Everything to everyone: Ducey’s Common Core plan buoys both sides in debate
Everyone in the Common Core debate was a winner after Gov. Doug Ducey asked the State Board of Education to review and overhaul the controversial K-12 academic standards. Or at least that’s how many advocates on both sides of the issue felt.
Medicaid waiver provides opening for premiums, higher copays
The Obama administration’s willingness to cut deals with Republican states as a way of getting them to cover more people under the Affordable Care Act has given Arizona’s conservative leaders the perfect opening to push for premiums and bigger copays on Medicaid members.
Budget clears first hurdle, now faces GOP opposition
Arizona legislators advanced a budget deal struck by Senate and House leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey, but the bills won’t move any further unless GOP leadership can change the minds of more than a dozen rank-and-file members opposed to the spending plan.
GOP legislative leaders plan quick push on budget proposal
Republican leaders in the Legislature plan quick action on a budget deal hammered out with Gov. Doug Ducey.
Ducey defends deeper cuts to higher education
Gov. Doug Ducey is defending a budget proposal that would take more money from Arizona's universities, saying it was necessary to slash deeper there to ensure a balanced budget.
Will the honeymoon last? Agreement between Ducey, lawmakers could signal quick session
People scoffed when Senate President Andy Biggs said he wanted a 65-day legislative session in 2015. That may be overly optimistic, but if the first two weeks of the session are indicative of how he, his fellow Republican lawmakers and new Gov. Doug Ducey are getting along in budget negotiations, the session and the budget may be headed toward relatively swift resolutions.
Ducey, GOP legislative leaders present united front on budget
As Gov. Doug Ducey prepares to unveil his first executive budget proposal, he and Republican legislative leaders stood together to show a united front as they tackle Arizona’s fiscal crisis.
Ducey to be sworn in as Arizona’s 23rd governor today
Republican Doug Ducey becomes Arizona's 23rd governor today, ascending to the ninth floor of the state Capitol's executive tower amid the challenge of overcoming a budget shortfall while enacting an agenda that won him voter approval.
House undergoing $335,000 renovation
As one of his first acts as Speaker-elect, David Gowan is making some renovations to the “People’s Chamber.” Gowan has spent and accepted bids totaling more than $335,000 for a variety of renovations in the House, including a new coat of paint throughout the building, testing for asbestos and installing new carpet on the House floor and members’ lounge.
House, Senate committee assignments announced
House and Senate leadership announced committee assignments Wednesday afternoon, setting the stage for the 2015 Legislative Session.
A man with a plan: David Gowan defies the odds to become speaker of the House
There were many long nights back in their first months as Arizona lawmakers when two ambitious southern Arizona Republicans – seatmates who were first sent to the Capitol in 2008 – would share their grandest hopes and dreams in the modest setting of their rented Scottsdale trailer.
Arizona House selects committee chairs
House Speaker-elect David Gowan of Sierra Vista announced committee chairmanships for a total of 19 committees, including six committees that are either new or hybrids of past panels.