The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld Arizona's law that revokes the business licenses of businesses and corporations hiring illegal immigrants. The 5-3 vote was a rejection of challenges to the law by a coalition of business people and civil rights organizations. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is calling the decision a victory: “I could not be more gratified by today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the legality of the Legal Arizona Workers Act and the principle of federalism, … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Upholds Employer Sanctions Law
State
Sedona Energy Labs Wins Innovation Challenge
Recognized for its advances in solar tracking systems and algorithms, Sedona Energy Labs (SEL) was awarded one of eight grants in the Arizona Commerce Authority's Arizona Innovation Challenge. SEL won for its InteliTrack™ Solar Tracking System that generates up to 40% more power from a solar array and for its MaxxTRAK™ Solar Controller, a microchip-based unit that controls a solar tracker. "We are extremely pleased to be recognized by the ACA," said Mark Scanlon, CEO, "This grant helps us … [Read more...] about Sedona Energy Labs Wins Innovation Challenge
Marking Anniversary of Prop 100 Passage
Governor Jan Brewer issued this statement on the temporary one-cent sales tax. “It was one year ago today that Arizona voters made an important statement, agreeing to a temporary tax increase in order to fend off more drastic cuts to critical state services. I had fought for this measure, Proposition 100, despite having never voted to raise taxes in my entire career – not once in 28 years of public service. “But I knew Arizona faced an extraordinary fiscal challenge. If we were to preserve … [Read more...] about Marking Anniversary of Prop 100 Passage
Governor Petitioning U.S. Supreme Court on SB1070
Governor Jan Brewer today announced that she will immediately petition the U.S. Supreme Court to lift the injunction on the Arizona immigration law known as SB 1070. “I’ve always known this legal fight would be a long one,” said Governor Brewer. “But now that this is the path we’ve chosen, I am confident Arizona will prevail.” Just over one year since Governor Brewer signed SB 1070 into law, the state of Arizona remains on the front lines of a fight against cartel-fueled crime and violence … [Read more...] about Governor Petitioning U.S. Supreme Court on SB1070
AZ Tourism Industry Remains Economic Driver
Flagstaff tourism officials are joining state officials in recognizing the value of the tourism officials in Arizona. Jacki Lenners tells FBN there are activites the entire week. "We kicked off National Tourism Week with an event at our Visitor Center on Saturday in honor of National Train Day. Throughout the week, our staff at the Visitor Center and Airport will be wearing "Tourism Matters to Flagstaff" shirts, and all of the Economic Vitality staff will wear them on Friday," said Lenners. … [Read more...] about AZ Tourism Industry Remains Economic Driver
Moving Toward Semi-Public University
Northern Arizona University is reinventing itself as a semi-public institution amid record enrollment increases and diminishing state support, President John Haeger said during a public forum at the High Country Conference Center. More than 200 people attended the event to hear the president address how the university will mitigate the $30 million cut for FY2012, with nearly 700 more participants tuning in via live web stream. The president said university budget reduction strategies … [Read more...] about Moving Toward Semi-Public University
Tax Revenues Up Significantly
Arizona's Department of Revenue is reporting increases in sales for the past month with collections of sales tax at more than $3.6 billion. The ADR's Elaine Smith tells Flagstaff Business News the figures are a healthy increase from the previous year. Significant gains were reported in car sales and general retail merchandise. MARCH 2011 Transaction Privilege and Use Tax Collections1 Major Categories March 2011 $369,860,450 March 2010 $345,549,254 (Smith says last year's figure … [Read more...] about Tax Revenues Up Significantly
Northern Arizona Home to New AntiVenom Company
Northern Arizona is now home to a new bioscience company developing antivenoms against Arizona’s common venomous animals. The new company, BioVeteria Life Sciences LLC (BioVeteria,) has chosen Prescott as a home base for their veterinary operations. They have active rattlesnake and scorpion antivenin programs underway. A news release says BioVeteria’s presence further strengthens Arizona’s growing bioscience and comparative research programs. BioVeteria Animal Health, LLC has started … [Read more...] about Northern Arizona Home to New AntiVenom Company
Governor Tells Agencies to Prepare for Federal Shutdown
Governor Jan Brewer has asked her state agencies to prepare for a possible shutdown of the federal government beginning Saturday, April 9. This shutdown would impact non-essential federal programs, facilities and properties. Operations of the military, postal service, air traffic control, border patrol and other essential federal services would continue. Governor Brewer called state agency directors into a special meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss contingency plans in the event of a … [Read more...] about Governor Tells Agencies to Prepare for Federal Shutdown
Albert Hale Appeals to Paul Gosar on Budget Cuts
Rep. Albert Hale, D-St. Michaels (District 2), recently met with Republican Congressman Paul Gosar at Gosar’s office in Flagstaff. Discussion included current budget proposals at the state and federal level and a request for the Congressman’s support with specific issues relating to the area Hale serves. “The proposed cuts will greatly impact services to Native people living on and off Indian reservations. In a time when many are struggling, these cuts will take away the only … [Read more...] about Albert Hale Appeals to Paul Gosar on Budget Cuts