State drops plan for prisoner rehab center at county site
The governor’s office has decided to scrap its plan to open two programs in south Phoenix aimed at helping prisoners re-enter society, allegedly because of a lack of cooperation from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Ethics complaint against House Democratic leader dismissed
The House Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint today filed against House Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, by a freshman colleague for allegedly having a relationship with a former House staffer.
Male House GOP members join women in seeking Ugenti-Rita’s suspension from leadership
Eight male GOP state representatives have joined four of their female colleagues in calling for Reps. Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Rebecca Rios to be removed from their leadership roles during an investigation of their alleged inappropriate relationships with Capitol staffers.
Four women lawmakers call for Ugenti-Rita, Rios to be suspended from leadership roles in House
Four GOP representatives asked for their fellow Reps. Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Rebecca Rios to be removed from their leadership roles in the House pending an investigation of sexual harassment accusations at the Capitol.
Democrats oppose locating recidivism center in south Phoenix
Democratic lawmakers from south Phoenix are siding with their voters in a fight against two proposed programs aimed at helping prisoners re-enter society, a long held constituency of theirs that doesn’t vote.
Mesnard approves funding for legal expenses for lawmakers involved in sexual harassment inquiry
Four Arizona state representatives swept up in a sexual harassment investigation at the Capitol may hire attorneys paid for with public monies to represent them in the inquiry.
Jodi Liggett
Jodi Liggett has taken on the challenging task of representing Planned Parenthood's interests in Arizona, but her experience in tackling poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and women’s reproductive health and rights runs deep.
Dem legislator levels accusation of “inappropriate” relationship
In a political tussle, a freshman House Democrat publicly accused the caucus leader of having an "inappropriate relationship" with a staffer, despite having no evidence.
House Dem leader crosses aisle more often than party colleagues
In the Senate, minority leaders don’t often vote with the GOP. In the House, it’s the top Democrat, Rebecca Rios of Phoenix, who casts the most votes with her Republican colleagues.
Livingston accuses Blanc of doctoring referendum petitions, calls for resignation
Rep. David Livingston said Rep. Isela Blanc should fully comply with any investigation into allegations she or others doctored petitions to help get a referendum of school voucher expansion on the ballot, and if she’s found in the wrong, resign from office.
Rubalcava resigns from House, cites family
Rep. Jesus Rubalcava, D-Gila Bend, has resigned in the shadow of an ongoing Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission investigation.
Wrap up with Rebecca Rios
In her first year as House Democratic leader, Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, a longtime lawmaker, was hopeful that her caucus could take a rare vote in favor of a GOP-backed budget. But when the budget didn’t go far enough toward investing in Arizona’s teachers, House Democrats held true to their beliefs and their prom-ises, and voted against the budget package.