Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has reported on state government and legal affairs in Arizona since 1982, the last 25 for Capitol Media Services which he founded in 1991. Fischer's news reports appear in daily and weekly newspapers around the state, and are heard on Arizona Public Radio.
Two lawmakers are proposing to let at least several Native American tribes keep some of the taxes generated from sales on reservations.
A spat between ranchers and Native American tribes is threatening to torpedo a special panel which seeks to keep construction projects from damaging tribal remains and antiquities.
The Farm Bureau figures that the cost of a typical basket of 12 representative items will set shoppers back $56.83. That same basket could be bought a year ago for just $46.22.
Student athletes at state universities and community colleges would be able to profit from their endorsements under the terms of legislation awaiting a vote at the state House.
Senate President Karen Fann has blocked consideration -- possibly permanently -- on a bill to put new restrictions on sex education in public schools.
Gov. Doug Ducey is proposing to eliminate state income taxes -- but only for retired military.
Unwilling to wait to see what, if anything, lawmakers will do, education groups on Monday launched an initiative drive to raise taxes on the wealthiest Arizonans to generate an additional $940 million for public education.
Just a year after approval of the much-heralded Drought Contingency Plan, Arizona lawmakers once again face tough questions of how to deal with the increased demand for water in the face of drier weather -- and getting water to where it is needed.
The way Gov. Doug Ducey tells it, if you like what he's been doing for the past five years you'll love what he will propose Monday in his sixth State of the State address.
While the issues surrounding the budget and water suck up much of the political oxygen at the Capitol, dozens of other issues already are vying for legislative attention. And most tend to fall into a few areas.
