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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.
AHCCCS kill bill designed to trigger a conversation
Although a bill passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee after midnight the morning of Feb. 23 would repeal Arizona's Medicaid system, its real purpose appears to be to start a discussion on how the state can save money on health care.
Ariz. Senate panel votes to kill Medicaid program
A divided Arizona Senate committee voted Wednesday to eliminate the cash-short state's Medicaid program and replace it with a much smaller system that would cover only a fraction of low-income people now served.
Interstate compacts — A new tactic for challenging federal authority
Once employed for such mundane issues as inmate transfers, natural resource management and state boundary definitions, interstate compacts have suddenly become the latest tool for legislators looking to buck the federal government on a slew of controversial topics.
Lawmakers offer bills affecting access to records, meetings
Requiring that all meetings of public bodies include time for the public to express concerns and introduce issues would make government more open and interactive, a state lawmaker contends.
Lawmakers pass anti-casino bill, but it’s not exactly a win for proponents
Lawmakers on Wednesday approved a bill aimed at stopping the Tohono O’odham tribe from building a casino in Glendale. But the bill, which barely squeaked through in the Senate, lost its emergency provision. That means it would take effect 90 days after the session ends.
Sheriffs to lawmakers: Border areas still unsafe, U.S. should send more soldiers
Two sheriffs gave a grim assessment of security along the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday, telling a lawmakers they need the federal government to send more soldiers.
A Year of Capitol Quotes: 2010’s wildest statements
The year in memorable quotes from Arizona's political players.
Pearce assigns McComish to a third committee after complaint
Sen.-elect John McComish, a Phoenix Republican, has been assigned to a third Senate committee, proof that sometimes you have to withstand the ire of those in authority in order to see results.
Dems complain border security panel is redundant
Some Democratic lawmakers couldn’t help but scratch their heads when the list of new Senate committees was released in November.
McComish calls Senate committee assignments ‘unfair’
Sen. John McComish said he’s got a lot more to offer the Senate than he will be allowed to contribute next year, based on his assessment of the committee assignments that were announced earlier this week.
Biggs to head Senate Appropriations; committee memberships announced
Senator-elect Andy Biggs will not only head the Appropriations Committee – where the budget bills are traditionally assigned – the Gilbert Republican also was appointed as vice chairman of the Government Reform and Judiciary committees.
