As we close the 16th week of this session, well past the 100-day target, we wonder whether we are overpaying our legislators, even the meager $24,000 we pay them. During the last two weeks, they have been in session 2 or 3 days per week, instead of the customary 4 days. Of the 200+ bills we are tracking as being important and controversial, only a very small handful have made it to the governor’s desk. The budget negotiations appear to be stalled with no prospect of moving forward any time soon.
The problem is that, of our 90 legislators, 43 democrats are hell bent on advancing a socialist agenda and will not help unless their unreasonable demands are met. On the republican side, we have 47 legislators who can single-handedly veto any legislation by simply voting NO or not voting at all. Unfortunately, a small handful of these republicans often exercise their veto power and kill important legislation.
The solution is obvious. Voters must take action in two fronts. At the primary election, replace those unscrupulous republicans with individuals who support the republican platform. At the general election, replace some of the more vulnerable democrats.
However, this is a lot easier said than done. Let’s hope that voters do what is right before it is too late.
We did see some activity this week, most of it good, some of it bad.
The good:
SB1009 – state of emergency; executive powers Cleared the house along party lines, 31-27 and is ready to be sent to the governor
HB2161 – parental rights; schools; educational records The news media is reporting it as being signed by the governor, although the AZLEG website is not showing it yet
HB2616 – mask mandates; minors; parental consent Signed by the governor
HB2498 – COVID-19; vaccination requirements; prohibition Signed by the governor
HB2439 – (NOW: school library; review; policy) Sent to governor. Hopefully he will sign it soon.
The bad:
HB2101 – electric energy; reliability; public policy Signed by governor. Rolls back most of the progress done in the past regarding competition. This is corporate welfare for energy giants, like APS and SRP.
Contacting the governor:
VIA E-MAIL https://azgovernor.gov/engage/form/contact-governor-ducey
VIA TELEPHONE Phoenix: 602.542.4331 Tucson: 520.628.6580
Coming up at the legislature, among the good bills we are tracking, there are only two that may see action next week, both in the senate.
HB2617 – voter registration; cancellations; causes
HB2495 – schools; sexually explicit materials; prohibition
To contact senators and express support for these bills the easy way, go to https://azpeopleslobbyist.com/