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Prosecutors prepare to fight civil forfeiture reforms
Members of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council spoke frankly about their strategy for killing a bill proposed by Republican Rep. Bob Thorpe of Flagstaff during a recent meeting to discuss possible law enforcement related bills. Thorpe has said his goal is to add transparency and accountability in the civil forfeiture laws.
The meaning of transparency, Clean Elections edition
The Clean Elections Commission today (June 1) voted to instruct its legal counsel to take action after the AG’s Office dropped its appeal and motion for stay in Galassini v. Fountain Hills, which invalidated the old definition of ‘political committee.’
Advocacy group gives Arizona B at providing spending transparency
Arizona has improved its transparency on government spending but has a lot of work to do when it comes to providing information on tax credits for businesses, an advocacy group reported Tuesday.
School freeze – Educators push for delay in test repercussions
Arizona public schools would get a one-year freeze on consequences from a new high-stakes learning test under legislation the state Department of Education plans to offer during the next session.
Dark Money
Specter of anonymous campaign spending looms over 2014
Next year’s elections are shaping up like 2012 — organizations with generic names, big checkbooks and secret contributors spending millions to influence Arizona’s elections.
Election reform must be bipartisan and transparent
In the days after the 2012 general election, Arizona made national headlines for all the wrong reasons. A large number of provisional and early ballots remained uncounted from election night, and the multi- week process of counting these ballots provided the national media fodder to continue the theme of dysfunction in Arizona government.
Small gifts make big – and murky – difference in campaign finance transparency
Arizona was fairly giving this election season, kicking in at least $16 million to presidential candidates, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Stanton: Ethics task force will promote openness, accountability
A committee tasked with evaluating the city’s ethics standards will promote transparency, openness and accountability, Mayor Greg Stanton said Monday.
Following your tax dollars
While many Arizonans are enjoying spring break and our beautiful weather, it is an appropriate coincidence that this past week was also designated “Sunshine Week,” a nationwide initiative that draws public attention to the need for increased government transparency and accountability.
Critics say ACA tax credits to businesses should be fully disclosed
Since the Arizona Commerce Authority officially launched on July 1, it has awarded $17.2 million in incentives to companies moving to or expanding in Arizona. But detailed information is available for less than half of that money.
That’s because $9.3 million has been awarded in the form of tax credits, which are defined in Arizona statute as confidential taxpayer information.
Redistricting Commission may weigh transparency issue today
CHANDLER - Arizona's redistricting commissioners today are scheduled to consider the chair's proposal to subject themselves to transparency requirements already imposed on key advisers. Under the requirements, redistricting-related contacts with outsiders have to be reported.
Budget transparency bill passes Senate, 26-1
The Arizona Legislature is advancing a bill that would require local government entities to create their own websites showing detailed information on revenues and expenditures.
