LEGISLATIVE WRAPUP: THE KEY ISSUES

posted by Michael Chihak

A panel of veteran journalists will analyze the output of the Arizona Legislature's regular session on Friday's Arizona Week.

The Legislature is expected to adjourn as early as today and is still plowing through a large pile of bills. Gov. Jan Brewer is likewise spending much of her time this week reviewing bills to decide on signing or vetoing.

Legislation covers the gamut, from historic budget cuts in education and health care to big tax cuts for businesses to stimulate the economy and job growth. Brewer already has signed those bills along with bills imposing more restrictions on abortion, among others.

Friday's Arizona Week discussion will focus on:

• How big cuts to the state budget will affect education, health care, welfare programs and local governmental operations.

• Whether the economic development package that will give businesses more than $500 million in tax cuts starting in 2014 can as intended reinvent Arizona's economy as one with a diversity of high-paying jobs in technology and other emerging fields.

• What's next for Senate President Russell Pearce's package of immigration restriction legislation, which was voted down when fellow Republicans joined Democrats.

• What happened to the slew of bills intended to challenge federal authority in the state, including the bill aimed to keep President Obama off the Arizona ballot in 2012 and the challenge to the 14th Amendment's birthright provision.

• Other issues, including work the Legislature didn't complete and whether special sessions will be called for the unfinished business.