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Power brokers: The most lobbied lawmakers and the busiest lobbyists
a small number of lobbyists spend much more money on lawmakers than the rest. And a select set of lawmakers attract more lobbying attention than others. Lobbying records required by state law hint at who these power brokers are, and give a peek into a small network of lobbyists, their clients and lawmakers who wield extra influence.
Lawmakers aim high in budget talks
Small-group discussions have begun on the state budget, offering rank- and-file lawmakers their first chance to give input on next year’s spending plan, and nearly everyone has a pet priority they want funded.
Ballot access getting easier for candidates, harder for initiatives
Candidates for office in Arizona have never had an easier time getting on the ballot, but lawmakers are looking to raise the bar for citizen initiatives, referendums and recalls.
To shoot or…
A bill to arm teachers and administrators could become law, sparking new gun debate
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, has been approved by the Senate. Now, lawmakers are tweaking the bill in the House.
Arizona Senate rejects tougher teacher evaluations
The Arizona Senate has rejected a bill making it easier to fire some low-performing teachers.
Brewer tells Biggs to slow down the pace
Little progress has been made on Gov. Jan Brewer’s agenda for the legislative session, and she’s sending a clear signal that she wants to see some movement on her priorities before she deals with theirs. But the Ninth Floor says Brewer isn’t threatening to dust off the veto stamp.
Public notice bill comes back to life while another dies
The battle over who gets to print public notices continued in the House on Monday, as a bill that had been killed was revived and passed, and another bill went down in flames.
Gun bill advances despite concerns it may be unconstitutional
Sen. Kelli Ward’s bill to prohibit the enforcement of any new federal gun laws in Arizona cleared the Senate Rules Committee despite lawmakers’ strong concerns that the legislation, as written, is unconstitutional.
Legislators walk tightrope on questions of constitutionality
Arizona lawmakers often walk a fine line between passing bills that are legal and enacting ones that turn out to be unconstitutional.
Bills would ban mandatory membership in State Bar, but support lacking
Identical, obscure proposals in each legislative chamber would make a major change to the state’s legal system. And even though they appear to be dead, the question of whether it’s right to force lawyers to join the State Bar of Arizona will likely rise again.
Arizona Senate approves changes to ballot process
Arizona lawmakers want to make it harder for citizens to put issues on the ballot.
Business leaders leave Washington with dim hopes of avoiding sequester, job cuts
A delegation from the Arizona Technology Council came to Washington this week hoping to persuade Congress to stop automatic spending cuts that would hurt state defense contractors and could lead to layoffs.
