Lawmakers will be more in the spirit of taking back money than giving it when the legislative session starts next week with Arizona facing an estimated $3 billion hole.
SPECIAL REPORT: 'Reasonable Doubt' examines sheriff's human smuggling unit
Except, perhaps, when it comes to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his human smuggling unit.
Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said he will work to deliver the sheriff’s office new money for operations targeting illegal immigrants next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
“Sheriff Joe is going to get his $1.6 million back to go after human smuggling,” Pearce said.
As incoming chairman of the Senate appropriations committee, Pearce said he intends to use his leverage to protect the Gang Intelligence and Immigration Team Enforcement — or “GIITEM” — program from major budget cuts.
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