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Authorities debate whether lavish economic development incentives are worth the price
Arizona’s city, county and state governments are handing out billions in economic development incentives to attract business — but not without resistance from critics who dispute their necessity.
Senators defeat attempt to nullify Common Core education standards
Arizona senators defeated a sweeping amendment Monday aimed at preventing the state from participating in the Common Core and placing responsibility for approving educational standards in the hands of lawmakers.
Legislature considers a new infusion of money into the IRC
Arizona lawmakers are introducing another supplemental appropriation for the Independent Redistricting Commission, providing an infusion of new funding to the maligned agency as it tries to pay its bills for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, voted today to allow the late introduction of a bill to provide $635,226 to th[...]
Brewer’s slow-down warning leaves 100s of bills waiting in legislative pipeline
The impasse between Gov. Jan Brewer and Republican legislative leadership over Medicaid expansion, sales tax reform and Common Core educational standards has left many lawmakers reluctant to send her their bills for fear of encountering a veto.
Lawmakers aim high in budget talks
Small-group discussions have begun on the state budget, offering rank- and-file lawmakers their first chance to give input on next year’s spending plan, and nearly everyone has a pet priority they want funded.
Heroes and traitors: Medicaid debate forces lawmakers to take sides on budget
When discussing the progress made in budget negotiations so far this year, Senate President Andy Biggs reminded the Arizona Capitol Times that patience is a virtue.
Recall bill soundly defeated in Senate
A bill to overhaul the recall election process in Arizona to protect Sheriff Joe Arpaio and other elected officials was defeated today in the state Senate. HB2282 failed by a 10-18 vote. It would have created a primary and general election process in the event an elected official is recalled, as opposed to the current non-partisan, winner-take-all election.
Senate bill would provide tax revenue to tribes
Republicans and Democrats in the Arizona Legislature are working together to earmark sales tax revenue for Native American tribes.
Legislature moves to force sale of buy-back guns
The months since the deadly Connecticut school shooting have seen dozens of gun buyback events across the country, with officials getting thousands of unwanted firearms off the street and sending them off to their destruction.
Gov. Jan Brewer vetoes bill raising militia age
Gov. Jan Brewer has vetoed a bill sponsored by an outspoken opponent of her proposal to expand Medicaid that would have allowed people above the age of 45 to volunteer for the state militia.
Brewer vetoes bill banning new state rules
Gov. Jan Brewer has vetoed a bill barring state agencies from adopting new rules if they restrain or burden citizen's "vested rights."
Hotly debated firearms bill goes to the governor
A bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk would close a loophole used by some Arizona cities to destroy firearms turned over to police and other state agencies. The Arizona Senate approved HB2455, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Barton, R-Payson, by an 18-12 vote Tuesday afternoon, giving its final approval to a measure that also requires agencies to sell all unclaimed firearms in their possession.
