Public records access is ‘stacked against the citizen’
Arizona public records law allows individuals to submit a public records request through any means, but public records experts point out that many agencies often require additional steps that can slow a request being fulfilled.
Legislature chips away at government transparency
The Arizona Legislature has often been hostile to transparency by introducing bills to limit access to public records and carving out exceptions in sunshine laws in the name of privacy.
Hobbs takes credit for family tax rebate despite not wanting it in budget
Gov. Katie Hobbs is claiming credit for a $260 million tax rebate to families that she didn't want in the budget. And she is doing so even though the law sending up to $750 back to Arizona taxpayers was crafted in a way designed to preclude her from doing so.
Hobbs nominates Tovar for state Board of Education seat
Gov. Katie Hobbs tapped political colleague Anna Tovar for the state Board of Education. And Tovar won't be quitting her post on the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Hobbs attempts to avoid Senate confirmation process
After months of arguing with Senate Republicans, Gov. Katie Hobbs pulled the plug on their appointee confirmation process by reassigning her picks to lead state departments as “deputy directors.”
GOP members reject housing department nominee due to claims of plagiarism
A Senate panel voted Thursday to reject the governor’s pick to lead the state housing department – largely due to accusations that she is a serial plagiarist.
Judge blocks state from enforcing law regulating who can vote for president
A federal judge on Thursday blocked Arizona from enforcing a 2022 state law regulating who can vote for president.
Q&A with Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein
Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein shared her opinions on the highlights and challenges of the 2023 legislative session.
Cook becomes Freedom Caucus spoiler
House and Senate Freedom Caucus members started the legislative session with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs as their prime nemesis, but soon found a new foe in a rural Republican.
Republicans celebrate new anti-Hobbs committee
This session, a new committee designed to vet Gov. Katie Hobbs’ nominees to lead various offices drew outrage from Democrats and was applauded as an effective strategy by Republicans.
Legislative leaders increase intervening in court
On Aug. 1, legislative leaders filed an emergency motion in federal court to defend a law Republicans passed last year – one of many moves they’ve made in ongoing court cases this year.
Lawmakers move successful tax extension over far-right opposition
Established Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a controversial tax extension on Monday, raising questions about whether the far-right Freedom Caucus will be as effective next session after the caucus failed to kill the deal.