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Budget cuts test state personnel policies
Forced to dramatically cut payrolls, some states are finding low-cost ways to boost employee morale, even as they struggle to maintain basic human resource functions such as training, recruiting, hiring and regular performance reviews.
Burns appoints Leff as Senate president pro tem
Senate President Bob Burns has appointed a Paradise Valley Republican to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. Sen. Barbara Leff replaced Sen. Steve Pierce, the majority whip.
With brochures, hand sanitizer and more, universities preparing for swine flu
Brightly colored posters urge Arizona State University students to cover coughs with tissues or sleeves. Northern Arizona University's computer labs now feature hand sanitizer dispensers. Freshmen settling into University of Arizona dorms received pamphlets urging them to stay away from class if they have aches or fever.
Gorman to serve on NCSL executive committee
Sen. Pamela Gorman has been selected to serve on the governing body of the National Conference of State Legislatures, which lobbies the federal government on behalf of the states. Gorman, who recently resigned her leadership position in the Senate majority caucus, will serve as chairwoman of the 2009-2010 NCSL standing committees.
Brewer: No special session until deal reached
Gov. Jan Brewer won't be quite as quick on the trigger when it comes to calling a fourth, and hopefully final, special session of the Legislature.
Lawmakers adjourn sine die; questions loom
The Arizona Legislature ended its special legislative session at 1:42 p.m. Aug. 25, although it may be a short-lived break from the Capitol. "Well, I'll see you next week," Rep. Warde Nichols, a Gilbert Republican, said as he prepared to leave the House of Representatives.
AZ Land Department will be self-funded
The one budget bill that garnered a signature from Gov. Jan Brewer would fundamentally change the way the state Land Department is funded. Brewer on Aug. 21 signed H2014, which creates a self-funding mechanism for the Land Department and addresses issues at the Parks Department, the Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
Five-way talks unproductive so far
Republican and Democratic leaders met with Gov. Jan Brewer on Aug. 21, the first such meeting during the special session that the governor called in order for the Legislature to pass a budget packet that includes her proposal for a sales tax referral.
Brewer needs leverage, lacks incentive to back down
It's extremely unlikely that Gov. Jan Brewer will sign all of the budget bills that the Legislature sent to her Aug. 20. She has nothing to gain and everything to lose by allowing this budget to stand.
Are struggling community banks prepared for a new threat?
Most community banks in Arizona are losing money, lending is down, and a veteran banker concedes that every day is a challenge. It was a little too challenging for two Arizona banks, which were closed by state and federal regulators Aug. 14. A third bank is operating under federal orders to improve what were found to be “unsafe and unsound banking practices.”
Brewer will get budget, sans sales tax referral
The fate of two-months-overdue budget aimed at solving a $3.2 billion deficit now rests in the hands of Gov. Jan Brewer, as lawmakers delivered the plan to her eight weeks into a special legislative session called specifically to address the financial problems.
Verschoor to head Arizona Budget Commission
Senate President Bob Burns has appointed a Gilbert Republican to head a new commission aimed at streamlining the organization, operation and costs of state agencies. Sen. Thayer Verschoor will lead the Arizona Budget Commission for the duration of the 49th Legislature. No other members were announced.
