State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State Treasurer Dean Martin is blaming the Obama administration
for a delay in stimulus funding. But there may be less there than meets the
eye.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – New figures today show the state's jobless rate shot up another
half a point last month.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Arizonans will soon be able to bring their loaded guns into bars.
But as Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer explains, they WON'T
be able to light any sparklers to celebrate the new law.

By Howard Fischer

Flagstaff, AZ – Some Senate Republicans appear ready to give Governor Jan Brewer
what she wants: Ask voters if they want to hike the state sales
tax. But there's more to it than that.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A major statewide grocery chain is seeking protection from
creditors today in bankruptcy court.

In filings early this morning, Bashas' listed about $200 million
in assets -- and about $245 million in debt. Company president
Mike Proulx said the state's soft economy is taking its toll.

(Arizona goes from back in the day from a couple of years, three,
four years ago, from one of the fastest growing states in the
nation to stagnant growth.)

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State law will soon spell out that schools cannot discriminate
against students based on their religious views.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The fight within the Republican party over how to craft a new
state budget has had some political fallout.

Senate President Bob Burns said he has been trying craft a budget
plan acceptable to his caucus as well as Gov. Jan Brewer. But
Burns said some members of his leadership team have not been
pushing in the same direction. So on Wednesday he ousted Sen.
Thayer Verschoor from his position as president pro-tem.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer signed the bills this afternoon to fix
education and health care funding issues. But there's still a long way to go to
balancing the budget.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State lawmakers approved increased spending on education on
Monday. But that's only part of adopting a balanced budget.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State lawmakers are back in special session this afternoon to
deal with last week's vetoes by Governor Jan Brewer of key parts
of the budget.