Lawmaker: To curb graffiti, ban sale of spray paint to minors statewide
To Jo Marie McDonald, whose job is to enhance the quality of life in Phoenix, graffiti has become a “forever battle” costing cities across Arizona millions each year.
Supporters renew push for arming Arizona teachers
A bill before Arizona lawmakers this session renews a push to allow teachers to arm themselves in the classroom.
Broadband fee proposed for public schools
No one disputes that broadband is significantly lacking for Arizona’s remote schools, but the battle this legislative session is going to be who pays for it.
Legislature questions Brewer’s budget director
The Arizona Legislature's appropriations committees got their first chance Tuesday to question Gov. Jan Brewer's budget director about details of her proposed $9.36 billion budget, with members raising concerns about a plan to take money from schools to pay for bringing high-speed broadband service.
Campbell hopes Democrats can play key role in budget, legislative process
House Democratic Leader Chad Campbell of Phoenix is entering his eighth and final year as a lawmaker, coming off of a huge win last year when Democrats were able to pass a budget including some of their key priorities with the help from a few Republicans and Gov. Jan Brewer. Campbell is hoping it won’t be a one-time deal and the minority party can become a real part of the budget and legislative[...]
Brewer eyes economic development, education issues for 2014 session
While Brewer boasted of Arizona’s economic turnaround of the past few years and the attention the state has received nationally for its improved business climate, the governor said Arizona’s work is not done.
Advocates say Brewer CPS plan is only first step to reform
Gov. Jan Brewer’s plan to turn Child Protective Services into a standalone division that reports directly to her office received broad support following her State of the State address. But advocates, experts and lawmakers warned it is only a first step in reforming the troubled agency.
AZ lawmakers target guns, unions, marijuana & more in 2014
As Arizona’s economy rebounds and revenues stabilize, Gov. Jan Brewer and legislators can finally focus on more traditional policy debates, instead of mightily trying to save a sinking fiscal ship.
Republican lawmaker proposes repealing Medicaid expansion
Rep. Adam Kwasman, R-Oro Valley, introduced legislation today that would repeal Arizona’s Medicaid expansion, reversing the outcome of the most contentious legislative fight of 2013.
Republican seeks to allow cuts in public pensions
An Arizona lawmaker wants the state constitution amended to allow cuts to public employee pensions and increases in employee contributions if the systems are badly underfunded.
Education funding fight begins to heat
A fight is brewing at the Capitol over how much new money – if any – to give to the state university system.