Competing bills ‘last chance’ at extending Prop. 400
A regional tax that has funded major transportation projects in Maricopa County for decades is set to expire in 2025 and lawmakers say this legislative session is their last chance to extend it.
$10K teacher raise bill stalls; Gress hopes for bipartisan solution
A Republican measure that would give Arizona teachers a $10,000 raise over the next two years stalled as the bill sponsor hopes to reach a bipartisan agreement that Gov. Katie Hobbs can sign.
Report: teacher recruitment and retention crisis continues
Arizona’s teacher recruitment and retention crisis stretched into a seventh year, according to the most recent survey data from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association.
Republican budget proposal fails in House after Harris votes against caucus
It seemed nearly inevitable that legislative Republicans would send their continuation budget proposal to Gov. Katie Hobbs this week for a quick veto, starting the negotiation process between the Republican majority Legislature and the ninth floor. Plans have now changed after one stray vote from a Republican lawmaker who promised she wouldn’t vote on any bills to protest a “fraudulent” elec[...]
Budget bills advance through the Senate and House
Republicans in the state Legislature are closing in on sending a budget that is likely dead on arrival to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs next week.
House corporate income tax cut bill passes initial committee hearings
The first bill to be heard by Arizona House of Representatives members, which is projected to reduce the state’s revenue by about $1.8 billion from corporate income tax breaks over four years, passed two committee meetings on Wednesday.
Lawmakers in negotiation on $1B in tax cuts, flat income tax
House Majority Leader Ben Toma, R-Peoria, said that while the details are still in flux, he believes support exists for the idea of phasing in a flat income tax over three or four years. He said he would like to see the rate around 2.5%.
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.
Ousted lawmaker takes case to 9th Circuit
With new legal help, former Rep. Don Shooter is asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to give him a chance to prove that his civil rights were violated when he was ousted by colleagues – and to expose what he claims are improper and illegal bidding practices.
Facing slim majority, House Republicans beef up key committees
House Republicans have stacked the legislative system in their favor even now when Democrats hold nearly half the seats in the chamber.
House advances resolution to increase representation
Arizona voters could have a say in how many lawmakers there are to represent them at the Capitol.
Rep. Shooter suspended from appropriations chair, Chamber of Commerce calls for resignation
After multiple allegations of sexual harassment, Rep. Don Shooter has been suspended from his duties as chairman of the Arizona House’s powerful budget committee.