Republican legislative leaders face first budget crunch in nearly a decade
Republican leaders in the Arizona Legislature are facing their first budget crunch in nearly a decade and minority Democrats are pointing the finger right at the GOP, saying the pain that will be felt by state residents is a self-inflicted wound.
Certain counties to receive settlement monies for reentry programs
A legislative committee today approved monies for counties to spend on reentry programs to reduce recidivism rates, but only counties with existing programs can get the money, excluding some.
Lawmakers had high attendance on fewer days
This session, lawmakers had very good attendance records, but only came to work a fraction of the time the Legislature was technically in session.
New American Leaders fuels confidence in political hopefuls
Sen. Anna Hernandez, D-Phoenix, gained the knowledge and confidence she needed to take the leap for state Senate last year after she participated in programs that the national, nonpartisan organization New American Leaders holds to help immigrants and their allies join the political process.
SRP must transition to clean, renewable energy – now
As state elected officials, community leaders, and most importantly – parents, we are concerned about the future of our children, and believe it’s time for our utilities to start acting with some urgency.
With executive order, Hobbs, Mayes seek to prevent abortion prosecutions in Arizona
Gov. Katie Hobbs says she's giving Attorney General Kris Mayes authority over any abortion prosecutions in Arizona – and Mayes has made it clear that she doesn’t want to see anyone prosecuted over abortions.
Hobbs, Salman, reproductive rights group announce effort to protect rights to contraceptives
Gov. Katie Hobbs joined a state lawmaker and the leader of a reproductive rights advocacy group Thursday to announce an effort to enact a law protecting the rights of all women to access contraceptives.
New law raises cap on funds for infrastructure projects benefitting manufacturers
Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill on Monday opposed by most legislative Democrats that will raise the cap on monies municipalities get to fund infrastructure projects to benefit manufacturing companies.
Arizona’s defunct border wall leaves trail of runaway costs, error-filled invoices
Just a few years ago, Arizona’s Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) was counted among the state’s smaller agencies, known for preparing Arizonans for summer monsoons. That changed in 2021, when then-Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency over immigration and put DEMA in charge of what was to become a half a billion dollars to secure the state’s border with Mexico.
Partisan tax extension plan poised for veto
On Tuesday evening the Legislature passed a partisan, controversial half-cent sales tax extension, which Democrats called a “slap in the face” and the governor said she will veto.
House censures Democrat who hid Capitol Bibles
A Democratic representative who hid state House Bibles was censured without the traditional majority standard the chamber has historically used to pass legislation.
Voters to decide on measure that changes citizen initiative process
Legislative Republicans are asking voters to make it harder to put voter initiatives on the ballot.