Debt Dilemma
2010 decision to mortgage state’s assets threatens cash reserves
Borrowing billions of dollars allowed Arizona to limp through the worst financial crisis in its history. But the decision to mortgage state assets that include the House and Senate buildings has an unwanted underside: It precludes the state from having significant cash reserves.
Senate gives preliminary approval to Medicaid expansion
A block of five Republican senators joined forces with Senate Democrats on May 16 to wrest control of the chamber from Sen. President Andy Biggs and provide momentum to Gov. Brewer’s proposal to expand Medicaid in Arizona.
House speaker proposes ballot measure on Medicaid expansion
Unable or unwilling to take on Medicaid expansion at the Capitol, House speaker Andy Tobin wants to ask voters in the state whether they want to expand Medicaid coverage. He is working on a resolution to send the question to the ballot in a special election this year.
Biggs’ budget plan does not include Brewer’s Medicaid expansion
Senate President Andy Biggs stepped forward Tuesday with a budget proposal similar to the one offered by Gov. Jan Brewer in January, but it defiantly does not include her Medicaid expansion plan.
Republican leaders want conservative approach to budget
After receiving a briefing on the governor’s $8.9 billion budget proposal, Republican leaders said they want a final spending plan that hews to the conservative approach they have adopted during the past few years.