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Republicans mulling Dem alliance after veto threat
After weeks of budget talks with no agreement in sight, Gov. Jan Brewer gave legislative leaders an ultimatum, telling them she would veto bills until work on the state’s spending plan is complete.
But rather than force a quicker budget resolution, it could result in more heartburn between the two sides. In fact, there were indications some Republicans might be taking a look at abando[...]
Capitol Quotes: April 20, 2012
This week’s most outstanding quips, jibes and utterances.
Ninth Floor: Pierce, Tobin backtracked on negotiations
Gov. Jan Brewer’s decision to not sign any new bills until she gets a budget came only after Senate President Steve Pierce and House Speaker Andy Tobin backtracked on agreements they made with the governor on a handful of spending items, according to a Brewer spokesman.
Brewer facing budget mutiny?
Brewer may be facing a budget mutiny, as Senate Republicans are said to be exploring a deal with Democrats. One Republican source told our reporter that Biggs reportedly met with Schapira and Landrum Taylor yesterday for about two hours to discuss the possibility of a deal to override a potential Brewer budget veto.
House passes narrowed-down contraception bill
State representatives today passed a scaled-back bill that would allow religious-based employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers.
The amended bill, HB2625, passed the Arizona House by a vote of 36-21, and will need to go back to the Senate for final approval there. If approved there, it will be delivered to Gov. Jan Brewer for either a signature or a veto.
Increase in number, severity of CPS cases straining system
An alarming increase in the number and severity of child abuse and neglect cases threatens to wipe out efficiencies Child Protective Services has gained over the last year, Department of Economic Security Director Clarence Carter said today.
GOP leaders heeding Brewer’s veto warning
After Gov. Jan Brewer yesterday told GOP legislative leaders that she will veto any bills that land on her desk before a budget is completed, the warning is being heeded in the Senate. “I am not sending any bills to her today,” said Senate President Steve Pierce. “She asked not to. So we’re going to try and help her out and work with her.”
Brewer again vetoes bill allowing guns in public buildings
For the second year in a row, Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill that would have allowed people to carry guns in government buildings. HB2729 would have required any government entity in Arizona to allow firearms in public buildings, unless the buildings had adequate security measures to ensure that no one could bring a gun inside.
Brewer signs bill to allow course on Bible
A bill to allow public high schools in Arizona to offer an elective high school course on the Bible and its role in Western culture is now Arizona law. Gov. Jan Brewer on Tuesday signed legislation requiring the state Board of Education to design a curriculum for schools to teach if they choose.
Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done
Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.
Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]
House OKs bill protecting licensed workers who deny services on religious grounds
Arizona workers would not lose their professional licenses for denying services on religious grounds under a new bill, although supporters acknowledged they knew of no cases where such action had occurred.
Legislature on verge of missing session adjournment goal
A year ago, the Arizona Legislature was just days away from adjournment of its annual legislative session, having already approved a state budget that included painful cuts to state services. But while lawmakers missed their self-imposed 2011 adjournment target of 100 days by just five hours, there's little chance the Legislature will come near as close this year.
