Proposal to change over control of Rio Nuevo funds passes

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A proposal stripping control of Rio Nuevo funds from the City of Tucson has passed.

The state now has control of the remaining money. The decision came down during the Arizona Legislature's special session in Phoenix, Monday.

Also Governor Jan Brewer has signed a package of bills to eliminate about a quarter of the state's $2 billion shortfall. Brewer got the bills Monday after the House approved three budget bills already passed this week and last by the Senate.

They include nearly $300 million of spending cuts for K-12 public schools and social services provided by the Department of Economic Security.

Votes on the main spending bill were along party lines in the House and nearly so in the Senate. One Republican senator joined Democrats in voting against it.

Democrats joined Republicans in voting for another bill to divert money and authorize fee increases to keep several state agencies going.

The Legislature adjourned its special session after passing the bills.