Immigration hardliners seemed to have true believers, but some Republicans are straying from the flock
With Republicans in firm control of Arizona’s government apparatus and Sen. Russell Pearce leading the Senate, more aggressive laws against illegal immigration seemed certain to emerge from the 2011 legislative session. But cracks are showing in the reputed Republican bastion built on dominance in the Arizona Legislature and Governor’s Office.
Pension pickle: Public safety employees hate both bills
As talk of pension reform heats up at the Capitol, organizations representing public safety employees such as police officers and firefighters may have to choose among three unappealing options: a bill they hate, a bill they hate even more and lawsuit they might lose.
Shifting fed funds to Legislature — a perennial loser — has a chance
An annual legislative power play that always seems like a fool’s errand finally may have gotten the break it has been waiting for.
Yes, Virginia, there is a political motivation
Adams drew attention today to a House bill that would send $5 million to Babeu to allow the Pinal County Sheriff's Office to purchase equipment for an anti-smuggling task force, but some railbirds speculated the move was less about fighting smuggling than it was about congressional jockeying with Pearce.
Latest Ariz. immigration bills have tougher path
Fatigue with the illegal immigration issue could stand in the way of new legislation being considered by Arizona lawmakers, including a sweeping bill championed by the same senator whose law last year prompted nationwide protests.
Omnibus immigration bill squeaks through
Although the legality of Arizona’s SB1070 has yet to be decided in court, that hasn’t stopped lawmakers from attempting to pass what backers describe as closing holes in existing laws but what critics call an even more sweeping immigration measure.
Senate panel passes birthright bills
After a rocky start, the birthright legislation finally received committee approval on Feb. 22, overcoming the initial hurdle before the full Senate can debate and vote on the measure that is stirring so much raw emotion and is solidifying Arizona’s reputation as ground zero in the struggle to confront illegal immigration.
Ariz. Senate committee to mull 3 immigration bills
An Arizona legislative committee is set to consider a sweeping bill Tuesday that targets illegal immigrants in housing, public benefits and the workplace.
Critics: Pearce’s latest immigration bill worse than SB1070
A mere “cleanup” it is not.
That is critics’ response to the late introduction of an immigration bill authored by Senate President Russell Pearce.
Pearce drops “omnibus” immigration bill
Although he calls it a mere “clean-up bill,” Senate President Russell Pearce is pushing legislation to tighten immigration laws by denying illegal immigrants access to public benefits, from operating or titling vehicles to enrolling in community colleges.
Intel’s timing allows Brewer to boast
Logic says it is too early to claim that the Arizona Competitiveness Package is already bringing jobs to the state, but that didn’t stop Gov. Jan Brewer from taking advantage of a technology giant’s fortuitous timing.
Jobs bill: smooth start, feisty middle, undramatic passage — like a budget plan
The day-by-day, play-by-play account of how one of the most sweeping tax cut packages was passed.