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Verschoor breaks silence, explains why he skipped out
Sen. Thayer Verschoor broke his silence Nov. 20, saying he skipped the third day of the Legislature’s special session because he was still trying to negotiate a deal on the package of legislation with the House and the governor.
Budget bill fails in Senate; Verschoor AWOL
The Senate has hit a major snag and has failed to pass the main budget measure that is part of a package that partially fixes a $2-billion deficit, and it has adjourned until Nov. 23. The bill went down by a vote of 14-13. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray voted "no" so he could bring the vote up for reconsideration later. All the Democrats voted "no" on the bill. So did Sen. Ron Gould, a[...]
Senate approves bills in debate, final vote expected today
In almost staccato fashion, senators approved a package of bills to reduce state spending by about $300 million on Nov. 18 - first in committee and then on the floor. Senators attempted several amendments, both in committee and during Committee of the Whole.
Special session kicks off, but most work slated for Thursday
Lawmakers officially kicked off the fourth special session of the year - the second devoted to the fiscal 2010 budget - with an uneventful gathering at the state Capitol on Nov. 17. The work on taking a small bite out of the state's $2 billion budget deficit will take place on Nov. 19, when House and Senate budget committees are expected to meet.
UpClose with Thayer Verschoor
Sen. Thayer Verschoor, a Republican from Gilbert, returned to the Senate after a tough primary last year. One of the most conservative members of the Legislature, he fought hard for the repeal of the state equalization property tax. That battle was lost this year after Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill carrying the repeal language.
Sen. Melvin focuses on nuclear power at panel hearing
As the energy debate heats up in the nation's capital, policymakers in Arizona have begun asking questions about the implications of cap-and-trade legislation and other climate initiatives for the state. For the second time in a month, legislators held a hearing on energy policy, specifically on what the state's energy future would look like. At least two more hearings are scheduled.
Disagreements to resurface: Topics include taxes, spending reductions
A special session - or two - is likely this fall as Gov. Jan Brewer continues to pressure lawmakers to reconvene and legislative leaders have started asking members when they would be available. But roadblocks remain.
Verschoor considering run for State Treasurer’s Office
Sen. Thayer Verschoor, who will reach the end of his term next year, said he is exploring a run for the State Treasurer’s Office. But the Gilbert Republican said he does not intend to run against Treasurer Dean Martin if the Martin decides to seek re-election to the position.
A third of Senate to say goodbye in 2010
A controversial constitutional amendment that limits the length of time that lawmakers can stay in office will force more than one-third of the senators out of their chamber by the end of next year, a massive revamp unprecedented in recent years.
Capitol Quotes 8/21
“I look at the executive branch, and at a certain point, this relentlessness is to be admired. This absolute fight to the death is to be admired. But at another... […]
Verschoor to head Arizona Budget Commission
Senate President Bob Burns has appointed a Gilbert Republican to head a new commission aimed at streamlining the organization, operation and costs of state agencies. Sen. Thayer Verschoor will lead the Arizona Budget Commission for the duration of the 49th Legislature. No other members were announced.
State spending tracks higher than last year
So far, Arizona has spent more money this fiscal year than it did during the same period last year. Between July 1 and Aug. 17, the state spent $164 million more than it did during the same period in 2008, according to figures provided by the state Treasure’s Office.
