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Pearce sets out to eliminate ‘sanctuary’ policies, create new fines for businesses
In addition to granting civil subpoena power to county attorneys for employer sanctions investigations, Sen. Russell Pearce is working on other legislation to crack down on illegal immigration in Arizona.
O’Connor: Arizona’s ‘great statesmen’ a model for handling today’s challenges
As they address the state's daunting challenges, leaders should follow the example of "great statesmen" who built Arizona by valuing cooperation, collaboration and compromise, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said Oct. 9.
Employer sanctions coming up short
Arizona's employer sanctions law has been in effect for 21 months, yet no businesses have been shut down over hiring practices. In fact, there hasn't yet been a single business forced to defend itself in court. But now, one lawmaker wants to change all that by giving county attorneys more enforcement powers.
Brewer hopes showing impact of cuts will spur revenue increase
At Brewer’s request, all state agency heads were required to submit reports detailing the effects 15-20 percent spending reductions would have on their departments. Those reports, which were due Oct. 9, are intended partly to demonstrate to the Legislature that sizeable cuts would have dramatic consequences, according to Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman.
Budget Web site to cost fraction of $100M estimate
It looks like Arizona won’t have to spend $100 million to put state budget information online. In fact, not even close. The cost of the Financial Transparency Web site scheduled to be launched in 2011 is estimated to cost $740,000, according to a Sept. 1 report by the General Accounting Office.
Law makes it tougher for state agency to repair monuments that lack patrons
Unveiled in 1998, the Ernest W. McFarland Memorial uses photographs etched in metal to guide visitors through iconic moments in a life that included service as U.S. Senate majority leader, Arizona governor and state Supreme Court chief justice.
Leaders, activists: Accurate census count of Latinos essential to Arizona
Arizona's Latinos need to stand up and be counted in the 2010 census or face losing representation in Congress, a voice for the community and money for social services, a panel of elected officials and activists said Oct. 1.
Lawmakers say limits on impact fees legal, despite threat of lawsuit
Lawmakers and the governor said legislation passed earlier this year that limits development-impact fees is legal, despite threats of a lawsuit from municipalities. A spokesman for Brewer said she wasn't concerned about a lawsuit. "I think the governor's comfortable with the legality of what she's signed," Paul Senseman said.
Myriad questions await 2011 redistricting commission
When Arizona's second Independent Redistricting Commission convenes in 2011, it will have an advantage that its predecessor didn't - precedent. The first commission, created by a 2000 amendment to the Arizona Constitution to redraw the state's legislative and congressional districts, faced the prospect of ballot initiatives, new legislation and years of court challenges stemming from disputes o[...]
House panel to begin school tuition tax credit program review Oct. 14
A special House panel will hold the first of three meetings next week to examine whether the state's private school tuition tax credit program works properly. Rep. Rick Murphy, a Peoria Republican appointed to chair the Private School Tuition Tax Credit Review Committee, said the goal will be to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, not debate the merits of school choice. He said the commi[...]
Lawmakers react to injunction on abortion laws
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has granted a preliminary injunction against new state laws that place restrictions on abortion. Although the decision has been embraced by state Democrats, the Republican co-sponsor of both bills said it's another case of courts infringing on the territory of the Legislature.
JLBC OKs $7M to complete parks projects
The State Parks Board, with the approval of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, released about $7 million to finish nearly completed projects that were put on hold in February. About $50 million of the parks budget was swept as part of state budget cuts and about a third of the agency was laid off, said Ellen Bilbrey, a public information officer for the Parks Board. In the process, Heritag[...]
