State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – It looks like students at Northern Arizona University are going
to have to pay even more than they thought this coming school
year.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Abortion foes are hoping that a new governor gives them a chance
to enact new restrictions.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – House Republican leaders promised Monday to vote by the end of
March to repeal the state property tax -- and permanently forego
the $250 million it would raise -- whether or not they have a
plan by then to balance next year's budget.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Don't expect any quick action by state lawmakers to adopt a new
budget for the coming year.

The issue, quite simply, is lack of information about how much
money Arizona is going to get in the federal stimulus package.
There are some significant differences that have to be ironed out
between versions approved by the U.S. House and Senate.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer said today she's not willing to rule out even
deeper cuts next year in state aid to education.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The White House is turning up the heat on Republicans --
including the state's two U-S senators -- to support the 900
billion dollar stimulus package.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Members of the state Parks Board balked today at a proposal to
shutter eight locations, saying they wanted to see if there were
better alternatives. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer
reports.

Agency Director Ken Travous said closing the parks was the best
way to deal with the nearly $4.9 million lawmakers took from the
department's operting budget and $17.3 million raided from
special funds, all to deal with a $1.6 billion deficit.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The vote by the Legislature early Saturday to plug the 1-point-6
billion dollar hole in the budget does not end the fight over
spending cuts.

That's because gap between revenues and expenses for the coming
year could hit $3 billion. John Kavanagh who chairs the House
Appropriations Committee, said that is likely to mean even deeper
cuts to education.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The director of the state parks system said today he will have to
close parks if lawmakers adopt the budget they are considering.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State lawmakers early this morning finally approved a revised
budget to deal with the deficit.

Adoption came after the Republican-controlled Legislature beat
back efforts by Democrats to reverse proposed cuts for several
programs, especially funds for public schools, community colleges
and universities. One amendment by Rep. David Schapira
specifically sought to restore the $142 million in cuts to the
university system.