Legislature introduces budget after negotiation non-starter with Brewer
Legislative leaders are pushing ahead with their budget proposal after efforts to get the governor involved have failed.
But in going ahead, lawmakers risk alienating Gov. Jan Brewer, who has a competing budget plan.
The move could also spur the sides to begin meeting on the state’s spending plan.
McCune Davis says Legislature is more ‘locked in philosophy’ this time around
As Rep. Debbie McCune Davis enters her 26th year of service as a lawmaker, she reveals how losing a Corporation Commission race helped her career and the issues that keep her coming back to the Legislature, even when she’s at odds with how it’s functioning.
Committee to hear Brewer’s state-worker overhaul plan
Gov. Jan Brewer’s long-awaited personnel reform plan, which will overhaul the state’s employment practices and make it easier to fire government employees, will finally get its first hearing in the Legislature on Thursday.
Senate approves bill making lunch program optional
A proposal to overturn a requirement for some schools to participate in a national program providing free and low-cost meals to students is advancing to the state House after Senators approved it Thursday.
Legislation dealing with hunting plentiful at state Legislature
Some state lawmakers are out to guarantee that hunters can use silencers. Others want to eliminate size limits on hunters’ gun magazines. One wants to outlaw hunting remotely by computer.
Anti-union measures advancing quickly
An array of proposals that would significantly weaken public unions is advancing quickly and is now a step closer to getting the nod of the full Senate.
GOP lawmakers seeking strict spending caps
Republican legislators are striving to mark Arizona’s centennial with a fundamental change to how the state spends its money that would effectively shackle future Legislatures from creating any new government program unless they found a corresponding place to cut spending.
Teen-driver cell phone ban moves forward in Senate
A panel of lawmakers today unanimously approved legislation to prohibit teenagers from using mobile phones while driving. The prohibition applies to minors who have been granted an instruction permit or a limited driver license.
Former Cardinals player running for Legislature
Football fans in the Ahwatukee area may have a familiar name representing them in the Legislature next year.
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Michael Bankston is running for the House in District 20.
Ariz Game and Fish Commission opposes House bill
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has voted unanimously to oppose a proposed state House bill that would reserve a large number of big game tags for a "qualified organization" to resell at auction or raffle.
Group sings, prays for lawmakers in legislative chambers
The Center for Arizona Policy isn’t just lobbying lawmakers, it’s also praying for them. About 50 people associated with the socially conservative lobbying organization gathered Monday before sunrise for its annual Prayer Walk, a tour of the Capitol where they ask for wisdom, health and righteousness to be bestowed upon lawmakers, the governor and judiciary during the 2012 Legislature.
AZ Supreme Court won’t block Mathis’ removal
The Arizona Supreme Court has rejected Colleen Mathis’ request to block her removal as Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission chair while the appeal of her ouster works its way through the court system.
Mathis can continue to appeal her decision, but will do so as the former IRC chairwoman, the court ruled on Tuesday.