Steve Voeller: Key player for several Arizona congressmen
Name a prominent Arizona congressman, and Steve Voeller’s probably worked for him. After his most high-profile client, U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, announced he won’t seek re-election in 2018, Voeller reflected on his time with Flake and his own experiences from working in the nation’s capital.
With distorted picture of NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico trade relations face precarious time
It is clear that there is a distorted picture of NAFTA in our nation’s capital. Rather than losing jobs due to a trade deficit, per the Mexico Institute, more than 4.9 million jobs in the U.S. are tied to trade with Mexico.
What is ‘PILT’ and why do we need a permanent solution?
The acronym “PILT” is more than just an odd abbreviation. PILT stands for Payment In Lieu of Taxes, a program created by Congress in 1976. Simply put, PILT provides federal funding to counties that host large tracts of non-taxable federal land, reimbursing the counties for services required on those lands and making it possible for county governments to provide police and fire protection, road[...]
Colorado pot law a guide for hopeful Arizonans
While the nation watches Colorado adults buy marijuana in retail stores for non-medical consumption, advocates of a similar arrangement in Arizona are working to follow the Centennial State’s lead.
Grassroots pot legalization group hopeful for 2014 initiative
The same well-funded, national organization that ushered Arizona’s medical marijuana law onto the books in 2010 already plans to return for a 2016 full-legalization effort. But that just isn’t soon enough for some local activists.
Marijuana reform group: Arizona legalization initiative planned for 2016
By 2017, Arizonans will be free to possess, use and even grow marijuana, regardless of any medical condition, if the group that helped pass the state’s 2010 medical marijuana initiative in 2010 is successful again.
Marijuana advocates: DOJ memo clears path for Arizona, other states
When it comes to possession or use of marijuana, the United States Department of Justice will not focus on enforcement of federal marijuana laws where state laws allow it, a memo released today explains.
Marijuana law reform advocates declared it a victory and identified its broad implications for Arizona and other states.
Close vote seen on background checks on gun buyers
WASHINGTON ai??i?? A bipartisan Senate proposal to expand background checks for gun buyers gained the backing of one Republican and the potential support of a second Sunday as sponsors said the vote expected this week was too close to call.
Lawmakers ready to unveil immigration deal
WASHINGTON ai??i?? A bipartisan group of senators is almost ready to share with colleagues and voters an immigration overhaul crafted over several months.
Conservation group sues – again – to protect Mexican gray wolf in Arizona
For the second time in less than two weeks, a Tucson-based conversation group has sued the federal government over its handling of the Mexican gray wolf.
Barber holding the lead but CD2 still up for grabs
The outcome of southern Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District back-and-forth campaign for the lead between Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Barber and Republican challenger Martha McSally will decide whether Arizona chooses a Democratic or Republican congressional majority.
Today, a full six days after the election, the race had still not been called for either candidate. Barber was leading by 69[...]
New TV ad promotes sales tax extension
The campaign behind a 1-cent sales tax released its first TV commercial over the weekend, aggressively seeking to paint the ballot measure as a direct response to legislators’ antipathy toward K-12 funding.