A veteran state lawmaker has quietly flushed his plans to have the state intervene in who can use which bathroom or locker room.

Arizona is faced with a huge budget deficit, chronic immigration problems and growing pains from the population boom. The state sure could use a hug.

State senators gave final approval Wednesday to legislation supporters said enhances religious freedom while foes argue it will give people an ability to use their beliefs as an excuse to discriminate.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the event that President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would live in infamy, turns 70 years old: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

State lawmakers are weighing whether to fund what could be the last chance of having a new state Capitol in place for the 2012 centennial.

More Arizonans could gain access to health care, drivers might want to save their spare change to pay for toll roads and students could find themselves in class another hour studying more math and science after lawmakers finish the 2007 legislative session.

Jan Brewer did not get what she wanted for the state's 100th birthday.

Jan Brewer did not get what she wanted for the state's 100th birthday.

Republican legislators balked Friday at a proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer to keep extended jobless benefits flowing, leaving nearly 15,000 Arizonans unsure if the unemployment checks they get this coming week will be their last.

Republican legislators balked Friday at a proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer to keep extended jobless benefits flowing, leaving nearly 15,000 Arizonans unsure if the unemployment checks they get this coming week will be their last.

Republican legislators balked Friday at a proposal by Gov. Jan Brewer to keep extended jobless benefits flowing, leaving nearly 15,000 Arizonans unsure if the unemployment checks they get this coming week will be their last.

Oh, what a dilemma. Arizona’s 100th anniversary of statehood is less than four years away. Some lawmakers hope to anchor a yearlong celebration with a new or remodeled state Capitol complex that would replace the House and Senate buildings and possibly the executive office tower. The current buildings are cramped and ugly and, in places, rotting away with age.

Le Templar: The Arizona Legislature is moving to end its special session, so Gov. Jan Brewer will have more time to consider its last budget proposal. 

If you love history - and Arizona - check out the volunteer opportunity at the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix. As Arizona counts down the days to its centennial in 2012, the museum needs volunteers to help connect visitors with the history behind the state's government.

Guest commentary by Glenn Hamer

Tempe is encouraging residents to join the city’s elected officials Jan. 25 at the state Capitol for the annual Neighborhood Day at the Legislature. Mayor Hugh Hallman and the City Council will join residents to meet legislators that day to learn about the city’s legislative program and to find out how lawmakers’ agenda may impact Tempe. The gathering will take place at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns office, 1820 W. Washington St., from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 25. During that time, residents can also tour the House of Representatives and Senate buildings. Residents who plan to attend are asked to contact the city’s neighborhood offices by Jan. 20 at (480) 350-8234 or neighborhoods@tempe.gov.

Legislative leaders will shut down the House and Senate on Monday before an expected 100,000 demonstrators begin to arrive.

No one associated with the Arizona 9/11 Memorial has offered a definitive resolution to the festering objections about certain quotes that cast in a negative light some U.S. actions after the terrorist attacks. Gov. Janet Napolitano headlined the memorial’s dedication last month and praised its inclusion of a range of perspectives and emotions.

Five years ago, small business owners didn’t have a collective voice at the state Capitol. But today, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s Local Chambers Committee works as a lobbying and advocacy arm for chambers and businesses statewide.

Five years ago, small business owners didn’t have a collective voice at the state Capitol. But today, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s Local Chambers Committee works as a lobbying and advocacy arm for chambers and businesses statewide.

Arizonans could give their state a present for its 100th birthday by building a new state Capitol complex in time for the 2012 centennial, state House Speaker Jake Flake, R-Snowflake, proposed Monday.

If you wonder why state officials seem to work so slowly and often can’t get along, consider the Capitol’s architecture. Some lawmakers are discussing the future of two buildings for the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives.

Abrupt change is coming to the small, dedicated crowd of print and radio journalists who are embedded at the state Capitol in Phoenix.