In gains reminiscent of the good times before the recession, state revenues took in $84.4 million more last month than what was assumed when legislators approved the budget earlier this year.

The state’s ending balance in fiscal 2016 could be better than the Legislature predicted when it adopted a budget in March, unless Gov. Doug Ducey signs a bill conforming state business taxes to the federal standards.

Building on last year's big "competitiveness" package of tax cuts for businesses, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer is offering a new, smaller package of proposed changes that she says will address so-called "problem areas."

Arizona has weathered its share of economic storms in recent years. Stopgap measures, a temporary tax increase and incessant budget slashing allowed the state to precariously stay afloat.

But the horizon promises no relief yet. In fact, many budget decisions drawn up by state leaders have actually put Arizona on a course toward troubled waters.

A month after Arizona enacted a series of corporate tax cuts aimed at stimulating job growth and turning around the state’s struggling economy, Arizona economists are mixed in their assessment of the law.

In 2010, a jobs bill passed the House and died, but its resurrection shows how Arizona politics gets done in 2011.

PLUS: Jobs bill: smooth start, feisty middle, undramatic passage — like a budget plan

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a massive economic development bill laden with business tax cuts.

A massive economic development bill laden with business tax cuts awaits Gov. Jan Brewer's expected signature.

Brewer says her goal is to retain and attract businesses with steps intended to promote new investments and creation of quality jobs.

Senate Republicans will push for a slew of tax cuts for businesses next year, part of a package aimed at attracting companies to Arizona.