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Cronyism fueled merit system, but modern concerns may take precedence
More than four decades ago, Republicans led the charge to create the state employee merit system they now hope to overturn. It was implemented in 1969 in response to cronyism and patronage in state government, according to former state officials who dealt with personnel issues.
Voters get final choice on dismantling Clean Elections
After years of having nothing to show for their legislative efforts to dismantle Arizona’s public campaign financing system, state business leaders and other opponents of Clean Elections enlisted the help of an unlikely ally.
On April 18, the Senate refered SCR1025 to the 2012 ballot. The success of the measure, which would ask voters to effectively gut Arizona’s embattled 13-year-o[...]
Financial advisory group projects smaller revenue growth in FY12
A legislative economic panel, whose recommendations legislators typically use in forecasting how much cash the state will get, has downgraded its revenue forecast for next year.
Legislature passes bill to wrestle control of federal money from governor
Few measures beg for a gubernatorial veto more than this one.
Perhaps the only question left is – will the Legislature counter a veto with an override?
Lawmakers working fast to end session in coming hours
Lawmakers have been meeting all day as they try to churn through the last few pieces of legislation and wrap up legislative business for the year.
Obama, advocates discuss immigration law overhaul
Under pressure from advocates and the 2012 re-election calendar, President Barack Obama on Tuesday enlisted a diverse group of elected officials and religious, business, labor and civil rights leaders to help build support for a long-stalled overhaul of the nation's immigration laws.
House OKs bill to issue special plates
A bill approved by the Arizona House Tuesday would allow the issuance of special license plates to commemorate the state's centennial.
Bill providing property tax break to businesses sails through
Despite objections from fiscally conservative legislators, the Senate approved on Monday a measure that would allow businesses that meet certain requirements to pay a lower property tax.
Major pension reform bill headed to Governor’s Office
The Senate beat the sine die clock on Monday to pass legislation that contains major changes to the state’s pension systems.
The measure, which backers said would head off a collapse of the public pension programs, advanced on a party-line vote, 21-9.
Recall efforts filed against 3 council members
Three of Phoenix's nine City Council members face recall efforts.
Efforts underway to revive ‘omnibus’ immigration bill
A senior House Republican is working to revive one of the five immigration bills that the Senate killed last month.
Final plans reflects conservatives’ clout at the Capitol
The tentative budget agreement legislative leaders and Gov. Jan Brewer reached late Wednesday night slashes $1.14 billion from the budget and more forcefully reflects the ascent of fiscally conservative Republicans at the Capitol.
