Even after a taxing 134-day session, House Speaker Rusty Bowers remains patently himself when he sits down with the Arizona Capitol Times – reflective, resolute and ready with a story, which this time was about the day his brother shot himself in the foot.

The FY19 budget is the first payment to settle a tab that was due years ago. As education advocates, we are now faced with protecting these from Arizona’s favorite political pastime — finding ways to give away revenue. Together, we must continue to do what is right for all kids in Arizona.

Gov. Doug Ducey kicks off the legislative session Monday with a call for more education funding -- but not with the tax hikes that some say are necessary to provide truly adequate funding for schools.

Of the hundreds of bills passed by the Legislature in 2015 and signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, most avoided the public spotlight. Here is a sampling of new laws worth noting that attracted little or no attention.

Arizona Senate President Andy Biggs said he wants to end the 2015 legislative session by Thursday ai??i?? a target that would make it the shortest session in nearly 50 years.

The Senate plans to start advancing a budget this afternoon, kicking off what is expected to be a legislative battle without the approval of Gov. Jan Brewer.

To curtail the inappropriate influence of money in politics, Arizona law prohibits lobbyists from contributing to lawmakers’ campaign committees while the Legislature is in session.

Arizona, other states retaliate against ‘revenge porn’

Sparked by a new law approved by the California legislature this fall, Arizona is one of several states where lawmakers are proposing bills to criminalize “revenge porn.”

House Speaker Andy Tobin said water legislation is at the top of Arizona’s priority list for next year, but a solution to the state’s impending water crisis is as elusive as ever.

Crandell’s overhaul of school finance plan attracts skepticism and support

It’s a puzzle that has vexed policymakers, education leaders and business groups for decades, but it’s one that Sen. Chester Crandell hopes to solve: How can the state revamp education funding to be both fair and simple?