Budget doc reveals money stashed for ‘rainy days’ ahead
Lawmakers and the governor plan to set aside $450 million to offset anticipated deficits in the state budget in two years.
That’s money that won’t be available for critical needs now, but depositing it in the state’s “rainy day” fund reaffirms a fiscally conservative outlook that has dominated the Capitol following the fiscal crisis that led to several years of incessant budge[...]
Republicans file 2 lawsuits challenging redistricting maps
Republican critics of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission will file two lawsuits that seek to force the redrawing of the commission’s approved legislative and congressional districts.
Pearce would consider accepting state reimbursement for recall
Former Senate President Russell Pearce says he would consider accepting a $260,000 reimbursement from the state for the expenses of his recall election if his allies in the Legislature are successful in securing the money for him.
House OKs revamped ‘intersection’ definition over safety concerns
The House on Wednesday passed a bill that aims to redefine what constitutes an intersection, despite warnings by police that the change will lead to more traffic fatalities.
The new definition would give would-be red-light runners extra time to get through an intersection without breaking the law.
Supreme Court hints at upholding parts of AZ immigration law
Kagan’s recusal creates possibility of tie vote
The last oral argument of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term was an explosive one, as the justices considered whether SB1070 is preempted by federal law.
Democrat-turned-independent Nicholas Fontana to replace Patterson
Nicholas Fontana, a Tucson criminal defense attorney who will replace former Rep. Daniel Patterson in the Arizona House of Representatives, said he switched his life-long Democratic affiliation to independent, just so he would qualify for the seat.
AZ Supreme Court unanimous in decision to reinstate redistricting chair
The Arizona Supreme Court acted unanimously last fall to reinstate Colleen Mathis to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, finding that Gov. Jan Brewer’s stated reasons for removing her did not rise to the legal standards required.
House passes narrowed-down contraception bill
State representatives today passed a scaled-back bill that would allow religious-based employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers.
The amended bill, HB2625, passed the Arizona House by a vote of 36-21, and will need to go back to the Senate for final approval there. If approved there, it will be delivered to Gov. Jan Brewer for either a signature or a veto.
Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done
Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.
Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]
Senate gives initial OK to fall ballot measures
The Arizona Senate has given preliminary approval to a states' rights measure and another possible referendum being considered for placement on the state's November general election.
House OKs bill protecting licensed workers who deny services on religious grounds
Arizona workers would not lose their professional licenses for denying services on religious grounds under a new bill, although supporters acknowledged they knew of no cases where such action had occurred.
Brewer signs bill banning abortions after 20 weeks
Gov. Jan Brewer signed a law prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in most cases, making Arizona one of only a handful of states in the country with such a restriction.