WASHINGTON — Americans are more optimistic the job market is healing and will deliver higher pay later this year. That brighter outlook, along with rising home prices, cheaper gasoline and a surging stock market, could offset some of the drag from the recent tax increases and government spending cuts.

The Gilbert Unified School District would have to to cut another $5 million from its budget if an idea to maintain the current primary property tax rate takes hold.

Back in February, the Mesa City Council was predicting a budget shortfall of between $8 million and $9 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

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Washington -- While much of Washington is focused on the impact of Friday’s “sequestration” cuts, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith is worried that a proposed solution to that problem could end up seriously hurting cities.

Mesa and Chandler school districts may join the ranks of other districts in Arizona that are unable to sell voter-approved bonds in the future because of the recent housing crash.

The City of Mesa forecasts it will have an $8 million to $9 million shortfall in the next fiscal budget, which starts July 1.

District 4 Councilmember Chris Glover has been re-appointed to the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) steering committee. This will be Councilmember Glover’s second term on the FAIR steering committee, which is responsible for developing policy positions on issues involving national economic policy, general financial assistance programs, liability insurance, intergovernmental relations, Census, municipal bonds and capital finance, municipal management, antitrust issues, citizen participation and civil rights, labor relations, Native American sovereignty and municipal authority.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Arizona is an ideal place to utilize solar electricity. But the decision to invest in a solar installation on your home can be complicated.

"By saving frugally, we reap liberty, a golden harvest.” The Spartan King, Agesilaus, spoke those words 24 centuries ago, and they are still true today. Here are some financial goals to consider when choosing your New Year’s Resolutions.

CHICAGO — No matter how many years you are from calling it quits, it's essential to have some kind of plan in mind for financing retirement.

Early results show that voters will approve the Tempe Elementary School District’s $5 million annual capital outlay override, according to unofficial results.

In early results, Tempe voters were passing all three city bonds on the ballot, including $10.5 million to fund a dam replacement in Tempe Town Lake, according to unofficial general election results.

Editor's Note: These letters to the editor have been sorted by topic by the Tribune editorial staff in an effort to allow readers to read varied opinions on the issues, candidates, and other circumstances surrounding the 2012 general election. These submissions are the opinions of the author, not the Tribune, and have not been edited for grammar or content.

East Valley school districts say one of the top impacts of the economic downturn has been a rise in class sizes.

A trio of bond questions have been added by the City of Tempe to its upcoming Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Age: 57

This year, four candidates for the Kyrene School District Governing Board each face tight rivalry, as they compete for three available seats on the board.

Upset parents, confused children and signs that read “Save our school” have become a familiar sight in the East Valley in the last few years.

Awareness is the first step in gaining financial freedom. The following questions are based on Oppenheimer Funds research. It only takes a minute to see how much you know about dealing with money.

Our economy is recovering under Obama’s leadership despite the worst worldwide recession in our lifetime.

WASHINGTON — Economic growth is pitiful. Unemployment has topped 8 percent for an exhausting 43 months. The nation is careering toward a so-called fiscal cliff, and maybe a recession.

The students keep arriving at Gilbert’s Higley Unified School District.

NEW YORK — Stocks soared in the U.S. and Europe Thursday after the European Central Bank president vowed to "do whatever it takes" to preserve the continent's monetary union.