Governor Jan Brewer has signed into law HB 2543, compromise legislation that protects Arizona’s critical astronomy installations while making reasonable accommodations for new technology in the billboard industry. The Governor had vetoed an earlier bill that she felt placed Arizona observatories at risk, and called astronomy and billboard stakeholders to the table at that time in order to reach a compromise. “I’m happy that members of these two important industries worked in good … [Read more...] about Legislation Preserving Flagstaff’s Dark Skies
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Navajo Nation Considers Smoking Ban
Navajo lawmakers will reconsider a smoking ban during the upcoming session in Window Rock this week. The bill would reportedly exempt tribal casinos at least until financing debts are paid off. A spokeswoman for tribal President Ben Shelly says he does not support the exemption because the president would prefer to protect the health of Navajos. The 27,000 square mile Navajo reservation is the largest in the country. Lawmakers in the former administration failed to override a … [Read more...] about Navajo Nation Considers Smoking Ban
Flake Votes to Prevent Ban on Uranium Mining
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today voted against an amendment in the House Appropriations Committee that would have removed language from the Interior Appropriations bill which blocks a moratorium on uranium mining in northern Arizona. The amendment failed 23-26. “Uranium mining outside of Grand Canyon National Park can create jobs and stimulate the economy in northern Arizona without jeopardizing the splendor and natural beauty within the … [Read more...] about Flake Votes to Prevent Ban on Uranium Mining
Sportsmen Want Permanent Uranium Mining Ban
The U.S. House of Representatives has included a provision in a spending bill that would short-circuit a 2-year-old ban on new uranium mining covering one million acres of public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park. But local businesses and sportsmen say that protecting these lands from new uranium mining is critical for supporting hunting, fishing, and tourism jobs in the region. The mining “rider” is included in the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY2012, … [Read more...] about Sportsmen Want Permanent Uranium Mining Ban
Flake Protesting No. AZ Uranium Mining Moratorium
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, is including language in the House Interior Appropriations bill that would prevent the Obama Administration from withdrawing nearly one million acres of public and National Forest System lands north and south of the Grand Canyon to new uranium mining claims and exploration. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar halted new mining claims for two years in 2009 and federal agencies have undertaken an environmental analysis of the … [Read more...] about Flake Protesting No. AZ Uranium Mining Moratorium
Gosar Introducing Jobs Bill
U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, is introducing a jobs bill relating to the Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act. It is estimated that HR 1904 will create 1,000 direct jobs, 5,000 indirect jobs and provide an economic impact of over $800 million for Arizona yearly for the next 25-50 years. In a video statement Gosar said, “Today I introduced a bill that will create thousands of jobs in Arizona. After months of working together with the local community the state, businesses, leaders in … [Read more...] about Gosar Introducing Jobs Bill
Analysis of AZ Income Tax Reform
Revised Rates Would Be Lowest of Any State with an Income Tax, says Tax Foundation analysts. (An Arizona Senate committee has voted for a 'flat tax' . The Senate Finance committee voted 4-2 this week to pass the income tax reform which would eliminate some deductions including those for mortgage interest, charitable donations and those for dependents. The house has already passed a similar version of the bill. Analysis shows nearly nine out of 10 Arizonans would pay higher taxes under the … [Read more...] about Analysis of AZ Income Tax Reform
