Arizona Legislature Will Remain In Session After Members Reject Pressure To End Work

Arizona capitol

PHOENIX – Arizona Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers announced on Thursday night that plans to end the 2020 Legislative Session have suddenly changed. The announcement followed a nearly three hour ZOOM meeting in which at least 18 members indicated that they would reject the closure plan put forth by leadership.

“The House will not reconvene on Friday as previously planned,” Speaker Rusty Bowers said in a press release. “Members of the House Republican Caucus believe that there is important work for us to do on behalf of the people of Arizona.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Fann Warns Arizona Legislators Against Opposing Ducey’s Stay-At-Home Order

Ducey Takes Baby Steps Toward Reopening Economy, Politicos React

“We intend to remain in session and, together with the Senate and Governor, work in support of the safe and expeditious reopening of our society, our economy, and protection of our state’s small businesses and communities,” continued Bowers.

House Majority Leader Warren Petersen, who has fought to keep members of the House working on behalf of the people stated, “I am proud of Speaker Bowers for his decision to stay in session. He is putting the citizens of Arizona first as we do all we can to safely reopen Arizona.”

Thursday night’s meeting was emotionally charged as members called for the House to take a stand against Governor Doug Ducey’s disparate treatment of businesses.

Some Capitol observers think there is a good chance that Senate President Karen Fann will sine die in the Senate, leaving the House with no choice but to pass bills that have already passed the Senate or shut down.  There is a sense that she has grown tired of waiting for Bowers to bring his caucus into line and she may be done waiting.

About ADI Staff Reporter 12168 Articles
Under the leadership of Editor-in -Chief Huey Freeman, our team of staff reporters bring accurate,timely, and complete news coverage.