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Lawmakers from both parties criticize Brewer’s budget action
The governor’s actions on the state budget drew jeers from both Republicans and Democrats, but for wildly different reasons. House Speaker Kirk Adams and Senate President Bob Burns, both Republicans, said Gov. Jan Brewer increased state spending by more than $350 million with her line-item-vetoes of cuts to K-12 education and the Department of Economic Security, which provides benefits for Arizo[...]
Proposed sales tax hike blocks budget deal
With the clock ticking, lawmakers and the governor held a series of closed-door meetings leading up to the Sept. 5 deadline for action on a slate of budget bills. But the negotiations did not produce the outcome Gov. Jan Brewer had desired - a bipartisan coalition of support for a special election to temporarily raise the sales tax to help balance the budget.
Deal or no deal?
With three days left until the governor needs to act on the budget, Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia, Sen. President Bob Burns and Gov. Jan Brewer met again this morning on the ninth floor to discuss a proposal laid out by Senate Democrats...
Garcia: Budget talks ‘still alive’
Bipartisan budget talks took place Sept. 1 - but only between Senate leaders and the governor.
Capitol Quotes 8/28
“I think everyone knows she is adamant about getting her referral.” – Senate President Bob Burns, explaining the decision to adjourn the special session and begin bipartisan talks to work... […]
Burns appoints Leff as Senate president pro tem
Senate President Bob Burns has appointed a Paradise Valley Republican to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. Sen. Barbara Leff replaced Sen. Steve Pierce, the majority whip.
Pie in the sky?
It seems everyone who is involved in the five -party talks is maintaining a very effective press silence. Much of the information about the meetings comes second- or third-hand from lawmakers who talk with or are briefed by one of the principals.
Lawmakers adjourn sine die; questions loom
The Arizona Legislature ended its special legislative session at 1:42 p.m. Aug. 25, although it may be a short-lived break from the Capitol. "Well, I'll see you next week," Rep. Warde Nichols, a Gilbert Republican, said as he prepared to leave the House of Representatives.
Five-way talks unproductive so far
Republican and Democratic leaders met with Gov. Jan Brewer on Aug. 21, the first such meeting during the special session that the governor called in order for the Legislature to pass a budget packet that includes her proposal for a sales tax referral.
Verschoor to head Arizona Budget Commission
Senate President Bob Burns has appointed a Gilbert Republican to head a new commission aimed at streamlining the organization, operation and costs of state agencies. Sen. Thayer Verschoor will lead the Arizona Budget Commission for the duration of the 49th Legislature. No other members were announced.
Courting Democrats – one at a time
Running out of time and options, Republican leadership in the Senate has turned its attention to a handful of Democrats to cajole their support for a ballot referral on a sales tax increase.
New target date for budget: Aug. 20
Arizona lawmakers are planning to send a set of budget bills to the Governor's Office on Aug. 20, after a short floor session today that ended without any action. But that budget plan will not include the proposal for a sales tax referral, something that Gov. Jan Brewer has insisted on for months.
