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Rosy state revenues belie need for recovery package
Rosy state revenues belie ongoing economic turmoil, particularly for lower-income Arizonans who have been disproportionately affected by job losses and wage cuts.
Democrats kill bill to fund school supplies
Democrats and the Arizona Education Association said the proposal, which would have given each teacher in the state $200 to spend on school supplies, was not enough money and not a permanent solution to the state’s funding crisis.
House Speaker: Budget deal is ‘close’
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said negotiators are close to finalizing a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018, and while a deal isn’t set yet, there is a 50-50 chance that budget bills will be introduced by the end of the day today.
Senate panel approves major expansion of school choice program
The 4-3 vote by the Senate Education Committee followed hours of testimony from individuals who already get what lawmakers call “empowerment scholarship accounts” detailing how they have helped their children. Eligible groups range from children with special needs to those on reservations and those who attend schools rated D or F.
Tax cuts, credits deprive state of crucial money for children
We are gravely concerned for the well-being of this state. The Legislature has been guilty of depleting the state’s general fund — not by overspending but rather by draining the life blood from the budget.
Extracting funds for K-12
Crandell’s overhaul of school finance plan attracts skepticism and support
It’s a puzzle that has vexed policymakers, education leaders and business groups for decades, but it’s one that Sen. Chester Crandell hopes to solve: How can the state revamp education funding to be both fair and simple?
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.
Auditor general’s report finds flaws in handling of construction complaints
A performance audit by the state Auditor General’s Office highlighted several problems in the Registrar of Contractors system designed to ensure quality work from licensed contractors to consumers.
Brewer plans renewed push for K-12 performance funding
Among Gov. Jan Brewer's big three priorities for the 2013 legislative session, performance funding for K-12 schools was the one that got left behind.
As economy improves, counties push to restore lost state funding
County governments have been heavily hit by state budget cuts in recent years, causing leaders to strip vital services down to the bare bones, lay off skilled employees and slice large chunks of money from nearly every line in their budgets.
Arizona’s general fund back in black
Arizona Treasurer Dean Martin said the state general fund has repaid short-term loans taken out to cover day-to-day spending, but warned that the state may have to borrow again in the near future if federal stimulus funds aren't received soon.
