Lawmakers boost funding for state schools for deaf and blind
After years of going seemingly unnoticed at the state Legislature, the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind had an especially productive 2018 session.
State budget allocates $1 million for K-12 coding initiative
As K-12 curricula moves into the 21st century, Arizona will kick-start a new initiative to train teachers how to code — lessons they can then pass onto their students.
Non-profit opens charter schools to serve poorest students
A Phoenix nonprofit aiming to open 25 A-rated charter schools serving students in the city’s urban core by 2020 is well on its way to meeting its goal.
20% teacher pay raise made to be permanent
With Arizona’s 2018-2019 state budget now signed by the governor, I wanted to clearly explain how the 20-percent teacher pay raise was determined, how it will be provided to schools,... […]
Wrap up with J.D. Mesnard
In his second year at the helm of the House and in his final year in the chamber, Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, navigated uncharted waters when he asked members to expel one of their own.
Wrap up with Steve Yarbrough
After 16 years as an Arizona state representative, then senator, Senate President Steve Yarbrough is calling it quits.
Wrap up with Rebecca Rios
After more than two decades at the Legislature, Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, said she thought it was pretty safe to assume how her last session in the House would play out.
Wrap up with Katie Hobbs
In her last year as a senator, Minority Leader Katie Hobbs experienced the usual highs and lows of session. The Phoenix Democrat now leaves office to run for secretary of state.
Wrap up with Doug Ducey
Gov. Doug Ducey finished the last session of his first term in office with a bang, overseeing a budget process that he threw a bomb into mid-session, all in an effort to avoid a historic teacher strike.
The Breakdown: Session Wrap Edition
Our reporters sat down with Gov. Doug Ducey as well as Republican and Democratic leaders in both chambers to reflect on the last five months - and what this session's events may hold for the future.
Water policy push dries up for Ducey
Gov. Doug Ducey made gains on several issues — most notably K-12 education funding — this session, but his plans for far-reaching water reform quickly dried up.
Circumstances sweep away some of Ducey’s agenda
Gov. Doug Ducey has faced difficult legislative sessions before. But this session was on another level.