Author Archives: Christine Rogel, Cronkite News Service
As economy toppled, seven Arizona congressmen continued tradition of staff bonuses
While dealing with the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, seven Arizona members of the U.S. House of Representatives granted around $300,000 in total staff bonuses in late 2008, a Cronkite News Service review found.
'I have the best job in the world'; Doctor offers mobile medicine to homeless kids
A little girl laughs in an exam room and then, feeling the prick of a needle, buries her face in her mother's shoulder and cries as she's vaccinated against the H1N1 flu strain. She and 14 other children might not have been unanimously enthusiastic about the flu clinic Dr. Randy Christensen offered recently at the UMOM New Day Shelter. But Darlene Newsom, the shelter's CEO, said the care Christensen provides youth through the Crews'n Healthmobile program is essential.
Brewer: Long-term solution to Arizona's economic woes depends on jobs
While a temporary sales tax increase would help address Arizona's budget crisis, a long-term solution will depend on attracting firms that offer high-paying jobs, Gov. Jan Brewer told business leaders Nov. 4. "Our future pivots on our ability to create jobs, better jobs, permanent jobs and more of them," Brewer said at a Greater Phoenix Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Kirkpatrick raises concerns about renewable energy's cost to rural Arizona residents
November 2, 2009	3 Comments
Duncan Mayor M.C. Holiday has nothing against renewable energy. But as the state and federal governments look toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he hopes officials will keep in mind that his remote town has a high unemployment rate and many residents on fixed incomes.
Brewer: Expanded Nogales port will boost international trade
NOGALES - Expanding the Mariposa Port of Entry here will reduce delays in each direction, boost international trade and enhance security, Gov. Jan Brewer said Oct. 22. "The expansion will benefit real people who are at the heart of international trade," Brewer said. "We have yet to realize the potential of the trade between Arizona and Sonora."
Report ranks Arizona ninth nationally in state, local reliance on sales taxes
October 22, 2009	1 Comment
Arizona ranks ninth nationally in its reliance on sales taxes to fund its state and local governments, according to a report by a nonpartisan tax research organization. The Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation found that 48.4 percent of Arizona's tax base came from general sales taxes and from selective sales taxes on motor fuel, tobacco, insurance premiums, public utilities, amusements and alcoholic beverages.
U.S. education secretary: Administration committed to helping rural schools
CASA GRANDE - The Obama administration is committed to improving the performance of rural schools, the U.S. secretary of education said Oct. 19. "There is significant underinvestment in rural communities, and we would like to right that balance," Arne Duncan told educators from eight counties.
Interior secretary, congresswoman help dedicate Arizona's first commercial-scale wind farm
HEBER - It was appropriately windy Oct. 12 for the dedication of the first commercial-scale wind farm in Arizona. And speakers ranging from U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, to executives from Salt River Project said the message the facility sends is as important as the power it will generate.
AAA campaign: Distracted driving covers more than just cell phones, text-messaging
Keep your hands on the wheel. Text messages, lipstick and on-the-road snacks can wait. That's the message that AAA Arizona is spreading as part of a national AAA campaign that asks drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Supporters: Law raising microbrewery production limit good for Arizona firms, jobs
September 28, 2009	1 Comment
Jim Scussel and his partners started Four Peaks Brewing Co. 13 years ago as a brewery and tasting room, rolling out kegs of Scottish Ale, Four Peaks Ale and Arizona Peach to restaurants and bars. Four Peaks later opened a restaurant at its brewery in Tempe and another in north Scottsdale. And consumers now can purchase Kilt Lifter and its other brews at grocery and convenience stores around the state.