Schools, prisons, welfare seeking bigger slice of the pie
As the mad scramble to craft the state’s spending plan begins, policymakers are quickly realizing that they have precious little money – an estimated $24 million – to spend, and not nearly enough even for their highest priorities.
Schools prepare to implement Common Core without new funding
Funding Common Core was one of the few budget priorities Gov. Jan Brewer didn’t achieve last session, leaving school districts to carry out the new standards while still using old textbooks and materials.
GOP lawmakers’ anger at Brewer may not last
The rage and indignation that many GOP lawmakers directed at Gov. Jan Brewer at the end of the legislative session may be nothing but a bad memory when the Legislature reconvenes next year.
Sooner or later, key bills likely to emerge from legislative limbo
Gov. Jan Brewer's moratorium on signing bills ensured that after the budget is finished and before lawmakers adjourn, a flurry of legislation will head her way.
Many of the proposals stuck in the pipeline can be rolled into the budget, but others are non-budgetary changes in statutes that need only a few final actions, and a vote, to be sent to the governor when she is ready to receive bi[...]
Heroes and traitors: Medicaid debate forces lawmakers to take sides on budget
When discussing the progress made in budget negotiations so far this year, Senate President Andy Biggs reminded the Arizona Capitol Times that patience is a virtue.