Hobbs, legislature should prioritize funding for Border Strike Task Force
As the head of agencies that benefit from the state investment in law enforcement activities related to border crime, the Arizona Sheriff’s Association members urge Gov. Katie Hobbs to consider the important work done using the border task force dollars that have gone for local law enforcement throughout the state.
Hobbs seeks ESA repeal in budget proposal, GOP offers ‘continuation’ with no new spending
Arizona’s Democratic governor and Republican-controlled legislature are on a collision course after they laid out diametrically opposed plans for the state budget this week.
Buu Nygren sworn in as next Navajo Nation president
Buu Nygren was sworn in Tuesday as the next president of the vast Navajo Nation, a job that will test his ability to make good on promises to deliver water, electricity and broadband to tens of thousands of residents who don't have it.
Schools will have to significantly cut spending unless lawmakers authorize use of current funds
Arizona schools across the state will have to cut their current spending by nearly 18% unless state lawmakers act to authorize them to actually use the money they already have.
ADEQ seeks $2M to fix problems, head off feds
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality wants more state money to address longstanding problems and to help keep the federal government from stepping in to regulate environmental issues in the state.
Special session pushed to avoid over $1B in school funding cuts
Democrats and public school officials are again asking Gov. Doug Ducey to call a special legislative session to avoid over $1 billion in K-12 funding cuts this school year, months after Republicans used the promise of a special session as a carrot to bring Democrats on board with this year’s historic bipartisan budget.
Gov. Doug Ducey shares accomplishments of session
Gov. Doug Ducey said the Educational Savings Accounts that were approved last session were among the legislation he is most proud of from the last session.
House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding touts bipartisan budget, water deal, among biggest accomplishments
House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen, is pleased that what he called the "first true bipartisan budget since Governor Napolitano" was passed by state lawmakers last session. He also is happy that a historic water deal was approved, along with tribal gaming and a special session was held on wildfires during his last two years as House minority leader. the first true bipartisan budget[...]
Senate President Fann rides out highs, lows of Covid pandemic, protests, critical bills
Senate President Karen Fann said it has been a huge honor serving as president in the Senate. She is only the second female Senate president in Arizona. Fann said some highlights of the past session for her include lawmakers passing a water bill, as well as a bipartisan budget and a K-12 base funding increase.
House Speaker Bowers reflects on session’s successes, work to come
Republican House Speaker Rusty Bowers said it was a "blessing" to be forced to have to work with Democrats on bills involving education, water and other issues in the past legislative session.
Lawmakers, Ducey should be proud of state budget
Major budget accomplishments were achieved as real investments in dealing with critical water needs, transportation infrastructure, pension debt payoffs, Rainy Day Fund investments, state employee pay raises and even tax relief as regards to the State Equalization Tax Rate were passed.