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Governors ‘hate’ bills but sign them anyway
Lawmakers are not the only ones who are prone to explain why they didn't like a bill but approve it anyway.
Voters hate compromise; insiders say it’s necessary
Political insiders said voters are naïve to object to the practice of a lawmaker voting for a bill that he or she actually opposes.
‘I hate this bill and I vote aye’
Last year, Sen. Jack Harper gave his word that he would vote for a bill to restrict notary publics from notarizing documents that would present a conflict of interest. He made good on his promise by voting for it in committee. But when the bill failed there, Harper said he was relieved that it didn't pass. The situation illustrates the fact that lawmakers sometimes vote for measures they don’t n[...]
Speed cameras could be gone in a flash
The end appears near for speed cameras on Arizona highways. The biggest question is which method will be used to get rid of them. So far, lawmakers have introduced three measures to repeal the statutes that allow the photo-enforcement system. Another bill doesn't exactly repeal photo enforcement, but it would render the system useless.
End of GOP budget fight? Seriously?
For the first time in at least six years, the annual release of budget plans by the Arizona Legislature and the governor didn't result in bickering. Of course, it helps that the legislative Republican majority didn't put out anything even closely resembling a budget plan this year.
Brewer reaching out to rank-and-file lawmakers
Gov. Jan Brewer's budget proposal will be a hard sell to Democrats. And some provisions, such as her temporary sales tax increase, will be difficult for Republicans to embrace.
Legislature might lose 3 members this year
Three lawmakers who plan to run for Congress are planning to leave the Arizona Capitol even before the legislative session heats up.
Federal judge strikes down matching funds; appeal imminent
Arizona political candidates who chose to run their campaigns with public money might have made a foolhardy decision.
Panel OKs mandatory residency checks, ban on day labor
A Senate committee approved a bill on Jan. 20 that would force law enforcement officials across the state to check the residency status of people with whom they come in contact, penalize activities such as seeking day labor, and allow residents to sue local governments that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants.
House panel gives longer extension to Liquor Dept.
A House panel has decided to extend the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control by five years, but the agency’s chief legislative critic put the agency’s director on notice that he might be replaced if major problems aren’t corrected soon.
Senate panel approves bill to overturn term limits
A proposal to ask voters to overturn term limits has overcome the first of many hurdles after a Senate panel approved it on Jan. 19. The committee voted 4-2 to send the bill to the Senate floor for a vote by the entire body.
Committee assignment changes in House
The House of Representatives made a minor change to committee assignments late Jan. 19. Rep. David Stevens, a Republican from Sierra Vista, is replacing Phoenix Republican Ray Barnes on the Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
