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‘Parent empowerment’ bill has roots in Democratic, Republican circles
The Goldwater Institute looked to a group of community organizers and Democratic operatives for inspiration for its latest school choice idea.
The institute helped draft and is advocating for SB1204, which would allow parents of students attending failing schools to close down the school, convert it to a charter school or remove the principal.
Don’t give redistricting back to the Legislature
Five pieces of new legislation introduced by House Speaker Andy Tobin have taken power-grabbing to a whole new level, and would set redistricting back to a time of shadowy legislative deals. We could start by asking the now worn-out phrase, “What part of independent does the Arizona House not understand?”
Measure to change recall elections fails committee
A state House committee has shot down a proposal giving voters the option to change recall elections in a way that could make it more difficult to vote an incumbent out of office.
Redistricting was hijacked by Democrats — give voters a chance to fix the process
In ordinary circumstances, the most politically safe and easy course of action is to do nothing. On the other hand, it’s especially risky to foment actions that would alter the outcomes of voter initiatives.
In the case of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, it’s important to conclude one way or another whether the intent and desires of the voters have been violated. I[...]
Senate approves bill making lunch program optional
A proposal to overturn a requirement for some schools to participate in a national program providing free and low-cost meals to students is advancing to the state House after Senators approved it Thursday.
Board of Regents appointee’s remarks on gays stir controversy in Senate
The state Senate has voted to confirm Republican Gov. Jan Brewer's appointment of Jay Heiler to the Arizona Board of Regents, with Democrats saying they're troubled by his past remarks about gays.
Campaign season triggers Dem Party staff exodus
Arizona Democratic Party headquarters is sparsely populated these days after most of its employees left for congressional and U.S. Senate campaigns.
Anti-union measures advancing quickly
An array of proposals that would significantly weaken public unions is advancing quickly and is now a step closer to getting the nod of the full Senate.
Ash’s quip stokes criticism; Dem says it’s ‘unjust’
A tongue-in-cheek comment has landed one Arizona lawmaker some bad press – and some misdirected support.
Rep. Cecil Ash, R-Mesa, thought he was making a joke to lighten the tense mood when he spoke up during Monday’s floor session.
House Democrats pushing renewable energy bills
Give money to schools to install solar panels on their roofs. Eliminate extra paperwork for homeowners seeking to install panels on their roofs. Endorse a plan that encourages utilities to invest in the state’s renewable energy industry.
Giffords leaves office with nearly $1M in coffers
Federal Election Commission filings show Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was sitting on more than $925,000 in campaign cash when she stepped down from office last week.
Last one to leave turn off the lights
The Arizona Democratic Party is about to have a lot of empty desks, as most of the party’s staffers are reportedly either on their way out the door to Dem campaigns or have already moved on.
