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.
2024 spending spread from schools to a rodeo and more
The budget crafted by Gov. Katie Hobbs and state lawmakers includes a tax rebate, big-ticket spending packages and – in a break from tradition – funding for scores of small, local projects.
$150 million for housing, half a billion for education in budget proposal
A new budget proposal emerged today that delivers a child tax rebate, major spending on housing and education, and a reshuffling of money destined for water projects.
Senate considers measure to ask voters to approve constitutional change tied to emergencies
The state Senate was likely just a few minutes away from approving a measure last week that would ask Arizona voters to OK a constitutional amendment requiring the Legislature to reauthorize any state of emergency called by the governor every 30 days.
GOP Covid panel to hold people ‘accountable’
A new committee run by Republicans who are critical of how Covid was managed will convene this month and hold unspecified people “accountable” for their role in the pandemic, but members haven't said how that will be done.
Medicaid is lifeline for Arizona’s seniors and veterans
When you think of health care for seniors, you probably think of Medicare, but Medicaid is also vital to providing the care that older Arizonans in our community rely on. It helps cover high medical costs for those who have limited income and resources, as well as those living in nursing homes and relying on long-term care.
Top legislative Republicans hire attorney to defend law banning transgender girls from playing girls’ sports
Top legislative Republicans have hired an out-of-state attorney -- at taxpayer expense -- to defend a 2022 law that forbids transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
Biden sending 1,500 troops for Mexico border migrant surge
The Biden administration will send 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border starting next week, ahead of an expected migrant surge following the end of Covid pandemic-era restrictions.
Republican lawmakers file ethics complaint against Democrat caught hiding Bibles
Three House Republicans filed a complaint Monday against a Democratic lawmaker who was caught hiding Bibles in the members-only lounge of the House of Representatives.
Hobbs still mum on what she wants changed to sign new home-cooked foods bill
Nearly two weeks after vetoing a widely popular bill to expand the sale of home-cooked foods, Gov. Katie Hobbs still won't say what she wants changed in order to get her to sign a new version.
Lawmakers struggle to find legal way to prevent minors from accessing internet porn
State lawmakers are struggling to find a way to keep minors from accessing internet porn that's legal, effective -- and politically acceptable.
Democrat caught hiding Bibles in House, apologizes
A Democratic lawmaker apologized to her colleagues on the House floor Wednesday for removing and hiding Bibles in the members’ lounge, calling the act a protest of a lack of separation of church and state.