12 March
2010
Here and Now - The Don Quixote of Ear Marks / Mental Illness Funding
One way members of congress get re-elected is being able to go back to their district and point to all the money he or she got for local projects. One way Jeff Flake gets re-elected is by forgoing such earmarks and challenging his colleagues to do the same. Whether it was President Bush, or President Obama, or Republicans or Democrats in charge of Congress, Flake has sought to put an end to Washington politicians pet spending projects. His latest ploy? Challenging his own caucus to forgo earmarks in this year's spending bills. Did anyone tell Flake that it's an election year?
Election or not, people with serious mental illnesses who rely on help from the state are in for a tough time. And, the non-profit agency that's fought for increased spending on such services is not fighting cutbacks in hopes of avoiding even more loses. Anne Ronan from the Center for Disability Law joins Joseph Kanefield, Governor Brewer's legal counsel, to discuss why both sides came together on the issue.
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03 March
2010
Here and Now - Groceries, Tuition and the Ballot
Albertson's supermaket chain is interested in buying Arizona grocer Basha's. The chain is in bankruptcy and a federal judge may ultimately rule whether Basha's plan to pay creditors or Albertson's bid may be in the best interest of those owed money.
Speaking of which, it will cost even more to attend Arizona universities next fall. NAU, ASU and UofA submitted proposed tuition hikes from 14% to 31% to the Arizona Board of Regents. We'll find out what's behind the latest proposed increases.
And just months after voters in a dozen valley school districts rejected budget overrides. Voters will be back at the polls next Tuesday asking voters to reconsider, courtesy of the legislature. We'll explain.
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03 February
2010
Here and Now: Former Governor Jane Hull, Art Hamilton
Arizona lawmakers face what is perhaps their most difficult task in the history of the legislature. They must find a way to erase an estimated $4 billion dollar budget deficit over the next 17 months.
And considering lawmakers met in a number of special sessions last year to resolve the state's budget mess without much to show for it, the task at hand will not be easy.
Complicating matters is that this is an election year, where lawmakers are afraid to cast votes that may be used against them in the election. Can you say gridlock?
Before she became Arizona's first elected female Governor, Jane Hull served seven terms in the Arizona House of Representatives including two terms as Speaker of the House in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Art Hamilton served in the Arizona House from 1973 to 1999 - the last 18 years as House Minority Leader.
The two represent an era where legislators may not have agreed on policies, but put aside partisan politics to accomplish the task at hand.
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