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Federal, state laws at odds on lobbyist political contributions
To curtail the inappropriate influence of money in politics, Arizona law prohibits lobbyists from contributing to lawmakers’ campaign committees while the Legislature is in session.
Senate Democrats regroup in brutal aftermath of leadership change
On the surface, all appeared well among Democrats in the Senate. The 13-member minority caucus had a common cause to unite around in Medicaid expansion during the 2013 legislative session and was able to form a new majority in the Senate chamber by joining forces with a few breakaway Republican lawmakers.
Predicting Brewer vetoes is difficult; reasons vary
Figuring out how to avoid Gov. Jan Brewer’s veto pen is a guessing game that leaves even some of the most seasoned veterans at the Capitol perplexed.
Many lawmakers and lobbyists say there are no hard and fast guidelines for avoiding a veto from a governor who vetoed 91 bills in her first four legislative sessions.
It’s curtains for film tax credit bill
Political realities at the state Capitol have forced the film industry and its allies to abandon the push to create a tax credit program aimed at luring productions to Arizona.
New push at Capitol to outlaw electronic cigarettes for kids
To a state senator, nicotine is nicotine regardless of whether the product delivering it is chewed, smoked or inhaled as mist, and all forms should be illegal for minors.
Despite losing more than half of its budget, Tourism Office remains optimistic
Despite losing about 65 percent of its budget in the midst of a severe statewide economic crunch, the outlook at the Arizona Office of Tourism seems as bright as the Arizona sun.
UpClose with Barry Aarons
Barry Aarons' bow tie and signature mustache makes him one of the most recognizable lobbyists in the Capitol. He is also one of the most articulate, which he says is because he spends so much time studying the issues.
Lobbyists lower expectations, mainly look to protect clients
So far this year, some lobbyists haven't even bothered to ask lawmakers to introduce a bill on their behalf. Others have big goals, despite the widespread perception that lawmakers will be focused almost entirely on the budget deficit.
Burns Strikes Back
Senate President Bob Burns has sent a message to Senate Republicans: Fall in line or get out of the way.
AZ lobbyists run through $3.5M in 2008
Last year represented bad times for the United States economy, but the financial reverberations generally weren’t felt in Arizona’s lobbying community, though 2009 might be a different story.
A session to remember – even if you don’t want to
The wear and tear of the 2009 session was visible on the faces of virtually every legislator, lobbyist and staffer at the Capitol, leaving little doubt that this year will be etched into the memories of those who watched it.
