Tucson gun store owner cancels Kelly’s AR-15 buy
TUCSON ai??i?? The owner of a Tucson gun store where former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' husband purchased a semi-automatic rifle has canceled the transaction.
Let’s stop funding reckless GOP officials
As a precinct committeewoman from Legislative District 28 in North Central Phoenix, I was once again dismayed and insulted by my own party’s actions. The party faithful toils so hard while party officials squander their labor on undisciplined, mean-spirited name-calling that serves no other purpose than to bolster big egos and small ideas.
Smaller financial institutions look to single, branded checking account to expand
In 2012, credit unions nationwide added 2 million new customers, earned a higher rate of return on their assets and saw delinquency rates decline compared to 2011. The improving economy has contributed to their success, but they say the growth is also a result of their determination to grow.
Judge partially tosses 2011 pension reductions for sitting judges
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that a law reducing pension benefits for members of the judiciary violates the Arizona Constitution, but only for those who were on the bench before 2000.
Carmona joins board of e-cigarette company
Former U.S. surgeon general Dr. Richard Carmona, who highlighted the dangers of secondhand smoke and supported a ban on all tobacco products, is joining the board of directors for NJOY Inc., the nation's leading electronic cigarette company ai??i?? a move that could bring increased legitimacy to e-cigarettes as a viable alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Bill requires parents to get ex’s OK to move
A proposal moving though the Arizona Legislature would require a divorced mother or father who wants to move to file court notices and give a 60 day notice to the parent who doesn't have custody.
Arizona bill would expand library privacy law
A bill advancing in the Arizona Legislature would add protections for ebook readers under the state's existing library privacy law.
Sales tax reform struggles, but supporters urge action this year
Gov. Jan Brewer and some Arizona lawmakers are determined to pass her plan to simplify the state’s tax code this year, but municipalities are just as determined to delay at least one portion of the governor’s proposal that they argue could do irreparable harm to their finances.
Obstacles hold up bills that seemed bound for success
Many notable bills that seemed on their way to success this session suddenly faltered — sometimes for personal reasons, sometimes for ideological reasons and sometimes because there just wasn’t enough time to smooth out the details.
Senate split leaves little room for error
Unlike the supermajority Senate Republicans enjoyed under the leadership of Russell Pearce and Steve Pierce in 2011 and 2012, Senate President Andy Biggs has been forced to work with the chamber’s slimmest majority in years, leaving little room for error on the Senate floor.
Legislature lags behind on budget negotiations — and forecast is not optimistic
The Legislature is well past the midway point of an ideal 100-day session. But with several big issues still hanging in the air, and not even a legislative budget proposal drafted, finishing the session promises to be anything but quick and easy.
Capitol Quotes: March 22, 2013
The most outstanding quips, gibes and utterances to emerge from the political debate in Arizona this week.