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Union dues ban advances, but other bills appear to stall
A proposal to outlaw automatic salary deductions for public union dues – unless workers expressly authorize them annually – survived a vigorous Senate debate on Thursday, and was passed by a vote of 19-11.
The bill, championed by Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, is headed for the House for further action, but other measures that would fundamentally weaken public unions in Arizo[...]
Resolution would lower minimum wage for some Arizona workers
A state lawmaker wants Arizona voters to decide in November whether to allow a lower minimum wage for tipped workers and younger part-time and temporary employees.
Bill giving Legislature and governor final say on Corp Comm rules passes committee
The House Government Committee today approved a bill that would give the Legislature and governor final say over new rules and rule changes adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Capitol Quotes: Feb. 10, 2012
This week's most outstanding quips, jibes and utterances.
Brewer precedent may spell doom for union bills
Friends and foes of the anti-union bills working their way through the Legislature may want to look at Gov. Jan Brewer’s record with public safety unions before they dub her the Scott Walker of the West.
Unions forego all-out battle with Legislature — for now
Public unions are avoiding a forceful confrontation with conservative lawmakers who are pushing for a slew of anti-union proposals – for now.
Instead of declaring an open war by organizing massive protests at the state Capitol — a tactic adopted by labor unions in Wisconsin who faced a similar threat last year — unions here have had a more tempered response.
Goldwater Institute branded as ‘lobbyist’ for anti-union bills
Behind an array of proposals to weaken unions is a small but influential conservative group that is partly responsible for moving Arizona’s needle to the right of the political spectrum.
The Goldwater Institute developed and drafted legislation that is now the focal point of what could be the biggest political fight at the state Capitol this year.
But now the group itself, [...]
Political firestorm looms as lawmakers advance strict anti-labor measures
In what is shaping up as one of the biggest political fights this year, conservative lawmakers are pushing a slew of measures that would fundamentally weaken public-sector unions in Arizona.
Taken together, the anti-union bills that were approved this week by a legislative committee are more restrictive than what was enacted in Wisconsin, where political turmoil erupted after its govern[...]
Lawmakers warned of political ‘firestorm’ as they approve anti-union measures
A group of conservative lawmakers backed by an influential policy think tank are picking a fight with public unions -- and the unions are fighting back.
Trio of bills target unions
A major push is underway in Arizona to strike at the very heart of public unions by eliminating their ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements. As envisioned, the prohibition would extend to all public-safety unions, including firefighter and police associations.
Bills to lower capital gains tax moving forward
Three bills to eliminate or reduce the capital gains tax cleared a House committee today, despite objections from Democrats that a reduction would be too costly for the state.
Brewer open to reducing capital gains taxes – with caveats
With the budget stabilizing and the economy needing another boost, some lawmakers have set their eyes on drastic tax reductions, including proposals to lower or eliminate the capital gains tax.
