By Bob Christie | The Associated Press
The Arizona Legislature has gone from the fast track to stuck in the mud as lawmakers have become bogged down by the three key issues: Medicaid, sale taxes and the state budget.
The stalemate has moved the public work of the Legislature behind closed doors as leaders try to hash out deals with Gov. Jan Brewer.
Brewer, a Republican, wants to expand Medicaid, a decision that split the GOP majority and led to the stalemate. Conservative Republicans, including Senate President Andy Biggs, worry her plan will vastly expand the federal deficit and drag state finances down with it.
She also has urged a sales tax overhaul that would create a unified statewide sales tax reporting and audit system. The plan also envisions changes to how new construction is taxed, which has run into opposition from cities and towns worried it would cut their revenue. Negotiations on dealing with the cities’ concerns are ongoing.
The budget, which accounts for spending on schools, public safety, roads and all other state services, is generally the last thing lawmakers work on before adjourning. It can’t be addressed, however, until Medicaid and the sales tax overhaul are settled.
Related: Energy bills stalled in the Arizona House
