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In voting for Medicaid, senators were just doing their job
It was heartening to see The Arizona Republic editorial board endorse the Arizona Senate’s action to support Governor Jan Brewer’s Medicaid proposal as “courageous.” While it is always nice to get accolades in politics, I must admit it was not an act of courage, but simply what we were elected to do.
Some ‘dead’ bills get a 2nd chance, but tactic doesn’t always work
More than a dozen bills have been reconsidered on the floors of the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives after their earlier demise, and while most have passed when given a second thought, a few have stalled or met another death by vote.
Capitol Quotes: April 12, 2013
This week's most outstanding quips, gibes and utterances from Arizona's political scene.
Arizona Legislature closing in on Medicaid vote
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer held the latest in a series of rallies at the Capitol on Thursday to show she has broad support for her proposal to expand Medicaid to about 300,000 more poor Arizonans. And her effort appears to be paying off.
Republicans defeat Democrats’ gun safety amendments
The Arizona Senate today defeated 18 amendments sponsored by Democrats for a bill to prevent the destruction of firearms surrendered to law enforcement agencies.
Brewer expresses confidence in Medicaid plan, but lawmakers push back
Gov. Jan Brewer unveiled the details of her Medicaid expansion plan this afternoon, beginning in earnest the effort to push the controversial proposal through the Legislature.
Bill would put commission in charge of Game and Fish fees
Concerned that a complicated licensing system deters would-be hunters and anglers, the Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to simplify things by bundling options. But under current law any such changes must go through a three-year legislative process at the State Capitol.
Proposal to end gas tax runs into roadblocks
Saying the state’s gas tax is “dying and never coming back,’’ a Democratic lawmaker wants to study tax alternatives and allow the Department of Transportation to run pilot programs testing the ideas.
Who’s hot, who’s not: A year of ups and downs for Arizona politicos
As 2012 comes to a close, some Arizona politicos have reached new heights of prominence and power. Others saw once-promising careers hit the wall.
Jeff Flake and Kyrsten Sinema gained influence and stature in the nation’s capital, while Andy Biggs reached the pinnacle of power in the Arizona Senate.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Russell Pearce and his successor, Sen. S[...]
Wild West moments of 2012
While the mood at the state Capitol this past year might be best described as riotous, 2012 — the Chinese Year of the Dragon — was marked with fewer gaffes, catfights and over-the-top name calling among Arizona’s political elite.
Border business backers finally getting lawmakers’ attention
Arizona is missing out on huge economic opportunities by not reaching out to its southern neighbor, owners of businesses near the Arizona-Mexico border say, and that message hasn't been taken seriously by state lawmakers.
