AG affirms Maricopa County’s power to deal with Scottsdale on Rio Verde issue
Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an opinion today affirming that Maricopa County has the power to temporarily supply water to Rio Verde, which was recently cut off by Scottsdale after decades of reliance on the city for water.
Senate follows House, OKs waiving AEL
After the House passed a resolution to waive the aggregate expenditure limit, the Senate followed suit.
Panel moves to force Scottsdale to give Rio Verde water
A House panel passed a bill that would force Scottsdale to temporarily resume service providing water to the unincorporated Rio Verde community, but Democrats withheld the support needed for immediate relief.
House votes to waive AEL with bipartisan support
The House voted to waive the aggregate expenditure limit (AEL) today with bipartisan support, clearing the two-thirds majority necessary to send it forward. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, needed 40 votes to pass and received 46.
It’s time we take serious look at intercity passenger rail
The Sun Corridor connecting Phoenix and Tucson is defined as a megaregion. It’s one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with population growth anticipated to double by 2040. Recent spikes in population growth have demonstrated strains on our already overburdened freeways, which impact our safety, environment and ability to address the demands of a modern economy and quality of life.
Legislation to override AEL passes House panel
Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives took the first steps in waiving a spending limit that would require each K-12 school in Arizona to cut 17% of its operating budget.
Lawmakers back Rio Verde in water dispute
State legislators are prepared to intervene in a conflict between Scottsdale and Rio Verde over dwindling water supply that Scottsdale says it is not required to share with the community.
Hobbs calls for more money for public schools, oversight for charters in first State of the State
Gov. Katie Hobbs is putting education at the top of her agenda for 2023. In her State of the State address on Monday afternoon, Democrat Hobbs said she wants to lift a spending cap that could kneecap public schools, increase funding for public education – specifically teacher pay – and improve oversight of non-district schools that receive public money.
Fewer bills prefiled compared to previous years
The Arizona Legislature’s deadline to prefile bills is just days away and the number of bills that have been prefiled is set to be far fewer than last year.
Education funding, election issues expected to be among most contentious issues in session
The 2023 legislative session is being brought to you by the letter E. As in education funding and election issues. These promise to be among the most contentious issues as lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday.
UofA to study cost of Telegraph Fire damages
In partnership with a legislative committee, the University of Arizona will conduct a comprehensive study to estimate the total costs of damage to communities, businesses and residents affected by the 2021 Telegraph Fire.
GOP incumbents in LD16 express concerns
Legislative District 16 is one of the key competitive districts in the election despite not getting big spending from either party compared to other competitive districts, but it could provide a chance for Democrats to steal a seat in the state House of Representatives.