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Arizona’s feuding with feds is as old as the state – but sharper than ever
WASHINGTON – Lots of states feud with the federal government. But Arizona has become something of a poster child of late. Gov. Jan Brewer’s finger-wagging tarmac confrontation with President Barack Obama made national news in January. Her subsequent nomination to a Time magazine online poll of the 100 most influential people in the world was evidence, the magazine said, that “Arizona has [...]
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.
Traffic engineers: intersection bill safety concerns overblown
Despite safety concerns that some police officers have raised about changing the definition of intersections in Arizona, traffic engineers from the state’s two largest metro areas said small changes to traffic light timing should address at least some of those concerns.
Lawmakers, Brewer plan $50M sweep of money intended for foreclosure crisis
Housing advocacy organizations are crying foul over a proposed sweep of $50 million from a multistate mortgage settlement, and one group is threatening to sue to stop Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature from taking the money intended to ease the effects of a foreclosure crisis that hit Arizona harder than nearly any other state.
New Ariz. bill on electronic billboards approved
Arizona legislators have approved a negotiated compromise to allow electronic billboards in some parts of the state but not others where astronomy observatories are located.
Lawmakers expected to pass budget Tuesday, then tackle Brewer’s personnel agenda
The Republican-led Legislature plans to approve an $8.6 billion spending plan for the state on Tuesday, shortly after Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders sealed a budget agreement last week.
High Court to decide whether to collect DNA from juveniles
The Arizona Supreme Court is going to decide whether it is an unreasonable search to collect DNA from juveniles accused of committing murder, sex crimes and burglaries.
Bills stacking up after Brewer threatens mass vetoes
The 2012 session appears to be in its final days, but some of the biggest pieces of legislation this year — including Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to make it easier to fire state employees — remain stuck at the state Capitol.
The glut of measures yet to be passed — or in some cases held by legislative leaders — is at least partially a result of an embargo on sending bills to the[...]
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[...]
Republicans file 2 lawsuits challenging redistricting maps
Republican critics of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission will file two lawsuits that seek to force the redrawing of the commission’s approved legislative and congressional districts.
Legal experts see Supreme Court upholding core of SB1070
Legal experts are predicting a mixed ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on SB1070, which could leave the bill’s core provisions in place while sending others to the scrap heap.
Pearce would consider accepting state reimbursement for recall
Former Senate President Russell Pearce says he would consider accepting a $260,000 reimbursement from the state for the expenses of his recall election if his allies in the Legislature are successful in securing the money for him.
