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Unassuming but rarely underestimated, Sen. Jorge Garcia dies
Senate Minority Leader Jorge Garcia had an aura of almost monkish austerity. You saw it in what he wore – earth-colored trousers and a drab polo shirt. And you saw it in how he spoke – plain and direct.
Rios: Lawmakers shouldn’t get daily allowance
A senior Democrat has introduced a bill to keep lawmakers from receiving a daily allowance during the ongoing special session.
Senate passes ‘I didn’t pay enough taxes’ bill
The Legislature has decided to give Arizona residents the option to donate more of their income to the state each tax cycle, even though many lawmakers say the whole thing is a waste of time.
Arizona Legislature passes multi-pronged immigration bill
In the final moments before passing a sweeping immigration overhaul, Sen. Russell Pearce, a Republican from Mesa, made some predictions about his bill, S1070. "We'll have less crime. We'll have lower taxes. We'll have safer neighborhoods. We'll have shorter lines in the emergency rooms. We'll have smaller classrooms," the Mesa Republican said on the Senate floor on April 19.
Rios expected to move up as leader of Senate Democrats
Sen. Rebecca Rios, an Apache Junction Democrat and the assistant minority leader, will likely succeed Sen. Jorge Garcia, the Democratic leader who is termed-out and is running for the Corporation Commission.
Fledgling film industry may lose out on tax credits
Supporters of a bill that aims to extend tax credits for motion picture companies face a new hurdle: A fiscal analysis shows the program would cost the state as much as $40 million beginning in fiscal 2012.
Family values — a case of conflicting views
Ask any politician if they promote family values, and you'll get the answer you'd expect. Ask a group of politicians to define family values, though, and you'll likely get completely different, perhaps conflicting answers.
Senate panel OKs tougher penalties for patronizing child prostitutes
A bill that creates tougher penalties for those who take advantage of child prostitutes is nearing the finish line, and social workers who call Phoenix a hub for child prostitution say it's about time.
Senate to vote on abortion reporting bill today
The Arizona Senate is scheduled to vote today (March 22) on a bill to strengthen reporting requirements on abortions.
Fate of First Things First hinges on ballot measure
In its last action to shore up the staggering state deficit, Arizona lawmakers decided to ask voters to dismantle a program aimed at expanding education and health services for children.
Lawmakers will face $450M shortfall if voters reject ballot measures in Nov.
Lawmakers may find themselves back at the Capitol for another budget round if voters in November knock down a proposal to eliminate an early childhood development program and take its money, and sweep funds reserved for preserving Arizona's open spaces.
Adoption bill sparks disagreement over family values
Unmarried Arizonans on March 17 urged senators to reject a bill that would give preference to married couples in adoption cases, but a Senate panel voted to advance the measure after arguing about the definition of family values.
