State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – So here's a question to ponder over your Wheaties: Can a fish
perform a pedicure?

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer said today she's willing to consider
legislation to let the payday loan industry remain in business
beyond next June despite a public vote to the contrary.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Some motorists are going to have a harder time soon when they
need to get their vehicles registered or a new driver's license.

The state is closing a dozen of their Motor Vehicle Division
offices, from one that serves a lot of customers in midtown
Phoenix to smaller locations in Williams, Fredonia and St. Johns.
ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said it's related to the state budget
crunch.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A new poll shows that the most popular choice for governor among
Republicans is someone who isn't running now -- and may not run
at all. That could be good news for the person in second place,
state Treasurer Dean Martin.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer lashed out today at cities for suing to
overturn a new law on illegal immigration.

The fight is over a lawsuit filed Monday by the League of Arizona
Cities and Towns challenging some provisions in budget
legislation approved earlier this year. One section spells out
what documents people who want public services need to provide to
prove they are in this country legally.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A new statewide poll suggests that John McCain could have trouble
hanging on to his Senate seat -- and not from the Democrats.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ –
State senators gave preliminary approval this afternoon to some
sharp budget cuts. But the move came over some protests.

The biggest came from various groups whose programs depend on
taxpayer funds, ranging from organizations that help the poor and
disabled to a couple of state labor unions. Andrew Morrill, vice
president of the Arizona Education Association, said the groups
that object, are not in denial about the current $2 billion
deficit.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Gay state and university workers filed suit today to overturn a
law which takes away their domestic partner benefits.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State health officials agreed today to a sharp drop in what they
proposed to charge in child care licensing fees. But Arizona
Public Radio's Howard Fischer reports the care centers are going
to have to do something in return.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The state's top education official said Thursday Arizona has a
good chance of snaring a share of a 4 billion dollar federal
grant. But there may be a snag.