Hobbs, GOP lawmakers tout wins in budget as battle to define spending ahead
Two media events on Monday highlighted the coming political battle to define the $17.8 billion budget that lawmakers passed, and the governor signed last week.
Lawmakers should approve Senate bill to provide affordable housing to veterans
It’s time for our state government to take action to serve our veterans and Servicemembers, but just as importantly, for all Arizonans struggling with our state’s housing crisis.
Gress aims to help mobile home dwellers facing eviction
Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, is amending a bill to increase compensation for mobile home owners, including residents of three parks in Phoenix currently facing eviction and homelessness. The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, but it didn’t have unanimous support.
Phoenix City Council bans ‘source of income’ discrimination for renters, home buyers
The Phoenix City Council has given overwhelming approval to a measure that would prevent landlords and property owners from discriminating against renters or buyers who rely on public assistance for income.
Hobbs vetoes bill to bar cities from taxing residential rentals
Calling it a flawed solution to the housing crisis, Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday vetoed legislation to bar cities from taxing residential rentals.
Phoenix urged to pass ordinance prohibiting discrimination against some renters
Residents who have struggled with high rent in America’s fifth-largest city are calling on city officials to address discrimination against renters who receive public assistance. Carla Naranjo, a coordinator with the nonprofit Unemployed Workers United, is urging the Phoenix City Council to pass an ordinance that would prohibit landlords from rejecting renters who rely on Section 8 housing vouch[...]
Housing Trust Fund key to Hobbs’ affordability plans
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, but also faces a growing housing problem.
Jones says her property tax cut bill needs major amendments to get traction
The way Rep. Rachel Jones sees it, once you've paid off your house you shouldn't have to worry about property taxes. But the first-term Republican lawmaker from Tucson acknowledged there are a bunch of practical questions with her legislation, including who would -- or should -- get a tax break. And she said her plan is probably going to need some major amendments to get any traction.
Arizona led nation for rise in homeless youth last year, HUD report says
Arizona saw the largest increase in the number of homeless youths in the nation last year, at a time when other large states were seeing those numbers decline, according to a recent federal report.
Working at 76: Inflation forces hard choice for older adults
Inflationary pressures may be starting to ease, but higher prices throughout much of 2022 are still taking a toll on older adults, with a larger share of people saying they felt their finances were worse off than a year before. Consumer inflation in November was still up 7.1% from a year earlier.
A slowdown in US inflation eases some pressure on households
Inflation in the United States slowed again last month in the latest sign that price increases are cooling despite the pressures they continue to inflict on households in Arizona and around the United States.
Tucson, Toma clash on city ordinance establishing housing source of income protection
The city of Tucson responded to a complaint from the incoming Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives alleging the city is breaking state law with its recent housing ordinance that forbids source of income to be considered in rental housing applications. Rep. Ben Toma, R-Peoria, filed the complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.