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Pearce’s ‘anchor baby’ proposal weighing down his run for Senate President
Russell Pearce might have hurt his chances for Senate president when he held a press conference Oct. 19 expressing his desire to pursue legislation aimed at challenging the longstanding Constitutional interpretation that children who are born in the U.S. are American citizens, regardless of their parents’ legal status.
Politicians, lobbyists agree power has shifted into unelected hands
Political activists and observers say term limits should be termed out, but average voters seem to like the law just the way it is.
GOP seeking veto-proof majority
Republicans are targeting four Democratic-held seats in the 30-member Senate, a coup that would give them supermajority control for the first time in Arizona’s history.
Garcia’s wife among 3 nominated to replace late senator
Maria Garcia, wife of the late Democratic leader Jorge Garcia, was among three Tucson residents who were nominated Oct. 26 to replace the senator.
Rios dynasty threatened amid tough GOP challenge
The Rios family has represented Pinal County in the Arizona Legislature for the past three decades, establishing a Democratic dynasty that has withstood numerous challenges over the years. But this year a Republican with Tea Party leanings has rousted a surprising level of support in a district that has been a Democratic stronghold ever since the lines were drawn.
State debt: Arizona’s money pit
The state has borrowed more than $2 billion during the past four fiscal years, boosting its total debt load to $9.7 billion. At least one-third of the state’s debt must be repaid using money from the same account that lawmakers draw upon to pay for public education, Medicaid programs and other basic government services.
Hispanic lawmakers imply racial motivations for shooting
Hispanic lawmakers stopped short of saying there was a racial undercurrent in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man in South Phoenix last week, but they demanded that the Phoenix Police Department ramp up its cultural sensitivity training for officers.
Judges conflicted on expert witness law; high court may intervene
Two judges have issued contradictory rulings on whether a new law regarding expert witnesses and testimony is constitutional, and attorneys are now asking the Arizona Supreme Court to decide the matter.
Brewer: Budget can be balanced without tax hike
Gov. Jan Brewer said she believes the state can balance its budget next session without another tax hike, but she didn't rule out the possibility. "I am hoping that we do not," Brewer said at a Sept. 30 press conference on the steps of the Executive Tower.
JLBC: Arizona budget shortfall growing
Forecast information released Sept. 29 by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee staff has the state's current $8.5 billion budget facing a potential shortfall of up to $825 million. That's up from the previous forecast for a midyear shortfall of up to $700 million.
Arizona advisory panel to meet on state of economy
Just months into the current fiscal year, Arizona's budget picture is again grim as lawmakers prepare to hear new economic forecasts.
Poll shows voters want to keep FTF
A new poll shows majority support among likely voters to retain an early childhood development program whose revenues are targeted by the Legislature.
