Tom O'Halleran

The Arizona chapter of the League of Conservation Voters released its annual scorecard Thursday, praising legislators in the latest session for being particularly environmentally conscious.

Calling the 48th legislative session "the silver lining session," the LCV said the bills  produced this year "offered hope for conservation efforts in Arizona."

There was a stark difference in overall scores between the state Senate and House. While Democrats fared better than Republicans in both, as is typically the case, GOP senators were not far behind their Democratic colleagues.

Governor now holds the power to decide whether to the $250 million tax will be permanently eliminated or reinstated this January. 

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee claims Republicans in the First Congressional District are "in disarray."

The State Senate may be close to reaching an agreement on a budget bill, according to sources within the Senate leadership's offices.

"They are working on it right now," said a staffer for Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor (R-Gilbert).

As reported today by the Associated Press: