PHOENIX – The state of Arizona has the 6th highest teen unemployment rate in the nation – 28.7 percent. A state senator is now working to change that.

Senator Kimberly Yee is sponsoring SB 1449 — which will require high schools students to be proficient in more than math, science, writing, and reading when they graduate.

If it becomes law, SB 1449 will require students to be proficient in finance. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously earlier this week.

See the report athttp://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/21419007/2013/02/27/az-senator-wants-to-require-finance-curriculum-in-high-schools

PHOENIX (AP) — The cozy relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists could get a little less familiar under a proposed ethics overhaul that seeks to give the public a more detailed look into Arizona politics.

The bill advanced by the Senate’s Judiciary Committee on Monday expands the definition of legal and illegal gifts and would require lobbyists to file monthly expenditure reports detailing any gifts made to lawmakers. The lobbyists would have to state which exemption applied to the legal gifts and list the retail value of the item. They would also have to let lawmakers know the value of the gift. Violators could face felony charges.

Republican Sen. Michele Reagan said she is working with lawmakers, legal officials and lobbyists to ensure some changes are made despite opposition from some legislators and lobbyists who benefit from the status quo.

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Arizona-senators-look-to-revamp-lobbying-gift-ban-4288146.php#ixzz2LMcMJGtb

Arizona’s lower taxes and friendlier business climate have many California businesses saying, “Arizona, here we come.”

This week the NBC television station in Sacramento, California is looking at Arizona’s efforts to bring California businesses here. The second installment of KCRA’s “Arizona here we come” takes a deeper look into why California businesses are considering moving their companies.

In an effort to keep lines of communication open with her Legislative District, Senator Kelli Ward will hold a series of Town Hall events this weekend.

After the passage of Prop 30 in California in November, Arizona leaders launched a campaign aimed at getting California businesses to move to the Grand Canyon State.

Community Health Centers pride themselves on their ability to integrate high quality primary care services and behavioral health services. Integration of behavioral health care and physical health care involves intentional, ongoing, coordination and collaboration between all providers treating the individual.

On Thursday Senate President Andy Biggs appeared on Channel 8’s Arizona Horizon to discuss the latest update from the Capitol, including the budget, the Governor’s plan concerning Medicaid expansion, and the push for election reform. He was joined by Speaker of the House Andy Tobin.

Senator Michele Reagan appeared on Channel 8’s Arizona Horizon on Tuesday night to talk about her ideas to reform our election system. As chairman of the new Elections committee, Senator Reagan discusses her efforts concerning the transparency and efficiency of Arizona’s election system.

In a move aimed at preventing children from accidentally eating marijuana and the state’s police from falling foul of federal drug laws, a state lawmaker is proposing two pieces of legislation to tighten the state’s medical-marijuana program.

Senator Michele Reagan has introduced a bill to close several loopholes in Arizona’s recall laws. The Scottsdale Republican is working with election officials across the state on the bill.

Pro golfer Phil Mickelson brought up an important issue that many people around the nation are facing today – they are being overtaxed and essentially penalized for their success in life.

At a news conference Thursday morning Senator Kelli Ward unveiled her bill that would inform parents of all the school choice options the state has to offer. Arizona is at the forefront of school choice options, and Senator Ward’s bill would fill the “knowledge gap” that prevents families from exploring their education options.

Senator Nancy Barto Thursday received the Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the Arizona Rural Health Association. She earned the award for her dedication to promoting rural health in Arizona and for her service to the rural healthcare community.

PHOENIX – The large number of provisional ballots cast in November has two lawmakers so far proposing ways to address the issue.

Senator Rich Crandall appeared on Channel 8’s Arizona Horizon Tuesday night to discuss his plan for improving safety in Arizona schools.

President Barack Obama’s administration will soon make a critical decision affecting U.S. consumers, U.S. and Mexican jobs and U.S.-Mexico relations when it decides the future of the U.S.-Mexico tomatoes agreement.

On January 7th Senator Kelli Ward was honored to receive the 2012 Woman of the Year award from the London Bridge Republican Women’s Club. This award honors women in Lake Havasu City who exemplify Republican principles through their words and actions, and Senator Ward is the perfect example of someone who does just that.

Senate President Andy Biggs today expressed serious concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of new regulations requiring the owners of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) to install up to $1.1 billion in new pollution-control equipment, ostensibly to reduce regional haze.

A new legislative proposal could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by creating a less generous, 401(k)-style retirement plan for future Arizona elected officials, including Superior Court judges.