State Republicans want party affiliation on ballots for school board candidates
Does the political affiliation of a school board candidate matter? Legislative Republicans think so. And now they want to make sure that voters know which party those candidates are registered […]
Senate approves raising wages to $48,000 for legislators
Sen. John Kavanagh says he simply wants to ask voters to ensure that what is being paid to lawmakers keeps pace with inflation. But the measure that the Fountain Hills […]
Ethics complaints, resignations add to a contentious legislative session in 2024
A slate of ethics investigations and resignations of Arizona lawmakers surfaced during the 2024 legislative session.
Departing lawmakers offer advice to newcomers
Some soon-to-be former lawmakers recently offered advice to the incoming legislators on a number of topics ranging from working across the aisle to pass a bill to the challenges of working in committees.
Legislature 2024: Republicans end year with expanded majority in both legislative chambers
For the first time since 2020, one party in the Arizona legislature has expanded its stronghold.
Lawmakers must learn from our own mistakes
Looking ahead to next year’s session, I hope my colleagues will join me in taking stock of the challenges we faced this year and adjust our course to better serve Arizonans. The future of our state depends on our ability to put partisanship aside and work together to find solutions that lay the groundwork for a prosperous and equitable future for all.
Here’s what is delaying the end of the legislative session
The failure of state lawmakers to wrap up their business by now is going to hit them in the pockets – some harder than others.
Legislators want to extend life of dirty coal plants on ratepayer expense
HB2646 ignores what data have made clear — coal is steadily declining and planning a transition to clean energy is urgently needed. Until that happens, ratepayers will bear the burden of the high cost of coal seen reflected in utility bills that will keep climbing. It’s up to Arizonans to implore our legislators to vote against HB2646, and for our state senators to listen to their constituents[...]
High turnover new trend at Arizona Legislature
Since the 2022 election, 10% of Arizona’s lawmakers have vacated the seats they were elected to. Â
Criminalizing deepfakes will censor political speech
Serving a hard time for spoofing a politician is draconian. The Arizona legislature should have found a middle ground. Otherwise, this law restricts free expression. There is nothing more un-American than censoring criticism of politicians. The fear of emerging technologies is no excuse to trample free speech.Â
LGBTQ youth represent disproportionate number of homeless
The Legislature must begin to create and pass legislation that is specifically focused on alleviating issues faced by homeless youth, specifically LGBTQ homeless youth. They must also attempt to address the root causes that lead to such a disproportionate amount of queer youth living on the street.
Arizona could become latest state to ban attendance-related suspensions
An Arizona lawmaker is again trying to bar schools from using out-of-school suspensions to punish students who miss class, arguing the strategy is not only ineffective but harmful.