McCain: Pathway to citizenship essential to immigration reform
Any immigration reform plan that makes it through Congress must include a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the country, Sen. John McCain said during an immigration forum in Mesa today.
Report: Gov’s sales tax plan may hit general fund
A study by the Arizona Legislature's independent financial analysts shows Gov. Jan Brewer's proposed overhaul of the state's sales tax collection system could cost the general fund nearly $140 million a year. A second new study by an outside group puts the number at $125 million.
Arizona House considers warrants for police drones
Law enforcement agencies in Arizona would need search warrants before using unmanned aircraft to gather evidence if a measure being debated by the state House of Representatives becomes law.
Analysis shows Lewis fell short in appealing to Hispanics
Jerry Lewis, the Republican who rose to fame by defeating Russell Pearce two years ago, lost his Senate seat in 2012 partly because his crossover appeal to Latinos did not translate into votes for him, an analysis of the results of the November elections showed.
Lawmakers won’t get Valentine’s cards featuring Hitler, other dictators
The former Arizona director of a leading tea party group says he has scrapped plans to deliver Valentine’s Day cards that featured murderous dictators including Adolf Hitler to Republican lawmakers believed to oppose anti-union legislation.
House speaker pushing tax credits, more expected
A proposal by Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin to increase a tax credit given to businesses that invest in research and development by 200 percent could be just one of many pushed by Republicans again this year in the Legislature.
Arizona lawmakers OK extra $500k for Redistricting Commission
The Arizona Legislature has approved $500,000 in extra funding for the Independent Redistricting Commission to allow the commission to pay lawyers defending it from lawsuits.
Panel approves bill that would make it a felony to enforce new federal gun laws in Arizona
An Arizona Senate committee passed a bill that would, in theory, prohibit federal officials from enforcing any new gun control laws in Arizona so long as a weapon is manufactured, sold and owned in the state.
Q&A with House Speaker Andy Tobin
As one of only three representatives in their fourth and final term in the state House, Speaker Andy Tobin, a Republican from Paulden, has more institutional knowledge than most. He has risen through the ranks from freshman, to the majority whip, to majority leader, to the top position in the House. Tobin, who because of term limits is unable to run for re-election to the House, has seen the state[...]
House sets committee rosters, Dems stronger on Appropriations
The House of Representatives released its committee assignments yesterday, leaving Democrats, who control 40 percent of the seats in the chamber, with 35.8 percent of the committee assignments. But Minority Leader Chad Campbell said the margins are still better than in previous years.
Quelland pays fine owed to state
As his failed campaign for the Senate ended Tuesday, former legislator Doug Quelland settled the fine he owed to the state, paying the Attorney General’s office $34,400.
Even legislative leaders face crowded primary elections
In the upcoming elections, party loyalty doesn’t guarantee an uncontested race.
The highest-ranking Republican and Democrat in the House of Representatives both face crowded primaries this August.