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State lawmakers demanding feds handover land
Another "sagebrush rebellion" is brewing with Arizona possibly laying claim to 25 million acres of federal land. Supporters of the modern day land grab say federal agencies have mismanaged the land and blocked access to natural resources while depriving the state of jobs and revenue from businesses ready to develop those resources.
Senate approves bill for public lands fight
The Arizona Senate has approved legislation that attempts to force the federal government to hand over control of public lands in the state. A majority of the land in Arizona is controlled by federal agencies, but some state lawmakers say the state would be a better manager of that land.
Lawmakers pick fight with feds over public lands
Some Western lawmakers are pushing for a showdown with Washington over federally-controlled land, picking a fight on an issue that they say puts an economic stranglehold on their states.
Bill seeks state backing for business loans
Proponents of a bill that would use state tax credits to encourage lenders to open their wallets for small businesses say they can help struggling entrepreneurs get access to much needed capital without invoking the most dreaded phrase in the debate over government incentives — “picking winners and losers.”
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.
onlinetax.fight
In July, Gov. Jan Brewer celebrated the announcement that Amazon.com was planning to open a new distribution center in the state, calling the move proof that Arizona is open for business.
Now, lawmakers are telling Amazon that since they have distribution centers here, they should be required to collect and pay sales tax to the state.
The mixed message is the latest chapter i[...]
Lawmakers, retailers pushing online sales tax
Shoppers who dodge sales taxes by turning to the Internet may see their options begin to narrow if a measure in the Arizona Senate becomes law.
Let communities make decision on nuclear waste storage
Recent articles about my proposed education fund and related spent nuclear fuel recycling program have produced some uninformed and negative reactionary responses. I urge everyone in the media, political arena and the voting public to educate themselves about this important subject.
Sen. Smith makes way for Melvin; will run in House
Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican from Maricopa, has reached a deal with a colleague to run for the House, a move that avoids what could have been a bruising primary slugfest for the Senate seat.
Senate panel OKs bill to create state militia for border security, disasters
A Senate panel today approved a proposal to create an armed militia that could be deployed to the Mexican border and support local governments combat the drug cartels.
Melvin eyeing nuke facilities for school funding
Sen. Al Melvin is hoping there is a dual solution to the problems facing K-12 schools and nuclear power plants, and he wants Arizona to take advantage of the opportunity.
Nuclear plants need a place to store waste and reprocess spent fuel, and Melvin thinks Arizona would be ideal. And if Arizona became home to such a site, Melvin said it could be used to fund schools.
Year in Review: Most quotable quotes of 2011
January “Though I have nothing against our current system of succession for the secretary of state to become governor, I can tell you from experience that there’s nothing like an... […]
