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Lawmaker’s next focus: Brewer’s personnel overhaul
After wrapping up work on the budget, senators immediately turned their attention to a sweeping proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer to overhaul the rules that govern state employees.
GOP lawmakers approve $8.6B spending plan (updated)
Republican leaders quickly consolidated support behind an $8.6 billion budget plan and gave it final approval today, less than a week after finally reaching a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer.
The spending plan is a product of a session-long negotiation between Brewer and legislative leaders, and the give-and-take between the two sides is palpable throughout the budget document.
Lawmakers, Brewer plan $50M sweep of money intended for foreclosure crisis
Housing advocacy organizations are crying foul over a proposed sweep of $50 million from a multistate mortgage settlement, and one group is threatening to sue to stop Gov. Jan Brewer and the Legislature from taking the money intended to ease the effects of a foreclosure crisis that hit Arizona harder than nearly any other state.
Lawmakers expected to pass budget Tuesday, then tackle Brewer’s personnel agenda
The Republican-led Legislature plans to approve an $8.6 billion spending plan for the state on Tuesday, shortly after Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders sealed a budget agreement last week.
Bills stacking up after Brewer threatens mass vetoes
The 2012 session appears to be in its final days, but some of the biggest pieces of legislation this year — including Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to make it easier to fire state employees — remain stuck at the state Capitol.
The glut of measures yet to be passed — or in some cases held by legislative leaders — is at least partially a result of an embargo on sending bills to the[...]
Budget doc reveals money stashed for ‘rainy days’ ahead
Lawmakers and the governor plan to set aside $450 million to offset anticipated deficits in the state budget in two years.
That’s money that won’t be available for critical needs now, but depositing it in the state’s “rainy day” fund reaffirms a fiscally conservative outlook that has dominated the Capitol following the fiscal crisis that led to several years of incessant budge[...]
GOP compromise budget gives $450M to rainy day fund, $7M to tourism
As Republican lawmakers begin to receive briefings on the budget deal that GOP leaders and the Governor’s Office agreed to in principle April 25, details are beginning to emerge.
The major sticking point between the two sides has been revenue projections — not just for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, but also for the following two years. Though Gov. Jan Brewer had bee[...]
Republican budget talks moving again
Gov. Jan Brewer and legislative leaders resumed talks on the budget Thursday, three days after the governor told them to stop sending her bills until they get the state’s spending plan completed.
The meeting seemed to reaffirm the two sides’ commitment to negotiate the state budget within the Republican Party. The meeting came as some GOP lawmakers considered the possibility of join[...]
Republicans mulling Dem alliance after veto threat
After weeks of budget talks with no agreement in sight, Gov. Jan Brewer gave legislative leaders an ultimatum, telling them she would veto bills until work on the state’s spending plan is complete.
But rather than force a quicker budget resolution, it could result in more heartburn between the two sides. In fact, there were indications some Republicans might be taking a look at abando[...]
Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done
Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.
Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]
Brewer draws line on budget with Tucson bill veto
Gov. Jan Brewer used a veto of a Tucson development district bill to send a lengthy message to legislators about her budget priorities. Brewer's letter explaining the veto Monday of the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District says it is unwise to approve legislation with spending or tax changes before there's agreement on a new state budget.
Hospital group to announce plans over lawsuit it filed against state
The CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association is holding a press briefing with Senate President Steve Pierce today about the lawsuit it filed against the state over cuts in reimbursements to health providers.
