In The News 
Stricter regs needed for medical marijuana
Supporters of an effort to legalize medical marijuana in Arizona have taken steps to avoid some of the problems that have riddled California since voters there passed Proposition 215 in 1996.
Immigration foes pledge new bill, voter initiative
Accusing the federal government of hampering local attempts to combat illegal immigration, state Sen. Russell Pearce, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and some of Arizona's most hawkish public figures on border security pledged on Wednesday to redouble their efforts with new legislation and a citizens initiative.
Medical-marijuana rule may impact Ariz. Initiative
The local leader of an Arizona medical-marijuana initiative called it a "sea change" for the movement Monday when federal authorities announced they'll no longer pursue prosecutions against individuals using the drug for medical purposes in states that allow it.
125,000 have signed Arizona’s medical marijuana petition
The next state general election will not occur until November, but backers of a ballot proposal to legalize the use of medical marijuana in Arizona claim to be well on their way to qualifying the measure for the 2010 ballot.
Editorial: Legislature needs one more big push for ballot effort
One last push at the Legislature will put Arizona's budget on firmer ground. One strong bipartisan effort will let Arizona voters have a say in how to fix a multiyear gap between revenue and expenditures.
GOP sends 3 measures to 2010 ballot
Three proposals to amend the Arizona Constitution will be heading to the 2010 ballot for voter consideration after gaining final approval from Republican lawmakers during a session dominated by the state’s financial crisis
Editorial: Let the people decide question of sales-tax hike
A recent survey of likely voters found that 64 percent were likely to approve a ballot measure that would temporarily raise the state sales tax to 6.6 cents on the dollar, from the current 5.6 cents.
Hands off tobacco money - Supreme Court: Legislature can’t sweep First Things First
The Arizona Supreme Court has decided unanimously that state lawmakers overstepped their authority when they swept millions of dollars of interest held in the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Fund.
Supreme Court: Sweep of tobacco money violated Prop. 105
The Arizona Supreme Court on July 24 ruled on a fine-print dispute over a 2006 tobacco tax ballot measure, determining that state lawmakers were not entitled to sweep millions of dollars of interest held in the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Fund.
Ariz. Senate OKs vote on relaxing voter mandates
A proposed constitutional amendment approved by the Arizona Senate would give the Legislature new authority to loosen voter-approved spending mandates in times of budget trouble certified by elected state officials.
