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Midyear property tax repeal a potential ‘nightmare’ for counties
Legislative Republicans may have to reconcile themselves to at least one year of the state equalization property tax. It would be theoretically possible to repeal the tax retroactively during the next legislative session, so that property owners would be reimbursed for the taxes already paid under the equalization rate. But any lawmaker hoping to do so can expect fierce opposition from county trea[...]
Capitol Quotes 8/28
“I think everyone knows she is adamant about getting her referral.” – Senate President Bob Burns, explaining the decision to adjourn the special session and begin bipartisan talks to work... […]
Brewer’s bill signings overshadowed by tax plan?
Considering the internecine warfare that has been the hallmark of Jan Brewer’s tenure as governor, some Republicans may have been tempted to forget why they were so happy when Janet Napolitano left. But one look at the scores of conservative bills Brewer signed may be enough to jog their memories.
Lawmakers whiff as fewer bills pass
Lawmakers saw little success in 2009 when it came to getting legislation approved. Much like the mighty Casey of baseball lore, representatives and senators were sent back to the dugout with little to show for their turn at bat.
Gorman stays; turnout in House questionable
It now appears as though the Senate is going to push one more time for a budget. And at least one key member who was planning a vacation has indicated she... […]
Old Pueblo gets new, nonpartisan election law
Beginning in 2010, municipal elections in Tucson will be missing a bit of partisan flair, now that Gov. Jan Brewer has signed legislation that bans the use of party affiliation on ballots in local elections. S1123, authored by Tucson Republican Sen. Jonathan Paton, applies to cities across the state. But in reality the bill affects only Tucson, the sole municipality that identifies candidates f[...]
Dem leader says bipartisan budget talks will be ‘painful’
The overwhelming display of bipartisanship that kicked off the special legislative session when it convened July 6 may be a precursor of how lawmakers will work to patch the $2.5 billion hole in the budget, but to what extent Republicans and Democrats work together likely won't be known until later this month.
Capitol Quotes 7/10
“It’s a matter of teamwork. I just felt like we could maybe improve our teamwork through the leadership here.” – Senate President Bob Burns, on his decision to replace a... […]
Arizona Chamber chairman passes gavel
During its 2009 Meeting & Awards, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Dick Hannon of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona "passed the gavel" to Chairman-Elect Don Robinson of APS. The organization's annual event also featured awards and introduced a slew of new leaders.
Senate panel OKs measure that would permit voters to end Clean Elections
In 2010, Arizona voters could be asked to separate political candidates from public campaign funds. But elected lawmakers at this point have no intention of pulling the plug themselves on the lucrative funding stream that pays for publicly funded campaigns.
Voters might have last word in Clean Elections
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted June 15 to advance a measure that would allow voters to decide the fate of Arizona's system of publicly funded campaigns known as Clean Elections.
Chairmen sift through 100s of bills with only 2 weeks left in fiscal 2009
As the Senate shifts to cranking out non-budget measures in the final weeks of session, some lawmakers are raising concerns that the rush will lead to defective laws that they would have to correct later.
