‘Perfect storm’ slows historically fast Phoenix tourism recovery
Phoenix area’s recovery time after the slump in tourism following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was among the top five fastest of major metropolitan areas in the nation. But recovering to peak tourism levels following the economic crash of 2008 has proven much more difficult.
AG wants $420,000 for county to patrol Colorado City
Attorney General Tom Horne is going to ask the Legislature for money for a Mohave County Sheriff’s deputy to patrol Colorado City now that a bill inspired by corruption of the polygamist town’s police force died unceremoniously in the Senate.
Legislation slows as bickering continues over Medicaid expansion, other key bills
The legislative process at the Arizona Capitol has slowed to a crawl in recent weeks after Gov. Jan Brewer warned lawmakers to focus on her own legislative priorities, first and foremost Medicaid expansion.
Arizona education system in desperate need of overhaul
Living in Arizona for over 30 years I have come to love many aspects of our great state. One area that greatly concerns me, however, is the performance of our education system. Rather than just complain about it, I’ve devoted more than 20 years to reforming K-12 education.
New report describes Arizona Legislature as ALEC stronghold, but grip may be slipping
Arizona is a hotbed of activity from the American Legislative Exchange Council, according to a new report that contends the group wines and dines Arizona lawmakers, hoping they will introduce ALEC model legislation to benefit corporate interests.
Standing on principle can be costly
In the debate over Medicaid expansion, the ace up the sleeve of expansion advocates is federal largesse. The federal health care law requires states to eventually cover 10 percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid eligibility; but for the next three years 100 percent of the cost is covered by the federal treasury.
Governor’s Medicaid expansion plan affirms the will of voters
Arizonans are watching as the misinformed rhetoric and vitriol obfuscate an issue that close to a million voters made perfectly clear they support. . .twice.
Mayo Clinic backs Brewer; Scottsdale Healthcare on the fence
One of two hospitals that held out support for Gov. Jan Brewer’s Medicaid expansion plan out of concerns the proposed hospital tax would cost more than they would get back is officially on board.
Navajo president signs off on $2.3M mine study
The Navajo Nation will spend $2.3 million to study the purchase of a coal mine in the Four Corners region.
Brewer signs bill speeding child custody hearings
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a bill designed to force judges to hold initial child custody hearings faster, generally within 60 days.
Regents approve tuition hikes at Arizona universities
The Arizona Board of Regents on Thursday approved tuition increases at the state's three public universities and directed staff to explore legal options to reduce tuition for some immigrants.
Governor says new law is first step in dealing with school isolation rooms
Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill into law Wednesday requiring parental consent for unruly school children to be placed in isolation rooms.
Brewer said in a letter to the Legislature’s leaders and bill’s sponsor that the new law, passed as HB2476, is just the starting point in deciding policy on the use of the rooms.