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
A Potential Game-Changer for the 2024 Elections in Arizona: Gov. Hobbs Supporting Putting Abortion on the Ballot
The 2024 elections will be incredibly significant for numerous reasons, with Arizona again set to be perhaps the most important battleground of the battleground states for the presidential election, and with what might be the most interesting US Senate race in modern American history in our state as well. But for Governor Hobbs, it will be just as significant for … Read More
AG Mayes and Governor Hobbs Have a New Target: AZ Schools Superintendent Tom Horne
Over the last few months, Governor Katie Hobbs and AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes have started to realize and actualize the power that they can wield together (you can read up on our coverage on Hobbs here and Mayes here). Most of this exploration has revolved around battles related to legislation, both real and potential, but rarely have they had … Read More
An Unforced Error by Governor Hobbs, Potentially a Lesson Learned
If you read us regularly, you know that it has been a wild ride condensed into less than a year for Governor Katie Hobbs, full of slip ups, power moves, falls and redemptions (get the full scoop here). One thing that has been certain is that the Arizona GOP is looking for any opportunity to nail her administration against the … Read More
Can Republicans Keep Criticism of Governor Hobbs to Reasonable Items?
By Ronald Sampson It’s been a rough time for Governor Katie Hobbs. I’ve been plenty willing to levy complaints about her for a few different reasons starting with her campaign (especially her unwillingness to debate) and continuing into her initial inability to delegate responsibility effectively (read all the good and the bad here). She has earned plenty of legitimate criticism…which … Read More