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Lawmaker wants to remind voters that ballot measures are permanent
If Arizonans knew that ballot measures were permanent and nearly impossible to change, Rep. Michelle Ugenti thinks that residents would think twice before approving the measures.
GOP lawmaker wants Arizona’s presidential primary to coincide with Iowa Caucus
In an attempt to give Arizona a more influential role in deciding who will run for president, a Republican state lawmaker introduced a bill to hold Arizona’s presidential primary earlier, tying the election date to the date of the Iowa caucus.
Ugenti’s bill would bar future League employees, others from joining ASRS
Following her public feud with an association representing Arizona municipalities this year, a Republican from Scottsdale wants to bar the association’s new employees from joining the state’s retirement system.
Arizona lawmakers to review drug settlement
Arizona legislators on Tuesday will review Attorney General Tom Horne's plan for use of the state's $6 million share of a multistate settlement with the drug company Johnson & Johnson.
Lewis leaving Senate, but legacy of civil dialogue and compromise remains
When the year is over, departing Sen. Jerry Lewis, a Republican from Mesa, will have served half a term, a fraction of a senator’s typical length of stay at the state Capitol.
Top GOP lawmakers say lower Medicaid match dooms AHCCCS expansion
Influential legislators today concluded that the federal government’s decision not to infuse more dollars to states that don’t fully comply with the Affordable Care Act dealt a major blow to any proposal in the upcoming session that would seek to restore health care cuts made during the height of the recession.
Panel recommends tax credit continuation
A panel of representatives and senators yesterday recommended the continuation of a dollar-for-dollar tax credit program for contributions to groups that provide scholarships to students in private and parochial schools.
Universities, agencies seek major spending hikes
Now that the economy is recovering, universities and state agencies are seeking budget increases and have asked Gov. Jan Brewer to fight for at least $500 million in new spending.
Biggs leadership style: Conservatism with limits
As recently as last year, Sen. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Mesa and the next leader of the Arizona Senate, pushed for an insurgent idea — the elimination of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program.
Dems hoping Brewer will reach out on health care issues
If Gov. Jan Brewer pushes for a state-run health insurance exchange or Medicaid expansion next session, there is little doubt that she’ll need more than just Republican votes.
New Senate committees have narrower partisan split
Reflecting the new political reality at the Capitol, incoming Republican leaders have created a dozen Senate committees with a narrower partisan split.
Senate announces new committee assignments
Incoming Republican leaders have completed the reorganization of Senate committees following last week’s elections. As expected, the Senate will have fewer committees, but the core panels that serve as gatekeepers of the thousands of ideas lawmakers grapple with each year have been retained.
