Wrap up with Katie Hobbs
Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, led Democrats in her chamber through yet another session where the minority party tried and failed to substantively change the budget. But the Phoenix Democrat found a few reasons to be pleased with the session, while mostly remaining frustrated by Republican legislative victories.
Wrap up with J.D. Mesnard
In his first year as speaker of the House, J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, managed to get all 35 of his chamber’s Republicans to agree to support the state budget, though two from his caucus still balked at Gov. Doug Ducey’s university bonding proposal.
Governor gets nearly all he wanted in 2017 legislative session
The governor accomplished nearly all of his legislative goals this session, from various steps related to education to a measure that restores benefits to some needy families.
New session, old story – cities, counties fend off Legislature’s reach
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns and the Arizona Association of Counties fended off a bonding plan that would have allowed the state’s three public universities to keep the sales taxes they ordinarily would have paid to the state, cities and counties.
Wrap up with Doug Ducey
In the end, Gov. Doug Ducey got nearly everything he wanted – slightly more money for teachers, a huge university bonding plan and several controversial education programs like universal vouchers and performance funding for schools.
University bonding plan is a big investment in Arizona’s future
The budget I signed this week makes significant new investments in K-12 education, with a focus on teacher salaries, making our best schools available to more students and providing added resources in low-income areas to help close the achievement gap.
Ducey signs $9.8B state budget
Gov. Doug Ducey inked his approval Friday to a nearly $9.82 billion spending plan for the new budget year that begins July 1.
Lawmakers approve $9.8 billion spending plan
Arizona teachers will get a small raise. The state’s universities may take on more debt. High-achieving schools will get more funding.
Arizona House approves university bonding, Senate up next
The Arizona House approved the most contentious part of a $9.8 billion state budget package this evening, clearing the way for approval of the package in that chamber.
ABOR President: If university bonding plan fails, lawsuit is an option
Lawmakers could face a lawsuit from the universities if the proposal to permit them to issue bonds of up to $1 billion falls flat, the head of the Arizona Board of Regents hinted.
Lawmakers, governor move closer to a budget deal, including university bonding
Lawmakers strove to set a budget in motion on Monday night, but fell short of introducing bills as staff worked feverishly to put in writing a $9.8 billion spending plan... […]
Ducey’s bonding plan for universities has more questions than details
Gov. Doug Ducey’s university bonding proposal is a vast unknown for Arizona lawmakers.