Sine die: proceedings that have been adjourned
PHOENIX – On Friday, the Arizona Senate met to vote to sine die despite the fact that the House had cancelled plans to do the same. Only a handful of Republicans rejected Senate President Karen Fann’s scheme, with a vote of 24-6.
Senators Sylvia Allen, David Farnsworth, Eddie Farnsworth, David Livingston, J.D. Mesnard and Michelle Ugenti-Rita voted in opposition, arguing that lawmakers should not be leaving in the midst of the COVID 19 crisis at the same time constituents are being called back to work.
“We need to work together, we need to work with the governor and the house. We need a plan,” said Livingston, who announced his opposition to Fann’s plan Thursday night:
The Arizona Senate has voted… we are ready to Adjourn Sine Die!#AZSenate pic.twitter.com/cfKwEYixi9
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) May 8, 2020
Senator Martin Quezada, who is known for his inflammatory rhetoric was the butt of many quiet jokes as he spoke of the dangers of COVID-19, the perils of returning to work, and the need for social distancing while flailing his arms wildly as his mask dropped below his nose.
There was so much more. Apparently he doesn’t want people to get coffee or gas up either . #MaskDictator ?? pic.twitter.com/Th4hcG9dpq
— AZSuburbVoter ⭐️⭐️⭐️?? (@noprezzie2012) May 8, 2020
Sen. Eddie Farnsworth had hoped Fann would allow the lawmakers to consider a bill that would protect Arizonans from frivolous lawsuits related to COVID-19 as they prepare to reopen up their businesses.
Oh Thursday evening, Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers announced that the House would not reconvene on Friday as previously planned.” Bowers said, “Members of the House Republican Caucus believe that there is important work for us to do on behalf of the people of Arizona.