Despite a months old fiscal year, the State of Arizona is still facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit. There is talk around the state Capitol about special sessions to fix the problem. Christopher Conover sat down with Governor Jan Brewer to talk about the special sessions and other budget related issues.

It is time for Governor Jan Brewer to act on the state budget and there are still questions about what she will do. She has signed two pieces of it, criminal justice and environmental protection, but plenty of other areas still must be dealt with. Christopher Conover spoke with State Senator Linda Lopez (D-Tucson District 29) about the budget. She is the number two Democrat in the Arizona Senate.

The Arizona Legislature’s special session on the budget ended this week with lawmakers sending a plan to Governor Jan Brewer. She has until September 5to act on that proposal, but negotiations between the Executive and Legislative branches over what the final budget will look like are continuing. Arizona’s fiscal year began July 1 and since there is still no budget the state has been operating on savings accounts and credit. However, as State Treasurer Dean Martin tells Christopher Conover, Arizona cannot do that much longer.

State lawmakers are back at the Capitol trying to come up with a budget plan that will pass muster with the Governor. They quickly passed the education funding portion of the budget, but now must figure out how to pay for the rest of the services that Arizona provides. In this edition of Political Conversation, Christopher Conover talks with Tucson State Representative Vic Williams (R-District 26) about the progress crafting the spending plan.

State lawmakers are back at the Capitol trying to come up with a budget plan that will pass muster with the governor. They quickly passed the education funding portion of the budget, but now must figure out how to pay for the rest of the services that Arizona provides. In this edition of Political Conversation, Christopher Conover talks with Tucson State Senator Linda Lopez (D-District 29) about the progress crafting the spending plan

State lawmakers are back at the Capitol trying to come up with a budget plan that will pass muster with the governor. They quickly passed the education funding portion of the budget, but now must figure out how to pay for the rest of the services that Arizona provides. In this edition of Political Conversation, Christopher Conover talks with Tucson State Senator Al Melvin (R-District 26) about the progress crafting the spending plan.

The Arizona Legislature and Republican Governor Jan Brewer are in a standoff, withboth trying to get the other to come around to their way of thinking on the state budget. As Christopher Conover reports, Brewer threatened to take the legislature to court, in order to get the budget bills. However, in this edition of Political Conversations, Senate President Bob Burns (R-Peoria) says the governor is not going to get her wish.

With only about a month to go in the fiscal year, and no budget deal done at the Capitol, legislative Democrats Thursday released their version of a state budget plan. State Representative Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) spoke with Christopher Conover about the Democrat’s proposal and other bills making their way through the legislative process.

Governor Jan Brewer delivered her State of the State address on Wednesday (5/20/2009) in Tucson. After the speech she sat down with Arizona Public Media’s Tony Paniagua to talk about the state budget, legislative plans for spending, and how she would like the state to get out of the financial crisis.

Governor Jan Brewer has been in office for nearly three months and her time has been dominated by one thing, plugging a growing hole in the state budget. She sat down with Christopher Conover to talk about both the current and future budgets.

As state lawmakers look at cutting the budget, funding for many Tucson projects including Rio Nuevo are on the chopping block. However, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup sat down with legislative leaders and tells Christopher Conover that with some promises and commitments, funding for the downtown revitalization project may be spared the budget axe.

Watch Arizona Illustrated interview with Mayor Walkup

The Legislature is beginning the third week of work on crafting a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Christopher Conover talked with Sen. Al Melvin (R-Tucson) about the process.

On Wednesday, January 21, Jan Brewer took the oath of office to become the 22nd Governor of Arizona. Following the ceremony on the Capitol steps, Governor Brewer spoke about her vision for the state and how to fix a billion dollar shortfall in the state budget. Click the link above to hear entire speech.

As Election Day draws closer, Christopher Conover spoke with Arizona’s top election official, Secretary of State Jan Brewer, about what people need in order to vote and also how Pima County could affect the outcome all over the state.

Listen to October 24 Edition - U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ).

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) about the economy and what Washington may do to help boost the economy again. They also talk about the Presidential election.

Listen to October 9 Edition - Governor Janet Napolitano.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover sits down with Governor Janet Napolitano to talk about the faltering economy and what it means for the state universities and the state budget as a whole.

Listen to Sept. 25 Edition - Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard.

Some teens may see drinking as a right of passage, but the Attorney General says that needs to change and that is why he is backing a new program aimed at getting teens and their parents talking

Listen to Sept. 18 Edition - Congressman Raul Grijalva

In this web-exclusive edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva about the energy bill passed earlier in the week as well as immigration issues and the newest member of the Grijalva family.

After nearly six months, the legislature wrapped up its annual meeting in Phoenix. In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover wraps up the session with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson).

Listen to June 26 Edition - House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover speaks with Arizona House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) about the latest efforts to pass a state budget before the new fiscal year begins Tuesday.

Listen to June 19 Edition - Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover speaks with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

With only 2 weeks to go in the fiscal year, the legislature is continuing to struggle with the crafting of a budget. However, members did agree that if the Federal government is going to demand that states participate in the Real ID program, the feds are going to have to pay for it.

Listen to June 13 Web Edition - House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover speaks with House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) about the latest budget negotiations leading up to the fiscal year, which begins July 1. They also talk about the passing of State Senator Jake Flake

Listen to June 5 Edition - Democratic Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Democratic Pima County Supervisors' Chair Richard Elias about the county's tough budget struggle, beginning with the revenue side of the equation.

Listen to May 29 Edition - House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with state House Minority Leader, Representative Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) about the slow going budget negotiations and the short work week for members of the legislature.

Listen to May 15 Edition - House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Arizona House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) about the status of budget talks and the fact that state lawmakers don’t have enough to do to keep them in Phoenix five days a week. They also discuss a new AIMS bill as well as a referendum on same sex marriages.

Listen to May 8 Edition- State Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson). They discuss the now $2 billion shortfall for the 2009 budget, as well as the future for a University of Arizona backed proposal to build more facilities. Senator Bee also talks about the Legislature’s decision to opt out of the federal Real ID program

Listen to May 1 Edition -House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson). Their conversation touches on the proposed university building plan, the theme park in Eloy, as well as state investments in Darfur.

Listen to April 17th Edition - House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson). The conversation took place minutes after legislative leaders wrapped up a months-long negotiation on plugging a $1.2 billion hole in the current state budget. Representative Lopes also talks about funding for English Language Learners and property tax reductions.

Listen to April 10th Edition - Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson).

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee about the state of the budget as well as a new ad that is creating a bit of a political dust up.

View the controversial ad on YouTube here.

In the latest edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader, Representative Phil Lopes of Tucson. Their conversation covers the on-going budget negotiations as well as opting out of No Child Left Behind and changes to the Employer Sanctions law.

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R- Tucson) about the status of the on-going budget negotiations and the idea of opting out of No Child Left Behind.

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Governor Janet Napolitano. Their discussion covers not only the current state budget problem but also what she is hoping the federal government won’t do when it comes to helping the states out with the current economic downturn.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer. Their conversation covers the Arizona presidential primary, voter registration, and the upcoming legislative session

AZ Secretary of State

In this edition of Political Conversation, reporter Christopher Conover talks with US Senator Jon Kyl (R-Arizona).

The topics of their discussion include the senator's new leadership post, Mexican trucks on US roads, a new US Attorney for Arizona and the closing days of the current congressional session.

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard. The topics discussed include: holiday scams, employer sanctions, tobacco advertising, and border fence design.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson) about the growing state budget deficit, the future of employer sanctions, and English Language Learners.

In this edition of Political Conversation, reporter Christopher Conover sits down with Governor Janet Napolitano. Their conversation covers her recent trip to Washington, DC as well as children's health funding, the state budget, and underage drinking.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Congressman Raul Grijalva (D).

Their discussion covers immigration reform, changes to the Mining Act of 1872, and the Heritage area.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with State Representative Steve Farley. The topics include the recent CPS hearings in front of a legislative committee and texting while driving.

Rep. Steve Farley

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with US Senator Jon Kyl. Their discussion covers the war in Iraq and the newly named Attorney General.

Senator Jon Kyl

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Jim Weiers. The topics covered in the conversation include the state budget shortfall and the employer sanction law.

On this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Congressman Raul Grijalva. Topics of their discussion include federal legislation to increase student financial aid, immigration legislation, and the war in Iraq.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with State Representative Marian McClure (R-30 Tucson) and State Representative David Bradley (D-28 Tucson). Topics include the state budget shortfall as well as a possible immigration special session.

It's back to school time so, in this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with State Superintendent of Schools Tom Horne. The topics they cover include Arizona's ACT scores, teacher shortages, and English language learners.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Their conversation includes the Congresswoman?s thoughts on the latest border enforcement proposal from the White House, her trip to Israel, and her thoughts on the space program and her link to the current space shuttle mission.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard about the broadening scope of border issues and storm repair scams.

AZ Attorney General

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Tucson City Manager Mike Hein about water skirmishes with Marana, downtown redevelopment, and the future of the arts in Tucson.

Tucson City Manager

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Governor Janet Napolitano about the future of immigration reform on both the state and federal level, as well as her views on the end of the legislative session.

In this edition of Political Conversations, reporter Christopher Conover talks with Congressman Raul Grijalva about the latest report on Iraq, new scholarship opportunities for college students, and his budget requests for Southern Arizona.

Congressman Raul Grijalva

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords about her first 6 months in office and the future of immigration reform in Washington, DC.

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader Rep. Phil Lopes (D-Tucson) about the end of the legislative session

In this edition of Political Conversations, Christopher Conover talks with Arizona Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson) about the end of the 2007 legislative session.

In this edition of political conversations, Christopher Conover talks with US Senator Jon Kyl (R-Arizona).

The discussion covers the no confidence vote on Attorney General Gonzalez and the future of immigration reform.

Senator Jon Kyl

In this edition of Conversation with the Legislature, reporter Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader, Representative Phil Lopes (D-Tucson). Topics include the implementation of Proposition 100, the on-going budget negotiations, and Darfur.

In this edition of Conversation with the Legislature, Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson). The House and Senate are now negotiating a budget, and the Senate President doesn?t sound too hopeful about reaching an agreement quickly. He says the differences could take weeks to resolve.

In this edition of Conversation with the Legislature, Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson). The budget process is nearly complete and Senator Bee says he hopes the legislature can wrap up its work by the Memorial Day.

In this edition of Conversation with the Legislature Christopher Conover talks with House Minority Leader, Representative Phil Lopes (R-Tucson). Topics include an emergency funding bill, the budget, and state investments in Darfur.

On this edition of Conversation with the Legislature, Christopher Conover talks with Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson).


The Senate thought they reached a bi-partisan budget deal but after it was announced, members of the majority party began to balk. But Senator Bee calls the concerns nothing but a "blip" and he's confident everything, including more money for Southern Arizona, will get worked out soon.

This week's guest on Legislative spotlight is House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson). The topics of discussion include the budget negotiations, good news for the Phoenix Medical School, as well as teachers. Also a discussion about bills in the legislature cracking down on day laborers.

Arizona State Senate President Tim Bee is the guest on this week's edition of Legislative Spotlight. Political correspondent Christopher Conover Moderates. Topics include: budget negotiations, health care funding and the tragedy at Virginia Tech.

This week's guest on Legislative spotlight is House Minority Leader Phil Lopes (D-Tucson). The topics covered include the University of Arizona Medical School in Phoenix, gang prevention, and the budget.

Arizona State Senate President Tim Bee is the guest on this week's edition of Legislative Spotlight. Political correspondent Christopher Conover Moderates. Topics include: Domestic violence and termination of leases | English learners funding | Status of the state budget