More dollars for science
Universities’ request for research money could split GOP lawmakers
The state universities’ $1 billion request to upgrade research labs promises to bring fireworks to the Legislature and possibly a split among GOP lawmakers while wounds from last session’s Medicaid expansion are still fresh.
Some panel members say Arizona’s income tax system is fine after all
Members of a panel tasked with studying Arizona’s personal income tax system said that while flattening or doing away with the income tax may be a popular talking point, the state’s current system is reasonably fair and may not need a major overhaul.
Lew warns of debt-limit catastrophe; Schweikert says that’s not so
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew warned Thursday of a “potentially catastrophic” hit to the economy if the nation reaches the debt limit next week and defaults on its obligations.
Doing no harm: Tax overhaul effort stalls over vague goals, concerns about middle class
After four weeks and three meetings of a task force with intentions to reform, tweak, or overhaul Arizona’s personal income tax system, the members of the group don’t seem closer to deciding what, exactly, they want to accomplish.
State revenue outlook remains uncertain
Despite weeks of budget discussions, the governor and Republican lawmakers still haven’t agreed on how much the state will get in revenues over the next three years.
Standing on principle can be costly
In the debate over Medicaid expansion, the ace up the sleeve of expansion advocates is federal largesse. The federal health care law requires states to eventually cover 10 percent of the cost of expanding Medicaid eligibility; but for the next three years 100 percent of the cost is covered by the federal treasury.
Lawmakers cautiously eye economic gift of higher revenues
The past year gave Arizona legislators the best Christmas gift they could hope for — a much improved economy and stronger revenue collections.
Experts forecast full economic recovery for Arizona
Economists predicted today that Arizona will fully recover from the recent recession in about three years.
Economists to provide views on Arizona economy
Public and private economists weigh in on the state of Arizona's economy on Thursday as legislative budget analysts evaluate Arizona's fiscal health.