State finally replaces wasteful education data system
A new data system that counts students and calculates how much money each school receives for them began running on July 28 to replace a dysfunctional system that education leaders said was wasting millions of dollars.
Big obstacles face Democrat’s effort to legalize marijuana
Rep. Mark Cardenas, D-Phoenix, hopes to convince colleagues to approve legalizing marijuana for recreational use by adults.
Douglas’ first task: Administering state’s new Common Core test
The first task for Diane Douglas, who calls her election to superintendent of public instruction a mandate to end Common Core, will be overseeing the state’s new test for measuring public school students under the learning standards.
APS’ view: Expanding the solar market in Arizona
At APS we are always planning for what’s next in Arizona’s energy future, and much of this focus has been on making sure energy in this state is sustainable for the long term. Our customers tell us they want more opportunities for rooftop solar, and we’ve listened and proposed a program that will bring more solar energy to the state.
Miracle drug costing Arizona millions in unexpected expenses
Arizona’s Medicaid program is trying to keep from breaking the bank by doling out a high-priced miracle drug with a high cure rate for Hepatitis C to only a small percentage of patients who are in the late stages of the disease.
Late ‘dark money’ spending aided Quezada win
Democratic Rep. Martin Quezada won his Senate primary race against fellow lawmaker Lydia Hernandez by only 90 votes, and Quezada said the final push by a “dark money” group probably helped put him over the top.
Ducey self-funding hits $650,000 in past week
Doug Ducey put another $500,000 of his own into his gubernatorial campaign for the final push before the Aug. 26 Republican primary.
Chambers’ dilemma: After Common Core and Medicaid, who should they endorse?
In the last two years, more than two dozen legislators who had received the support of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the 2012 elections fought the business community on two of its biggest policy battles — upholding Common Core and expanding Medicaid.
More cuts expected as Senate postpones budget debate until Tuesday morning
The Arizona Senate delayed debate on a $9.23 billion spending plan Monday afternoon as lawmakers prepare amendments to the budget and Senate President Andy Biggs finds a means to further cut funding for district charter schools.
Senator amends ‘sloppy’ report, defends driving 16K miles on campaign’s dime
A senator who has come under fire for filing a campaign finance report that showed he paid himself nearly $20,000 in 2013 for fuel and mileage costs has filed a new report that cuts the total nearly in half.
January hearing date set for Horne, Winn
An administrative law judge scheduled three days of hearings in January for the campaign coordination case against Attorney General Tom Horne and Kathleen Winn, who ran an independent expenditure campaign to assist Horne’s campaign during the 2010 election.
Utility oversight office proposes solar compromise
Arizona’s Residential Utility Consumer Office today recommended Arizona’s utility regulators to reduce solar “net metering” incentives by a fraction of what the state’s largest utility has sought in recent months.
Instead of cutting the monthly savings of solar net metering customers in half, or by around $75 each month, as Arizona Public Service has asked the state’s energy reg[...]