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Property tax reformer gearing up for fourth attempt at ballot measure
A self-proclaimed property tax reformer is making yet another attempt to convince voters to impose new caps on the annual levy. Lynne Weaver has taken the first steps to putting a measure on the 2016 ballot that would essentially freeze property valuations at where they are now and allow in most cases for only inflationary increases.
Firefighters seek pension reform, but compromise elusive
Faced with the prospect of an insolvent retirement system, the Arizona firefighters union has largely embraced a pension reform proposal offered by the Legislature four years ago and have hunkered down to put their own version of that plan into motion.
Fixing Arizona education: Outdated spending policies should be scrapped
Arizona’s K-12 education finance system must be reformed. This 35-year-old construct demands a review because structural deficiencies presently create significant distortions.
2016 chances may be hurt by GOP’s midterm strength
Republican strength in this year's House and Senate races could, strangely enough, hurt the party's presidential chances by stalling the changes in style and policy advocated after Mitt Romney's defeat in the 2012 presidential campaign.
Lawmakers, public safety groups ponder pension reform future
An Arizona Supreme Court ruling that struck down a 2011 pension reform law as unconstitutional is leading lawmakers and public safety employee groups to consider new possibilities.
Tax reform panel nears final session, mulls business-related proposals
The Joint Task Force on Income Tax Reform plans to meet one final time in hopes that it can agree on a series of recommendations for simplifying Arizona’s personal income tax system that could be taken up by the full Legislature in 2014.
The powers that be
As it reaches a climax, the months-long campaign to reduce a key incentive for residential solar has given Arizonans a glimpse into a nearly obscure but powerful body of regulators that oversees some of Arizona’s biggest industries.
Border Patrol pay reform would cut agents’ take-home, but add stability
Reforming the Border Patrol pay system could save taxpayers $1 billion over the next decade, while giving peace of mind to agents whose pay has been threatened by sequestration, said supporters of a bill introduced Wednesday.
Arizona Democrats tout Obamacare benefits, despite problems with rollout
Despite the troubled rollout of the Affordable Care Act, Arizona Democrats touted the law’s “many, many positive aspects” and showcased one woman Monday who successfully got health insurance through healthcare.gov.
Reforming election reform
Debate over HB2305 continues after opponents gather enough signatures to put it on the ballot
Groups opposing the state’s election reform law rejoiced on Oct. 29 when the secretary of state concluded the referendum against the law has enough signatures to appear on the 2014 ballot.
Some panel members say Arizona’s income tax system is fine after all
Members of a panel tasked with studying Arizona’s personal income tax system said that while flattening or doing away with the income tax may be a popular talking point, the state’s current system is reasonably fair and may not need a major overhaul.
Brewer signs elected officials’ pension bill
A bill replacing pensions for new judges and other elected officials with a 401(k)-style retirement plan ai??i?? a top priority of Republicans this Legislative session ai??i?? was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jan Brewer.
