Arizona   State Profile

Legislature

Republicans retained control of both chambers of the Arizona Legislature in 2008. Democratic gains in both chambers in 2006 fueled hopes within the party that voters would add to the ranks of Democratic lawmakers, possibly even giving them control of the House. Instead, Republicans in the Legislature increased their advantage in 2008.

The 2010 session initially focused on the state's budget crisis, resulting in approval of a new budget largely tracking Gov. Jan Brewer's proposal. It included spending cuts, borrowing and ballot placement of her proposed three-year one-cent sales tax increase. Voters approved the increase on May 18 in a special election. After completing their budget work, lawmakers turned to other issues. They approved a sweeping bill targeting illegal immigration that Brewer signed into law on April 23. She signed changes into law on April 30. However, a federal judge blocked implementation of key provisions of the law before its July 29 implementation date.

All legislative seats are up for grabs in 2010.

(Last updated by Paul Davenport on August 25, 2010.)