Arizona lawmakers, roundly criticized this year over poorly funded public schools, want to make one thing clear: They’re not the ones responsible for giving teachers raises.

For the most part, the proponents of “local control” for cities and counties hang their hat on the explanation that the superior government is always the one closer to the people. This argument it is rarely explored, explained, or expounded upon further than a convenient slogan meant to excuse government overreach and conflate the idea of federalism with granting more power to local government.

The League of Arizona Cities and Towns has revoked its Champion of the Cities award from Republican Rep. Paul Boyer of Phoenix after the lawmaker asked the attorney general to investigate one of Arizona’s cities.

No medal for Paul

Gov. Doug Ducey leveled an unprecedented threat to Arizona cities in his State of the State address: Create a patchwork of laws that conflict with the state’s interest, and you’ll pay for it.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation today to kill the ability of cities to keep pet stores from selling commercially bred animals.

The House has passed a proposal to try and stop the government from indefinitely detaining or executing Arizona residents without due process.

Water is the lifeblood of our communities. This natural resource nourishes every aspect of Arizona, from our people to our economy. As Governor Ducey has outlined, water requires a proactive and pragmatic approach with local consultation to ensure that each of the 22 water planning areas across Arizona are being effectively managed and protected.

Arizona lawmakers want voters to strip counties, cities and towns of the ability to set their own minimum wage and their explicit right to adopt employee benefits of their own liking.

The Arizona Senate tomorrow is set to consider a measure that would strip Arizona’s counties, cities and towns of the ability to set their own minimum wages and their explicit right to adopt employee benefits of their own liking.