State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer asked the state Supreme Court today to force
the Legislature to send her the budget they approved.

With only Republicans in support, lawmakers approved an $8.2
billion spending plan on June 4. But GOP leaders refused to send
the governor the package of 10 bills, hoping to use them as
leverage to force Brewer to adopt a deal more to their liking.
But the governor said she sees something more sinister at work.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer is set to file suit against legislative leaders
at the state Supreme Court this morning in the latest dust-up
over the state budget. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer
reports.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer is threatening to sue the Legislature if she
doesn't get the budget bills they passed more than a week ago by
the end of the day today.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State senators voted today to make guns welcome at places where
alcohol is served unless the business owner post signs to keep
the weapons out.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The state House decided today to ask voters to block the federal
government from forcing anyone here to enroll in any new national
health care plan.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Senate President Bob Burns said Wednesday Republican lawmakers
are probably going to have to give Governor Jan Brewer the tax
hike SHE demands to get the spending package THEY want.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State lawmakers are moving on two fronts to bar politicians and
the agency chiefs they appoint from blocking law enforcement
officers from enforcing immigration laws.

The measures target so-called sanctuary policies. Rep. John
Kavanagh said many police officers want to enforce federal
immigration laws. But he said they are thwarted by their
supervisors or the elected officials to whom they report.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The state moved one step closer today to putting new restrictions
on abortion.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A Senate panel voted Monday to let some people bring their guns
into restuarants when they want to get a bite to eat. But the measure may not be that narrow.

Current state law says guns are strictly off limits anywhere
where alcohol is served. Sen. Russell Pearce said that's not
right.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer conducted a hearing today to hear what people
think about the budget just approved by the Legislature. But it was never
designed to be a balanced approach.