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Employer sanctions coming up short
Arizona's employer sanctions law has been in effect for 21 months, yet no businesses have been shut down over hiring practices. In fact, there hasn't yet been a single business forced to defend itself in court. But now, one lawmaker wants to change all that by giving county attorneys more enforcement powers.
Capitol Quotes 10/2
"These are common sense regulations. Women in Arizona deserve to see a doctor, be given information about the abortion, its risks, its alternatives, and then have a period of reflection." - Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, reacting to an injunction against abortion laws her group support.
Wanted: new revenue
Lawmakers will be facing quite the conundrum in 2010 - how to raise more revenue for the cash-strapped state without raising taxes. The Republican-led Legislature stymied attempts by Gov. Jan Brewer to put a sales tax increase on the ballot, and outright rejected the idea of passing a tax increase itself.
No agreement when, or if, special session will begin
Once again, lawmakers adjourned, only to see Gov. Jan Brewer veto parts of the budget they passed. And once again, Brewer announced her intention to bring them back into special session to deal with the consequences.
Lawmakers adjourn sine die; questions loom
The Arizona Legislature ended its special legislative session at 1:42 p.m. Aug. 25, although it may be a short-lived break from the Capitol. "Well, I'll see you next week," Rep. Warde Nichols, a Gilbert Republican, said as he prepared to leave the House of Representatives.
Capitol Quotes 8/7
“If it should go south, he is aware that I am going to ask my fellow PCs (precinct committeemen) for their vote. I wanted him to hear it from me... […]
Impact of Harper work force amendment murky
A budget amendment that would cut 5 percent of the state's work force has left some open-ended questions as to how many people would lose their jobs and how much money Arizona would save.
Pearce: No support for ousting Gray
Sen. Russell Pearce said he has not seen any move in the Senate aimed at removing majority leader Chuck Gray from his leadership post, despite reports that he may suffer the same fate as recently ousted majority whip Pamela Gorman.
Brewer’s bill signings overshadowed by tax plan?
Considering the internecine warfare that has been the hallmark of Jan Brewer’s tenure as governor, some Republicans may have been tempted to forget why they were so happy when Janet Napolitano left. But one look at the scores of conservative bills Brewer signed may be enough to jog their memories.
Capitol Quotes 7/24
“I’m out here trying to get NCSL to take a turn to the right.” – Sen. Russell Pearce, speaking July 22 from Philadelphia, where he is attending an event hosted... […]
Lawmakers could have avoided line-item vetoes
When Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a large portion of the budget approved by lawmakers earlier this month, she sent the Legislature back to square one. Now Republican leaders are working with Democrats instead of the governor to craft a spending plan, and the state still faces a $2.5 billion deficit a month after the fiscal deadline.
Fewer lawmakers may be present for special session
Fewer lawmakers are likely to be present for the special session July 20. About a third of senators and representatives planned to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures summit in Philadelphia City this week, according to the Senate and the House.
