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.

Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to simplify the state’s sales tax system could increase state revenues slightly or carry a hefty price tag depending on which estimate of the Legislature’s budget research arm proves correct.

The state collected $915 million in taxes last month, four percent greater than in the prior year, the state’s budget analysts reported.

Before lawmakers decide what kind of discretionary spending they want added in the fiscal 2014 budget, Rep. John Kavanagh said they have to make a choice about whose revenue projections they’re going to believe.

Economists who advise Arizona's independent legislative budget analysts said Thursday that residents who have hunkered down through years of tough economic times may finally have reason to be a little more perky this year, but the economy won't meet Gov. Jan Brewer's expectations.

Despite the boost that Democrats received in the November election, their list of goals for upcoming budget negotiations are relatively short and mostly focused on money for education and health care.

Legislative budget analysts say the federal budgetary "fiscal cliff" may have a bright side for the state treasury, at least in the short term.

Here’s an early gift from Santa: Collections in Arizona grew by 8 percent last month compared to the year before.

Gov. Jan Brewer’s decision to not pursue a state-operated health care exchange sets the stage for a showdown over how to deal with Arizona’s uninsured population.

Total state revenues grew by a modest 2.6 percent in October when compared to the year before, but just as economists have cautioned, the road to full recovery is a long, steep climb.