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Capitol Quotes: June 7, 2013
This week's most outstanding quips, gibes and utterances from Arizona's political scene.
Ariz. lawmakers slow work as big 3 issues remain
The Arizona Legislature has gone from the fast track to stuck in the mud as lawmakers have become bogged down by the three key issues: Medicaid, sales taxes and the state budget.
Senate president vows to block Medicaid expansion plan
Senate President Andy Biggs said Tuesday he would do “everything I can” to prevent Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to expand Medicaid from reaching the Senate floor for a vote.
Legislature lags behind on budget negotiations — and forecast is not optimistic
The Legislature is well past the midway point of an ideal 100-day session. But with several big issues still hanging in the air, and not even a legislative budget proposal drafted, finishing the session promises to be anything but quick and easy.
Arizona reports improved year-end budget figures
Arizona's post-recession budget situation continues to improve as the state begins a new fiscal year in better shape than had been expected. The legislative budget staff says tax revenue was $145 million more than anticipated during the fiscal year that ended June 30.
Bill that would deny money to Planned Parenthood ready for governor
The Republican-led Senate today gave final approval to a bill that prohibits public money from going to Planned Parenthood. Although the bill, HB2800, passed on an 18-8 vote and is now ready to be sent to the governor, lawmakers have no plans of sending the measure to the Ninth Floor right away.
Line in the sand
Republican governor and GOP Legislature are digging in for long budget fight
It may have been the opening shot to an all-out war.While Arizonans were celebrating President’s Day on Feb. 20, legislative leaders unveiled a budget that ditched her major spending initiatives.
The Governor’s Office responded in kind, describing the legislative budget as “shortsighte[...]
In looming budget fight, Pierce says GOP caucus is ‘further to the right’ than Brewer realizes
The political tango over the shape of the state’s budget for the next few years has begun.
Legislative leaders met with Gov. Jan Brewer Tuesday, but the two sides couldn’t yet agree on how to proceed with crafting the state’s spending plan.
Democrat faults Brewer’s repurchase proposal
A Democrat legislator says Republican Gov. Jan Brewer's proposal to repurchase three high-profile state buildings that the state sold to help close budget shortfalls is misguided.
State posts modest revenue growth in November
State revenues grew modestly in November even as signs of economic strains persist.
Fat stacks of cash
Thanks to a significant uptick in tax collections that began in the last half of FY11, JLBC is now estimating the surplus for FY12 will be $510 million, though it seems likely that number will rise in the coming months.
Sources: Senate looking to pass budget this week
The Senate leadership is pushing to officially introduce and pass a budget proposal this week, multiple sources told the Arizona Capitol Times on Monday.
