Sign In
Free Newsletter
Burns contests Brewer’s comments on education funding
The verbal tussle between Gov. Jan Brewer and Senate President Bob Burns does not appear to have abated, even with a lull in activity at the Legislature. In a statement... […]
Dem leader says bipartisan budget talks will be ‘painful’
The overwhelming display of bipartisanship that kicked off the special legislative session when it convened July 6 may be a precursor of how lawmakers will work to patch the $2.5 billion hole in the budget, but to what extent Republicans and Democrats work together likely won't be known until later this month.
Capitol Quotes 7/10
“It’s a matter of teamwork. I just felt like we could maybe improve our teamwork through the leadership here.” – Senate President Bob Burns, on his decision to replace a... […]
Burns, Adams ask AZ high court to rethink budget ruling
In late June, the Arizona Supreme Court delivered what could be considered a draw for Gov. Jan Brewer and Republican legislative leadership, who argued over how long the Legislature can... […]
Burns strips Verschoor of leadership role, removes 2 from Rules panel
The president of the Arizona Senate has removed Thayer Verschoor from his leadership position, replacing him with a freshman lawmaker. Sen. Steve Pierce, a lawmaker from Prescott, was appointed July 8 to replace Verschoor as Senate President pro tempore, as well as on the six-member Senate Rules Committee.
Bipartisan budget talks begin
Legislative leaders from the two parties hunkered down July 8 to restart budget negotiations, marking the first meeting since the Legislature unanimously passed four budget bills two days before.
Unity among lawmakers sends strong message to Brewer
It was, without question, a strange set of circumstances that led to the unanimous approval of four budget bills on July 6. Four months of infighting among Republicans. A legal... […]
Non-budget bills also at Brewer’s mercy
With the passage of four budget bills late July 6, lawmakers and Governor Jan Brewer seem to be moving toward a deal on the state budget, however, the futures of more than 180 other pieces of legislation remain uncertain.
Lawmakers tackle education budget first
A veto last week of public school funding has left Arizona unable to receive a billion dollars in federal stimulus aid for education, but lawmakers are hoping to pass legislation today (July 6) to restore the funding and qualify for the federal money.
It got worse: Burns, Brewer engage in statement battle
It seems the cordial bickering is over now that Senate President Bob Burns has castigated Gov. Jan Brewer for “abusing the public” through the use of budget vetoes and for calling a... […]
News Notes: Adams not pleased
House Speaker Kirk Adams said Governor Brewer “absolutely” broke the budget deal she had agreed to by vetoing the trailer bills. He said the deal was that he and Senate President Bob Burns would do everything possible to round up the 31 and 16 needed for the tax referral, but that she was responsible for filling in the gaps if the votes couldn’t all be wrangled by leadership.
Democrats locked out until last minute
As the clock neared midnight with no budget yet in place, Gov. Jan Brewer turned to the Democrats for support. For Democrats, however, it was too little, too late.
