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UpClose with Rebecca Rios
Rebecca Rios is her father's daughter - obviously and figuratively. He is a social worker by background. She, too, became a social worker. He is a politician. She, too, became a politician.
Senate tackles Clean Elections during busy floor session
From gutting Clean Elections to creating a lieutenant governor, Arizona senators made a big push March 1 to complete work on bills that had yet to be transmitted to the House.
Brewer’s budget to be aired in committee soon
Republican lawmakers say Gov. Jan Brewer’s budget plan includes many elements that they agree with.
Lobbyists lower expectations, mainly look to protect clients
So far this year, some lobbyists haven't even bothered to ask lawmakers to introduce a bill on their behalf. Others have big goals, despite the widespread perception that lawmakers will be focused almost entirely on the budget deficit.
Brewer reaches out to GOP, infuriates Dems
Democrats blasted Gov. Jan Brewer’s State of the State speech as campaign posturing, while Republicans said there is no choice but to follow up on some of the ideas she outlined.
Long session led to many missed votes
The Arizona House of Representatives held 382 floor votes during the 2009 regular session, which stretched into July as lawmakers struggled with the budget deficit. Rep. Rich Crandall, a Mesa Republican, didn't participate in 254 of them, nearly two-thirds of the total.
Confusion, delays, frustration dominate special session No. 5
After a shaky start, the Senate finally passed a $200 million spending reduction plan just as the sun was setting in Arizona. The work, however, is not over.
Some agencies avoid submitting reduction reports
When drafting reports to show the impact of 15 percent cuts to their budgets, some state agencies described how their services would be gutted. Some simply explained why such cuts aren't feasible. And others, such as the Governor's Office, which ordered the reports, don't seem to know where to even make the cuts.
Capitol Quotes 10/2
"These are common sense regulations. Women in Arizona deserve to see a doctor, be given information about the abortion, its risks, its alternatives, and then have a period of reflection." - Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, reacting to an injunction against abortion laws her group support.
Lawmakers react to injunction on abortion laws
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has granted a preliminary injunction against new state laws that place restrictions on abortion. Although the decision has been embraced by state Democrats, the Republican co-sponsor of both bills said it's another case of courts infringing on the territory of the Legislature.
Proposed sales tax hike blocks budget deal
With the clock ticking, lawmakers and the governor held a series of closed-door meetings leading up to the Sept. 5 deadline for action on a slate of budget bills. But the negotiations did not produce the outcome Gov. Jan Brewer had desired - a bipartisan coalition of support for a special election to temporarily raise the sales tax to help balance the budget.
Lawmakers adjourn sine die; questions loom
The Arizona Legislature ended its special legislative session at 1:42 p.m. Aug. 25, although it may be a short-lived break from the Capitol. "Well, I'll see you next week," Rep. Warde Nichols, a Gilbert Republican, said as he prepared to leave the House of Representatives.
