Judge rules that state can’t delay action on school inflation funding
A trial court judge ruled today that the state must begin resetting inflation adjustments for public schools right away, which will come at a cost of about $317 million for fiscal-year 2015.
Arizona fiscal year gets off to a weak start
State budget analysts say Arizona's current fiscal year is getting off to a weak start.
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.
Border Patrol rejects curbs on force
SAN DIEGO (AP) ai??i?? Border Patrol agents will be allowed to continue using deadly force against rock-throwers, the chief of the agency said, despite the recommendation of a government-commissioned review to end the practice.
State panel studying federally owned land lacks money to produce report
A legislative committee charged with studying the amount of government-owned and privately held land in Arizona is close to having enough data to issue a report, but has no money to fund the effort.
Arizona public schools wait for budget answers
Across the state, education leaders in Arizona are trying to plan for the new school year with little information on how much state or federal funding they will receive. Education funding represents Arizona's largest expense, but it's unclear whether public schools will get more or less dollars when the new fiscal year begins in July.
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.
Arizona state revenues grow modestly
Total state revenues grew by a modest 2.6 percent in October when compared to the year before, but just as economists have cautioned, the road to full recovery is a long, steep climb.
Arizona revenues drop in May, thanks to large business refund
After successive months of growth, state revenues fell in May, when collections fell $9.2 million below the budget forecast. But the culprit doesn’t appear to be a slowing in the economy.
Brewer signs budget approved by Legislature
Gov. Jan Brewer on Monday signed into law a new state budget that reflects the state's improving finances.
The budget's spending totals just under $8.6 billion for the 2012-2013 fiscal year starting July 1.
Legislature introduces budget after negotiation non-starter with Brewer
Legislative leaders are pushing ahead with their budget proposal after efforts to get the governor involved have failed.
But in going ahead, lawmakers risk alienating Gov. Jan Brewer, who has a competing budget plan.
The move could also spur the sides to begin meeting on the state’s spending plan.
Cities, towns asking state to ease budget pressures
With state finances on the sunny side, cities and towns hope to convince lawmakers to relieve some of the budget pressures on local governments.
And it appears legislators are listening.