A House panel has given its approval to the main component of the budget agreement that GOP leaders negotiated with Gov. Jan Brewer, though the day's work is far from over.

“I want you to know that the events that led to Kerry’s death are very rare, and that she would not want you to worry. Hug your family and cherish the miracle of life, but don’t worry.” — State Treasurer ...

Republican leaders and Gov. Jan Brewer have apparently reached an agreement to fix a $650-million hole in the fiscal 2009 budget.

A legislative panel may have spent the better part of seven hours debating, amending and approving a package of budget bills, but that doesn't mean action on a plan to solve a roughly $3 billion deficit is imminent. Rather, many lawmakers say the significance of the committee's work is that it sets the stage for progress to be made.