GOP official: Party considering changes in debates
A Republican National Committee official says party leaders are troubled by the staging of recent presidential debates and are interested in having the party take control of the events for the 2016 election cycle.
Farewell, special plates? Panel advances bill that would scrap most
A House panel endorsed a bill Thursday that would put the brakes on many of the special license plates that allow Arizonans to display support for various causes.
Legislature’s reputation for tort reform continues to grow
Two bills last week took one more step down the path to bolstering our state’s reputation for enjoying a legal environment that is welcoming to business. One bill got the headlines, but they’re both an important component of Arizona’s ongoing civil justice reform efforts.
Don’t give redistricting back to the Legislature
Five pieces of new legislation introduced by House Speaker Andy Tobin have taken power-grabbing to a whole new level, and would set redistricting back to a time of shadowy legislative deals. We could start by asking the now worn-out phrase, “What part of independent does the Arizona House not understand?”
Original Arizonans Tribal leaders weigh in on state’s first 100 years
American Indians lived, worked and played in the verdant valleys, harsh deserts and lush high Ponderosa pine forests of Arizona centuries before Anglos set foot in the state. Although Anglos’ relationship with tribes hasn’t always been smooth, Native Americans have contributed much to the state as it has grown up during its first 100 years.
Arizona at 100 A high-tech powerhouse of scenic vistas, natural resources and recreation
From the day that Arizona became a state on Feb. 14, 1912, its boundaries have remained unchanged, but if not for some political gamesmanship, today’s Grand Canyon State would have had a remarkably different portrait.
Union dues ban advances, but other bills appear to stall
A proposal to outlaw automatic salary deductions for public union dues – unless workers expressly authorize them annually – survived a vigorous Senate debate on Thursday, and was passed by a vote of 19-11.
The bill, championed by Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, is headed for the House for further action, but other measures that would fundamentally weaken public unions in Arizo[...]
Deal with the devil?
With fewer legislative candidates taking advantage of the statea��s public campaign finance system, the CCEC is putting its stamp of approval on legislation to greatly alter the scope and intentions of Clean Elections.
National Guard engaging clergy to help prevent service member, veteran suicide
Louise Wilson began worrying about a member of her church while volunteering with him at Phoenix Veterans Affairs Hospital. A veteran himself, the man seemed to compulsively arrange shampoo bottles they were distributing.
Bill would bar medical marijuana on campus
The Arizona House has given preliminary approval to a bill that bars medical marijuana cardholders from possessing or using marijuana on school campuses.
Measure to change recall elections fails committee
A state House committee has shot down a proposal giving voters the option to change recall elections in a way that could make it more difficult to vote an incumbent out of office.
Union-related bill gets Arizona Senate initial OK
The Arizona Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill that a critic called an attack on government employee unions.