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Burns says strategy worked, but he won’t block non-budget bills in 2010
Senate President Bob Burns has decided to avoid the failed budget-first strategy that locked up his chamber last session and led to an unhinged, last-minute push to pass hundreds of non-budget bills. What he has in mind for the 2010 session is, in some ways, back to the basics. Most committees, for instance, will be free to debate and vote on legislation unrelated to the budget.
Supreme Court won’t hear water fund sweep challenge
For the moment, the state Legislature can count out one of the many lawsuits it faces, as the Arizona Supreme Court will not hear a challenge to the sweeping of millions of dollars from a fund used to carry out a multi-state water-rights agreement.
High court won’t hear suit challenging new immigration law
The Arizona Supreme Court announced on Dec. 2 it will not hear a lawsuit filed by local governments that sought to challenge legislation affecting land development and public benefits for immigrants. The petition for special action filed with the court on Nov. 23 by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns charged that the provisions in question were unconstitutionally included in a state budget [...]
House communications director steps down
The top press aide for the House Republican caucus has announced she will resign at the end of this week. Becky Blackburn spent less than a year as communications director for the House of Representatives. In an e-mail to House majority members, staff and the media, she announced Dec. 4 would be her final day.
Pearce bill would give sheriffs, others more power over budgets
The constant budget battles between Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Board of Supervisors could be a thing of the past, or at least more muted than they have been, if Sen. Russell Pearce can get a long-sought bill through the Legislature.
Brewer may use immigration in move to the right
At a time when Gov. Jan Brewer needs all the Republican support she can muster, some see her recent statements about illegal immigration as a way to court the conservative base. But what role the contentious issue will play in the 2010 Republican primary is far from certain.
Preparation for special session No. 5 underway
Legislative leaders have started asking individual members when they would be available to meet again in December, the Arizona Capitol Times has learned. They are eyeing a special session that would begin Dec. 15 or 16. It would be the fifth special session of the year.
Brewer: ‘no problem’ on backers’ payday loan work
A critic says Gov. Jan Brewer's credibility is being undermined. But the governor says it's not inappropriate that some of her political associates are doing work for the payday loan industry that could result in legislation reaching her desk.
After furloughs, states mull permanent cuts
Moving from furloughs of state employees to more permanent downsizing, states are girding for the deepest workforce cuts yet when they hammer out their fiscal 2011 budgets next year. In preparation, many are taking stock of every position in state government to determine what effect job cuts and the possible elimination of whole departments will have on revenues, expenses and the quality of govern[...]
Gray not seeking reelection in 2010
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray has announced he will not seek re-election in 2010, saying he wants to focus on new business opportunities. Gray, a Republican from Mesa, told the Arizona Capitol Times he plans to expand his Internet business. His company, which was founded in 1997, markets car accessories across the globe.
Lawmakers’ dilemma: Raise ADEQ fees or risk EPA intervention
Policymakers in Arizona may have to choose between two undesirable options - greater environmental fees for businesses or greater federal intervention in local affairs.
Clean Elections bans ‘slate strategy’
The future of Clean Elections matching funds is up in the air, but on Nov. 17 the Citizens Clean Elections Commission voted to ban a campaign strategy involving the funds.
