Arizona lawmakers debate cap on children’s health program
Advocates for a health insurance program for children from low-income families are pushing lawmakers not to let Arizona once-again become the only state to freeze enrollment in the program.
The Breakdown: Just roll with it
With no clear resolution ahead in the battle between the governor and Republican legislators, budget talks could take a turn toward empowering the minority party.
Let’s harness the power of free-markets to find conservation, environmental solutions
It is understood that mandates and big-government solutions originating in Washington, D.C. may not work for our western state, and therefore, we challenge ourselves, and those around us, to harness the power of free-markets to find long-term solutions.
Mesnard: Ducey’s tax conformity depends on Dems
Sen. J.D. Mesnard told the Arizona Capitol Times that Ducey is in for a long and bumpy ride this legislative session after the governor vetoed a bill, backed by all but one Republican lawmaker, to offset estimates of higher tax collections this year by roughly $150 million or more.
Give voters say on 1-cent tax to fund public schools
Arizona’s public schools need help. Even as we agree with the truthfulness of that statement, a solution isn’t obvious. But, we as leaders within rural Arizona’s political and education communities want to help our colleagues focus on the heart of the problem the way we do. Then we can work toward meaningful solutions.
Democrats: Water plan missing conservation requirement
House Democrats are balking at ratifying a proposed drought contingency plan over what they see as a key missing element.
Q&A with Senate Minority Leader David Bradley
David Bradley is at the end of his time at the Arizona Capitol.
Q&A with Senate President Karen Fann
With every Republican leader in the state Senate from 2018 gone, Karen Fann steps into the void as the next Senate president and the leader of not just the Republican Caucus, but the chamber at large.
Speaker, some lawmakers resistant to Ducey’s push to end legislative immunity
A proposal by Gov. Doug Ducey to abolish so-called legislative immunity is getting some negative reaction from some lawmakers who enjoy its protections -- and would have to vote to put it on the ballot for voters to repeal.
Tax-hike plan from conservative changes school-funding debate
Pigs aren’t flying. But it’s probably worth another look out the window, just to check, now that a conservative Republican proposed raising taxes in Arizona.
The Breakdown: Session is coming
We’re just one week away from opening day, and already we’re off to an interesting start.
New GOP leaders of Arizona Legislature lay out priorities
The new Republican leaders of the Arizona Legislature hope to use part of a $1.1 billion state budget surplus to boost pay for corrections officers and state troopers.