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Brewer: mistakes were made
Gov. Jan Brewer has acknowledged that she made mistakes as she pursued a budget deal with the Legislature, although she didn’t elaborate on exactly what they were “Obviously I did... […]
Health Dept. outlines cuts to non-mandated services
With much of its budget locked in by federal and state mandates, the Arizona Department of Health Services would have to reduce crisis services and cut back on treatment for the mentally ill, substance abusers and sexually violent offenders in the state hospital if it had to chop 15 percent from its budget.
Disagreements to resurface: Topics include taxes, spending reductions
A special session - or two - is likely this fall as Gov. Jan Brewer continues to pressure lawmakers to reconvene and legislative leaders have started asking members when they would be available. But roadblocks remain.
DPS warns of massive service reductions if cuts go through
The Department of Public Safety warned that the agency could be reduced to 1997 staffing levels, officers could be forced into dangerous situations without backup and Arizonans could be forced to wait more than an hour for officers to respond to some emergency calls if it has to through with massive budget cuts.
DEQ says emissions testing might be delayed by further cuts
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has informed Gov. Jan Brewer that implementing a 15-percent reduction to the department will leave it in a poor position to protect the health of state residents and the environment.
Corrections would release 13,000 prisoners if 15 percent cuts take effect
State prisons would release more than 13,000 convicts, shut down more than 15 prison units and eliminate more than 1,500 jobs if the Department of Corrections were forced to absorb a 15-percent cut to help close the state budget deficit.
Vanderpool wants to keep leading DPS
Roger Vanderpool hopes his performance as director of the state's largest police force will speak louder than his political history - two elections as Pinal County Sheriff as a Democrat and an appointment to his current post by a Democratic governor - when Arizona's Republican governor decides who will lead the department for the next five years.
At home, Brewer violating constitution
During a press conference today with mayors and civil leaders from across the Valley, Gov. Jan Brewer unveiled efforts to bring the new F-35 fighter-bomber to Luke Air Force Base. And the governor touted the fact that she's a resident of Glendale, home of Luke. It was also a reminder that by residing in the West Valley city Brewer is actually in violation of the state constitution...
Bare-bones Revenue Department would eliminate audits
An unintended consequence of a veto last month means the state agency tasked with collecting taxes is on the verge of laying off more than half of its staff, barring a budget fix to allow access to all of the money lawmakers gave it earlier this year. Anthony Forschino, the agency's assistant director, said the layoffs would still allow the Department of Revenue to function, but in a bare-bones[...]
Battle begins to bring F-35 fighters to Luke AFB
Taking center stage on an issue that has long been dear to her heart, Gov. Jan Brewer announced a campaign to help make Luke Air Force Base the primary training complex for the military’s F-35 Lightning joint-strike fighter.
Brewer: multiple special sessions possible
The off-season for lawmakers might be even shorter than they thought. Since Gov. Jan Brewer partially vetoed the Legislature’s budget in early September, she has been adamant about the need to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session to restore funding for a handful of state agencies, including the Arizona Corporation Commission and Department of Revenue.
Brewer hopes showing impact of cuts will spur revenue increase
At Brewer’s request, all state agency heads were required to submit reports detailing the effects 15-20 percent spending reductions would have on their departments. Those reports, which were due Oct. 9, are intended partly to demonstrate to the Legislature that sizeable cuts would have dramatic consequences, according to Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman.
