Naimark, others blast GOP priorities in state budget

Advocates for more funding for social programs today panned Republicans for their priorities in the recently-enacted state budget.

GOP lawmakers approve $8.6B spending plan (updated)

Republican leaders quickly consolidated support behind an $8.6 billion budget plan and gave it final approval today, less than a week after finally reaching a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer.

The spending plan is a product of a session-long negotiation between Brewer and legislative leaders, and the give-and-take between the two sides is palpable throughout the budget document.

Budget doc reveals money stashed for ‘rainy days’ ahead

Lawmakers and the governor plan to set aside $450 million to offset anticipated deficits in the state budget in two years.

That’s money that won’t be available for critical needs now, but depositing it in the state’s “rainy day” fund reaffirms a fiscally conservative outlook that has dominated the Capitol following the fiscal crisis that led to several years of incessant budge[...]

Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done

Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.

Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]

Line in the sand

Republican governor and GOP Legislature are digging in for long budget fight

Legislature introduces budget after negotiation non-starter with Brewer

Legislative leaders are pushing ahead with their budget proposal after efforts to get the governor involved have failed.

But in going ahead, lawmakers risk alienating Gov. Jan Brewer, who has a competing budget plan.

The move could also spur the sides to begin meeting on the state’s spending plan.

In looming budget fight, Pierce says GOP caucus is ‘further to the right’ than Brewer realizes

The political tango over the shape of the state’s budget for the next few years has begun.

Legislative leaders met with Gov. Jan Brewer Tuesday, but the two sides couldn’t yet agree on how to proceed with crafting the state’s spending plan.

Brewer to release proposal for new Arizona budget

Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday releases her new budget proposal, one expected to largely hold the line on most state spending after several years of cuts.

Brewer wants Arizona to repurchase state buildings

Gov. Jan Brewer said Monday that Arizona should celebrate the its approaching Feb. 14 centennial and the state's improving finances by buying back several high-profile state buildings that were sold to close earlier budget shortfalls.

Jim Small: Arizonans could expect even more budget cuts

Arizona News Service Editor Jim Small talks about the additional budget cuts that Arizonans could end up seeing in the near future.

Pearce: Senate plans Ariz. budget action Wednesday

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce says the Senate will act Wednesday on a proposed state budget even though it doesn't have an agreement with Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.

Arizona’s economy recovering – but still bad

Arizona's economy has been so bad for so long that economists now say conditions that would have been alarming in the past are now seen as good news.