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Lobbyist gift ban crusader accepts gifts from lobbyist
Since getting caught up in the Fiesta Bowl scandal of 2011, Democratic Sen. Steve Gallardo has been the Capitol’s gift ban crusader, repeatedly introducing legislation to make it illegal for lawmakers to take free tickets or meals from lobbyists.
Senate gives preliminary approval to Medicaid expansion
A block of five Republican senators joined forces with Senate Democrats on May 16 to wrest control of the chamber from Sen. President Andy Biggs and provide momentum to Gov. Brewer’s proposal to expand Medicaid in Arizona.
Arizona Senate Democrats: we won’t stall Medicaid debate
Senate Minority Leader Leah Landrum Taylor says she doesn't want Democrats to reject a plan to expand Medicaid access if they don't get their way on other issues.
Arizona Senate vote expected on Medicaid expansion
An historic vote on whether to embrace a signature part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul is expected Thursday in the Arizona Senate.
McComish becomes key player in Medicaid expansion drama
Senators are prepped for a lengthy floor debate on the GOP-led budget plan and a wildly anticipated fight to add Gov. Jan Brewer’s Medicaid expansion proposal to the mix against the objection of most Senate Republicans.
Ten budget bills cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee, many by 6-3 party line votes, and the Rules Committee on Wednesday afternoon. That paves the way for lawmaker[...]
Senate leaders move to revive election bills
Arizona Senate leaders resurrected a handful of election bills Tuesday that had been stalled amid opposition from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups worried about voter disenfranchisement.
Biggs’ budget plan does not include Brewer’s Medicaid expansion
Senate President Andy Biggs stepped forward Tuesday with a budget proposal similar to the one offered by Gov. Jan Brewer in January, but it defiantly does not include her Medicaid expansion plan.
Bill on politicians’ pensions passes AZ Senate
A bill backed by top Republicans in the Arizona Legislature that replaces pensions for new judges and other elected officials with a 401(k)-style retirement plan passed the Arizona Senate on the second try Wednesday.
Some ‘dead’ bills get a 2nd chance, but tactic doesn’t always work
More than a dozen bills have been reconsidered on the floors of the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives after their earlier demise, and while most have passed when given a second thought, a few have stalled or met another death by vote.
Opposition to Medicaid expansion is real
Since January, many of us at the state Capitol have been trying to determine a common-sense way to approach reliable health care for our neediest citizens. It is clear that a full expansion of our Medicaid program to 133 percent above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will add 400,000 patients or more to an already overloaded system. After carefully studying this complex issue, I have determined the[...]
Arizona Senate kills recall overhaul bill
The Arizona Senate has struck down an effort that would make it harder for voters to recall unpopular incumbents in a rare move that saw Republicans join Democrats against a GOP priority designed to protect lawmakers, and possibly, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
AZ Senate revives vetoed medical care pricing bill
The Arizona Senate voted Monday to revive the major provisions of a medical pricing transparency bill that was vetoed by Gov. Jan Brewer just last week.
