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Biggs leadership style: Conservatism with limits
As recently as last year, Sen. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Mesa and the next leader of the Arizona Senate, pushed for an insurgent idea — the elimination of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program.
Senate Republicans preparing to choose leaders
Republican senators who prevailed in yesterday’s elections caucus will meet this afternoon in Phoenix to elect their next set of leaders.
Pierce gaining more votes for Senate president
Two Republican senators yesterday pledged to support Sen. Steve Pierce’s bid to remain as Senate leader, joining four others who earlier said they’ll vote for him or are expected to back the sitting president.
GOP effort gets 3 Libertarians removed from Arizona ballot
Three Libertarian candidates have been knocked off the ballot – thinning competition for the potential tough November elections – thanks to efforts by the Arizona Republican Party.
Capitol Quotes: March 30, 2012
This week’s most outstanding quips, jibes and utterances.
Advocates of contraception opt-out revive bill
Supporters of a controversial proposal that would allow any employer with a religious objection to deny contraception coverage to workers successfully revived the legislation a day after critics defeated it in the Senate.
Senate OKs recall elections overhaul
The Senate today approved legislation that could make it more difficult for voters to remove lawmakers from office. The measure stems from the defeat of then-Sen. Russell Pearce, the architect of SB1070 and major anti-illegal immigration laws in Arizona, following a successful recall effort last year.
Bill restricting HOA parking authority advances

The Senate on Thursday approved a proposal to prohibit homeowner associations from regulating public roadways that are owned by a government entity. But both Democratic and Republican legislators also opposed it, which showed that issues dealing with homeowners associations often transcend political boundaries.
Legislature’s reputation for tort reform continues to grow
Two bills last week took one more step down the path to bolstering our state’s reputation for enjoying a legal environment that is welcoming to business. One bill got the headlines, but they’re both an important component of Arizona’s ongoing civil justice reform efforts.
Republican angst over redistricting decision not enough to force direct elections of judges
Republican anger against the Arizona Supreme Court over its ruling in last year’s redistricting case is fierce, but wasn’t enough to push through a trio of bills that sought to retaliate against the judiciary, including the perennial conservative goal of forcing the direct election of judges.
School lunch opt-out stirring emotional debate
Despite stiff opposition from teachers and health advocates, the Republican-led Senate is pushing ahead with a bill that would give schools the ability to opt out of the federal school lunch program, which provides free or reduced-price meals to low-income pupils.
Panel rejects recommendation to mandate smoking cessation coverage
A joint legislative panel today refused to recommend a proposal that would require insurance companies to cover programs to help people stop smoking.
