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Governor’s Office immersed in drought talks, water policy do-over
The governor and his staff are playing an integral role in bringing Arizona water interests together to reach an internal state agreement on the drought-contingency plan.
Passing legislation requires moderation, tricks of the trade
Lawmakers passed 369 bills, 30.6 percent of the 1,206 bills introduced in the 2018 session. Of those 369 bills, Ducey signed 346, or 93.8 percent of all the bills that were approved.
Few lawmakers achieve perfect attendance, voting records
Only 19 state lawmakers, or 21 percent, made it to work every day and also registered a vote on 100 percent of the measures that went up on the board during the 53rd Legislature’s second regular session.
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.
House unwittingly approves ballot measure
The House majority leader said a “clerical error” led the chamber to prematurely send a ballot referral to the Secretary of State’s Office last month.
Governor gives thumbs down on water proposals
Despite months spent hashing out water proposals behind closed doors, the governor doesn’t like what he sees in legislation meant to overhaul water policy.
Veteran tax cut passes on second vote of Senate
The chamber voted 18-11 to approve a tax break for certain military veterans, days after the same measure failed on a 15-13 vote -- one shy of the 16 needed in the Senate for approval.
Tax-break proposal for veterans fails in Senate vote
The Arizona Senate failed to pass a bill giving certain military veterans a tax break, as the 15-13 vote on Thursday afternoon fell one vote shy of approval.
Water overhaul bills would extend pumping, ease use limits
The proposals introduced by Republican Sen. Gail Griffin of Hereford would allow over-pumping in some areas to continue 10 years longer than current law allows. The proposal also reintroduces workarounds to water use restrictions for Cochise and Yuma counties that Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed in 2016.
Tax break for military retirees barely passes Senate committee
SB 1167, approved on a 4-3 bipartisan vote by the Finance Committee, would allow those who have served for at least 20 years to exempt $10,000 of their pensions from the state income tax.
Arizona mining museum set to reopen
A shuttered museum that once housed thousands of minerals, crystals, rocks and fossils will open its doors for the first time in years after backers in the Legislature succeeded in reviving the location.
Outgoing House Speaker Gowan creates 2018 Senate committee
Outgoing Arizona House Speaker David Gowan has created a political committee to seek a state Senate seat in 2018.
