State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A provision in a new medical marijuana initiative could create
headaches for employers trying to maintain drug-free workplaces.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The House gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that would
bar most property owners from telling people they can't bring
guns into their parking lots.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer signed a 650 million dollar budget fix today.
And she specifically
defended a provision that bridges some of the gap by taking money
from school districts.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State lawmakers are set to vote this morning on a plan that could
take up to 300 million dollars in funds some say school districts
have in excess funds.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer is backing away from her demand that the
budget include higher taxes or face a veto.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A House panel approved a plan of spending cuts and other
maneuvers Tuesday to balance next year's budget.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A special panel is recommending today that the state keep the
AIMS tests as a requirement to graduate.

The panel concluded that the tests do play a valid role in
determining if high schoolers have learned certain academic
skills. But committee chairman Jim Zaharis said the tests in
reading, writing and math go only so far.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A new poll shows a majority of state voters want lawmakers to
avoid further cuts in education funding. And most are apparently willing to tax
themselves to do that.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Republican lawmakers have come up with a way of plugging part of
the hole in the state budget -- take the money from others.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State senators voted Wednesday to ease restrictions on free
health care.