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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.
GOP lawmakers turn to Dems; joint proposal in works
After budget negotiations with Republican Gov. Jan Brewer disintegrated last week when she vetoed a series of budget bills and line-item-vetoed other approved spending, Republican legislative leaders are inviting their Democratic colleagues to the table in the hopes of hammering out a deal.
Brewer: Five-way talks with Dems a possibility
Gov. Jan Brewer left open the possibility that she would be open to five-way talks on the budget crisis with Republican and Democratic caucuses from both legislative chambers, but put the onus on lawmakers for opening the door to those discussions.
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.
News Notes: Meetings
After lunch, Brewer went to Adams’ office for more discussions. Burns joined them for a short time. As he left, he let it be known that his preference at this point is to transmit the June 4 budget without the trailers and let her deal with it.
Stopgap plan would keep Arizona government running
Key Arizona lawmakers are drafting emergency legislation that could be used to keep state government going temporarily even if a new budget isn't approved in time - but not for all of state government nor for very long.
Supreme Court case threatens further damage to strained relationship
The tension between Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature has been obvious for months while the two branches of government slugged it out over budget cuts and tax hikes. But the governor's decision to sue legislative leaders in the state Supreme Court has some wondering whether their relationship will be able to survive the strain.
News Notes: Budget deal close
Insiders told our reporter today that a budget deal with Brewer is "very close." The source would not discuss details of any potential compromises, but said that another three-party session is planned for today.
News Notes: Nutri-sweet for a tax hike
During this morning's breakfast forum (June 23), Rep. John Kavanagh said there may be enough GOP support in the Legislature to refer Brewer's temporary sales tax hike to the ballot if fiscal conservatives get something to "sweeten the deal" in return.
News Notes: Budgeteering
Capitol chatter continues to be that a budget deal is “close,” though none of the principals are talking about which issues have been agreed to and what compromises have been... […]
News Notes: Negotiation gap closing
The two sides continue to inch closer to an agreement, sources within the majority caucuses told our reporter today. K-12 and VLT funding are still the major stumbling block(s). Otherwise,... […]
