Corporation Commission asks for public’s views on electricity deregulation
The Arizona Corporation Commission has asked the public to weigh in on electricity deregulation, which would break up the state’s system of “regulated monopoly” under which a handful of public utility companies are in charge of generating and distributing power to homes and industries.
Senator faced pressure to change deciding vote on elections bill
Sen. Steve Pierce was under tremendous pressure from forces within and outside the state Capitol – including at least one official from the National Republican Congressional Committee –during the hours before sine die as lawmakers and others tried to influence his vote on a controversial election bill.
Freshman ranks high among most lobbied
Even though Republican Rep. Ethan Orr of Tucson was listed as benefiting from only $566 spent by lobbyists, he ranked No. 3 among the most lobbied lawmakers during the first quarter.
Judge boots MCAO from Horne campaign finance case
A judge ruled that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office lacks to the authority to pursue campaign finance allegations against Tom Horne and a top aide, giving the attorney general at least a temporary reprieve.
Yuma police recommend charges against state senator
Yuma police are recommending prosecutors pursue four misdemeanor charges against state Sen. Don Shooter, who heatedly confronted a teacher at a Yuma charter school and later claimed his medically disabled grandson was repeatedly “humiliated and bullied” by his teacher.
Predicting Brewer vetoes is difficult; reasons vary
Figuring out how to avoid Gov. Jan Brewer’s veto pen is a guessing game that leaves even some of the most seasoned veterans at the Capitol perplexed.
Many lawmakers and lobbyists say there are no hard and fast guidelines for avoiding a veto from a governor who vetoed 91 bills in her first four legislative sessions.
Former ASU QB Walter to run in CD9
Former Arizona State University quarterback Andrew Walter formed a campaign committee for a run in Arizona’s 9th Congressional District, giving first-term Democratic Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema a potential Republican challenger with a built-in base of support among the Sun Devil faithful.
Regents approve tuition hikes at Arizona universities
The Arizona Board of Regents on Thursday approved tuition increases at the state's three public universities and directed staff to explore legal options to reduce tuition for some immigrants.
Flake: Guest worker program in immigration bill will go beyond agriculture
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Tuesday that a comprehensive immigration reform bill he is working on with a bipartisan group of senators will include a temporary worker program covering more than agriculture.
Arizona bishop calls for immigration reform to include family reunification
The Episcopal bishop for Arizona joined several religious and union leaders Wednesday urging that family-unification policies be included in any comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
Judges hear GOP redistricting map challenge
Federal judges hearing a civil suit brought by Republican voters who claim the state's new legislative maps were illegally drawn to benefit Democrats questioned lawyers Friday about whether some members of the commission that made the maps were free of political influence.
Democrats deny Republican allegations that redistricting process was rigged
The future of Arizona’s legislative map is in the hands of three federal judges, who wrapped up four days of trial testimony March 28 and heard pointblank denials from Democrats that they gerrymandered the districts.