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Lawmakers’ first duty: Show up and vote
Here’s the simple mathematics of representative government: Arizona taxpayers pay for lawmakers to show up and vote on every bill in the Legislature. Now here’s the flaw in that equation: Lawmakers get paid whether they show up or not. Unfortunately, many Arizona residents were underrepresented at the Capitol during last year’s regular legislative session.
Brewer’s office: No word on regulatory reform
Eleven months after vowing to slash regulations on Arizona businesses, Gov. Jan Brewer still isn’t saying what existing regulations she will strike down.
With cash flow problems, state may face budget cliff early next year
Arizona faces another budgetary cliff early next year, when the State Treasurer's Office might have to issue IOUs to pay bills if $735 million expected from the sale-leaseback of state assets does not materialize. Treasurer Dean Martin told a panel of lawmakers that the state needs to have the money by the end of January to be able to make payment to schools by Feb. 1.
Pearce offers amendment, then pulls it back
During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Nov. 18, Sen. Russell Pearce, a Republican from Mesa who chairs the committee, offered an amendment that would have dictated how Pima and Maricopa counties would have to pay $22 million to the state.
Brewer’s in, but she may lack critical support from GOP
For months, the big question at the Capitol was whether Gov. Jan Brewer would run in 2010. Now that she has announced she will, the big question is how much support she’ll find among a fractured Republican establishment.
Lawmakers discuss streamlining, consolidating mining permits
A panel of lawmakers and experts has begun looking into the state of the mining industry in Arizona with the ultimate aim of helping the industry grow. Among the topics... […]
Scores of sidelined bills coming back in 2010
Lawmakers may not be finished with their work for the year, but many are already looking ahead to 2010, when they can resurrect the plethora of bills that fell victim... […]
GOP closes caucus after Harper, Allen exchange words
Senate Republicans closed their caucus from the public July 13 after two members got into a relatively heated discussion over how to deal with the governor and her proposal for a one-cent sales tax increase. After the two-hour closed-door meeting, senators said they talked about organizational matters, one of several subjects that they are permitted to go into executive session to discuss.
Legislature passes additional restrictions on abortion
Senators passed two measures June 23 that would put additional restrictions on abortions performed in Arizona and modify the statutory definition of partial-birth abortion.
Law enforcement criticizes concealed gun proposal
Late-emerging legislation to allow Arizonans to carry concealed weapons without state permits is drawing criticism from law enforcement officials.
Bill capping secondary property taxes advances in Senate
A move to cap secondary property taxes is underway at the Arizona Capitol. Under S1421, the existing limitations on annual increases in primary property taxes would apply to special taxing districts throughout the state.
Next stop for budget: Negotiating Brewer’s five-point plan
Senate President Bob Burns has lit a path toward compromise with Gov. Jan Brewer on a final budget for fiscal 2010. On June 4, Burns said he wants to discuss ways in which Brewer can advance her five-point economic plan, which includes a $1 billion tax increase.
