Being a Democratic governor with a Republican-controlled state House and Senate is never an easy proposition, and Governor Katie Hobbs has found this out firsthand. Unable to control the agenda, she has mostly been relegated to one act of power: the veto pen. Now that the legislative session is over, we know how often she has used that power this … Read More
The Arizona Governor’s Race Officially Got More Interesting: Karrin Taylor-Robson Jumps Into the Mix
Arizona Republicans have been taking shots at current Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs wherever they reasonably could since she got in office. With Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, they have the luxury of passing bills that they assume she will veto, thus putting together a portfolio of initiatives that help make the case about why … Read More
Statement on Governor’s Veto of HB 2703 and SB 1011
By County Supervisor Thomas Galvin “Arizonans want election results faster, and I am confident the exemplary work of legislators in both the Arizona House and Senate over the past month will make that a reality. I have been a strong proponent for necessary election reforms. House Bill 2703 and Senate Bill 1011 accomplish the goals I outlined in my Chairman’s … Read More
Scottsdale Rep Leading the Fight Against Hobbs: Is He Asking the Right Questions or Being an Opportunistic Politician?
As we have covered recently, since the November election life has gotten harder for Governor Katie Hobbs. The Republican advantage in both the State House and the State Senate has expanded, meaning that the road to Hobbs bringing anything on her agenda to fruition got much longer and more difficult. We predicted that Republicans would be jockeying for position to … Read More
Major Housing Bills Signed Into Law by Governor Hobbs: Are Housing Prices About to Level Off?
For any renters or prospective home buyers in the Phoenix metro area, housing costs are easily one of the biggest concerns and have turned into a political football. As with any significant issue, especially one that impacts an oversized percentage of their voting base, politicians will do their best to at least give the appearance of solving issues. Enter Governor … Read More
Arizona Legislature Singing Kumbaya on Education…For Now
As this year’s legislative session kicks into full swing, one issue is front and center this year: education. And in a strange twist, Republicans and Democrats are actually somewhat united on this issue…for now. But as the fight for control of the legislature, which leans ever so perilously on the side of the Republicans, heats up this year these agreements … Read More
Phoenix’s Water Management Dilemma: Politics, Sustainability and Resources
By Grace Chapman Within the arid landscape of Arizona, water is a necessary resource as this summer saw scorching temperatures up to 116 degrees. Therefore it is imperative that Arizona’s local and state governments understand how to navigate water resources within the state. Phoenix faces a formidable challenge of managing water resources during climate change and growing urbanization. Most of … Read More
Arizona Encountering a Major Revenue Problem with Tough Decisions in a Divided Capitol Looming
An end-around to placate the state’s highest earners and nullify a citizen initiative seemed like a clever move at the time. The chickens have since come home to roost however, and there may be some major repercussions. Arizona is now staring down the barrel of a massive $1.7 billion deficit at the start of the legislative session. Since the budget … Read More
Gov. Hobbs and Democrats Keep Moving to the Right on Immigration
By Ronald Sampson Any “old hats” who have followed politics for a while have undoubtedly seen the phenomenon of how political performance level at the national level impacts that at the state and local level. For instance, if a President is incredibly popular, lower-level politicians of the same party will do their best to ride the coattails, to match styles … Read More
Better Days Coming for Scottsdale Teachers According to Task Force. Are They Substantive or Empty Promises?
Education has long been a hot-button issue in Arizona. While Democrats have long spoken about it as the minority party, it hit a critical mass in 2018 with the massive Red for Ed protests. Then-Governor Ducey’s political hand was forced, leading to significant increases in pay for teachers in the state. Once right near the bottom nationally in average teacher … Read More