Stacey Barchenger

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Stacey Barchenger

Motived by the nearing deadline, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs visited a state motor vehicle office to get her Real ID. The enhanced identification will be required for domestic flights or to enter federal buildings beginning on May 7, though people can still use other approved identification like a passport. Hobbs visited a state Motor Vehicle Division office to get her license on May 1 in Phoenix, sitting for a new photo in the process.

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Stacey Barchenger

The Hobbs administration may be getting creative again when it comes to directors at state agencies, with Gov. Katie Hobbs refusing to send nominees to a GOP senator who has blocked several prior picks. Hobbs said on May 2 that she would not send any new nominees to Sen. Jake Hoffman, a Queen Creek Republican who leads the Senate committee that vets those nominees before confirmation.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Stacey Barchenger

Arizona's Medicaid agency and health department leaders resigned after it "became clear to the Governor's Office that the Senate Majority will refuse to confirm" them. Gov. Katie Hobbs blamed the "politicization" of the confirmation process, while GOP Sen. Jake Hoffman defended it as a safeguard against "incompetent" nominees. The leaders of Arizona's Medicaid agency and state health department have resigned rather than face the Senate confirmation process. Arizona Gov.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Stacey Barchenger

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing the Trump administration over cuts to AmeriCorps. The lawsuit alleges that the cuts violate the Constitution's separation of powers. Several Arizona programs will lose funding, including a teacher residency program and services for older Arizonans. The Trump administration's halt on grant funds and culling of employees in the community service agency AmeriCorps is the target of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' latest federal lawsuit.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Stacey Barchenger

Donald Trump’s endorsement of both Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson for Arizona governor has complicated the Republican primary race. “Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH,” Trump wrote. Taylor Robson has a significant fundraising lead over Biggs, but Biggs' campaign believes grassroots support will be more important.