State Capitol News

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A new report today shows that the percentage of tax dollars that
wound up in the classroom was lower in last school year than at
any time since the state began studying the issue seven years
earlier.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – State officials have found a loophole in the new federal stimulus
bill that will keep the working poor parents of 15,000 children
from losing their subsized child care. Arizona Public Radio's
Howard Fischer explains.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The House Health Committee voted this morning to approve new
restrictions on abortion. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer
explains what's in the bill -- and why the vote was unanimous.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A House panel took took the first steps Monday to permanently
repealing the state property tax.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The state Parks Board voted this afternoon to close three parks
to save money. But that isn't the end of the cuts.

McFarland Historic State Park in Florence already is closed to
visitors because the building is in disrepair. The board's vote
directed closure of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson
and Jerome Historic State Park, both of which also require
repairs to buildings.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Some new figures show the state could be in line for more than 4
billion dollars in federal stimulus money. But lawmakers and the governor aren't
sure how much the state can afford to take.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Three more state parks have been added to the list of those that could be closed to balance the budget. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer explains.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The Department of Economic Security continues to make cuts in the
services it provides. But some Republican lawmakers are questioning how that list
got prepared.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Barack Obama will not unveil his plan to fix the housing mess
until Wednesday. But Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer
reports that did not stop the state's two U-S senators from
commenting today on the plan.

John McCain took the opportunity of a press conference to
criticize Obama for not doing more to deal with the housing
problem as part of the just-signed stimulus package.

By Howard Fischer

Flagstaff, AZ – State lawmakers from both parties are taking a guarded -- if not
outright wary -- stance to a possible special election this
spring for a temporary hike in the sales tax.