Will the honeymoon last? Agreement between Ducey, lawmakers could signal quick session
People scoffed when Senate President Andy Biggs said he wanted a 65-day legislative session in 2015. That may be overly optimistic, but if the first two weeks of the session are indicative of how he, his fellow Republican lawmakers and new Gov. Doug Ducey are getting along in budget negotiations, the session and the budget may be headed toward relatively swift resolutions.
Ducey, GOP legislative leaders present united front on budget
As Gov. Doug Ducey prepares to unveil his first executive budget proposal, he and Republican legislative leaders stood together to show a united front as they tackle Arizona’s fiscal crisis.
Biggs blasts Dems for badmouthing GOP education cuts
The state’s top Senate Republican on Friday accused Democrats of hampering the state’s recovery by complaining about the state’s public education system.
Ducey to be sworn in as Arizona’s 23rd governor today
Republican Doug Ducey becomes Arizona's 23rd governor today, ascending to the ninth floor of the state Capitol's executive tower amid the challenge of overcoming a budget shortfall while enacting an agenda that won him voter approval.
Brewer leaving legacy of fighting Obama, federal government
Gov. Jan Brewer fought President Barack Obama on immigration and border security for most of her tenure, earning national prominence by enacting tough laws that were mainly struck down by the courts and famously wagging her finger in the president's face during a meeting on an airport tarmac.
Ohio governor stumps for constitutional convention in Arizona
Ohio Gov. John Kasich met with Arizona lawmakers Wednesday morning, urging them to pass a resolution calling for a balanced federal budget.
Lawmakers consider a more deliberate approach to solving latest budget crisis
With hardly time to pause, policymakers lunged from one budget solution to another at the height of the recent fiscal crisis, spawning a chaotic period of accounting gimmicks, borrowing and budget slashing.
Don’t get your hopes up
The Republic’s Joanna Allhands suggested in her column today that Biggs is willing to talk tax increases. Allhands said Biggs told the paper’s editorial board yesterday that policymakers must have a deep and transparent discussion about what government does and how its operations are funded.
House, Senate committee assignments announced
House and Senate leadership announced committee assignments Wednesday afternoon, setting the stage for the 2015 Legislative Session.
New faces are headed for budget negotiating table
Lawmakers get a fresh start in budget negotiations come January, when the next legislative session kicks off with new blood in two of three key leadership posts at the Capitol.
House GOP selects David Gowan as next speaker
Arizona House Republicans who won their elections met this afternoon to select a new leadership team, and chose Republican Rep. David Gowan of Sierra Vista for speaker of the House.
AZ Senate GOP chooses new leaders
After successfully defending seats in crucial races, Republicans today met behind closed doors to pick next year’s Senate leaders.