This is a busy time of year at the Arizona State Capitol. Most years, legislators are attempting to finish all of their work, most notably the annual budget, in order to call and end to the session and be done for the year. This year’s legislative session will be a significantly longer one, with Governor Katie Hobbs and the Republican-led … Read More
Arizona Democrats Pro-Death Penalty? Local Leaders Take a Surprising Stance
When it comes to partisan politics, one dynamic has stayed constant for a long time: Democrats leaning towards compassion and Republicans leaning towards consequences when it comes to the legal process and crime. That dynamic has nearly always stayed in place when it comes to one of the more controversial topics of our time: the death penalty. Until now, that … Read More
No Longer 1864: Reversal of the Abortion Bill Potentially Upending Election
For a number of weeks, Arizona Republicans were extremely nervous, Democrats were furious, and the eyes of the country (sometimes even the world) were once again on Arizona, as the state Supreme Court ruled that an abortion law from all the way back in 1864 was once again the law of the land. This ruling would ensure that abortion was … Read More
Illegal Immigration is Likely to Go On the Ballot: What It Means for the 2024 Elections
Nearly everyone engaged in current events enough to read our content understands that the state legislature passes laws in Arizona. However, not everyone is aware that the legislature can also pass bills for the sake of putting them to a public vote on your election ballot. And it is precisely through this mechanism that Arizona Republicans are making a bet … 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