24 Arizona legislators managed to both attend work on all of the days they were expected during the 122-day session, and push a button each time there was a vote. Two of those perfect record-holders were Speaker of the House J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, and Senate President Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler.
Passage of election consolidation – from the Capitol to the courthouse
Republicans who pushed for Senate Bill 1152 intending to spark a lawsuit over consolidated elections will likely get their wish.
Wrap up with Steve Yarbrough
In his first year at the helm of the Senate, President Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler, took to heart his experience as the majority leader to lead a united Republican Caucus — at least, most of the time.
