Vimbai Chikomo News


Analysis: California, New York residents taxed significantly more than other states but show poor results

Despite investing more than most states in social programs aimed at preventing poverty, California and New York are yet to produce results that match the level of investment.

Comptroller Hegar says closing online sales tax loophole would benefit local communities

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is proposing a new way of handling how sales local tax is directed in an era where online sales make up a considerable amount of business for companies.

Questions mount over TRS decision to keep lease costs private

After finally disclosing the base rent it will pay to lease its office space in downtown Austin, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has declined to provide full details surrounding the costs tied to the lease.

Flake among GOP lawmakers seeking update on Treasury’s probe into solar company funding

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is among the Republican legislators urging the Treasury Department to disclose findings from its investigation into potential fraud by solar panel companies that received taxpayer-backed funding for over three years.

ABB mass layoff in Phoenix to begin next month

ABB, a global leader in power electronics and automation, will be ceasing its U.S.-based manufacturing operations at its Phoenix production plant, jeopardizing 89 jobs.

Fraud, bankruptcy cases involving solar projects raise questions

As the battle between Arizona utilities and the solar industry rages, recent legal proceeding involving fraud and bankruptcy have further tainted the solar industry, and may be leaving many residents wondering whether investing in solar energy will leave them with a pile of regrets.

Arizona Public Service proposes demand-based energy rates for 'on-peak' hours

Arizona Public Service requested a comprehensive review of its energy rates proposal from the Arizona Corporation Commission yesterday — its first review in five years

Arizona among states facing hikes in Obamacare premiums and deductibles

Arizona enrollees under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will see a significant increase in their health care  premiums and deductibles when the marketplace opens ups for 2017 health care plans just one week before voters elect a new president.

Economist says solar industry may take a long time to actually be profitable

In recent years, several solar companies have filed for bankruptcy after receiving hundred of millions of dollars in loans and subsidies from the government. As the battle between Arizona electric utilities and the solar industry continues to play out, Veronique de Rugy, an economist and senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, told Arizona Business that the way the solar industry is currently operating makes it very likely that “we are going to be waiting for a

Public Integrity Alliance calls for Arizona Corporation Commissioner recusal on APS votes

The Public Integrity Alliance (PIA) has asked Arizona Corporation Commission member Bob Burns to recuse himself from future votes regarding the Arizona Public Service Company (APS) after Burns publicly declared he intended to vote against APS not based on the actual issues raised, but on the identity of the parties.

Government should pay close attention to how net metering affects people, watchdog group says

Since the 1970s, the federal government has earmarked billions of dollars for renewable energy subsidies, but many government agencies and experts in the energy industry question whether taxpayers are actually benefiting from the cause given the costs involved with net metering.  

Solar project’s failure to meet its production target highlights problems with net metering, expert says

A multibillion-dollar California solar thermal plant is the latest example of a solar project taxpayers are paying for that doesn’t work, according to an expert; and concerns raised about the solar project tie into a larger conversation surrounding net metering policies that affect energy consumers in Arizona.

Cine Learning Productions president and CEO stands by University of Phoenix defense

Over the years, the University of Phoenix (UOPX) has faced harsh criticism from many who oppose for-profit higher education, but one local graduate staunchly defends the institution. Diane Senffner, CEO and president of Mesa, Arizona-based Cine Learning Productions and a UOPX alumna, fiercely defended her alma mater in an LinkedIn article

CAWCD board member resigns to eliminate perception of husband’s possible conflict of interest

Gayle Burns recently submitted her resignation from the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) board of directors citing a growing sentiment that her position posed a possible conflict of interest for her husband, Bob, a member of Arizona Corporation Commission.

Watchdog group: Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Burns' water, energy votes may create conflict

Over the past 25-plus years, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Burns has received many accolades for his dedication and public service to the people of Arizona. Some observers, however, now say Burns should refrain from any votes related to water or energy because of his wife’s position on the board of directors for the Central Arizona Project (CAP).