Our 7th year, week 2
The most significant event of this week was the official presentation of Hobbs’ budget for FY2027.
This happened Tuesday at a joint hearing involving the appropriations committees of both the House and Senate.
The event was not a typical presentation followed by a period of questions and answers. The whole event consisted of questions and answers. In the past, Hobbs’ budget directors have conducted embarrassingly inept budget presentations.
By contrast, this year Mr. Ben Henderson did an excellent job of presenting the governor’s position. That position is what we have come to expect from liberal Democrat governors, which is to fix every problem with tax and spend schemes while claiming to be fiscally responsible.
This year’s embarrassment came from a different source, in the form of a filibuster carried out by Democrat Senator Mitzi Epstein. She took her opportunity for closing remarks to launch into a diatribe against everything Republican. She went on despite numerous requests to quit by Chairman Livinston. Her irresponsible and unprofessional behavior robbed Mr. Henderson of his opportunity to issue his closing remarks. The two-hour hearing may be viewed at https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?eventID=2026011032
There was plenty of action at the capitol besides the budget.
The Joint Legislative Committee rejected the usual 8-year renewal of the State Land Department, opting instead for a 4-year renewal. The justification for this action came in the form of a litany of concerns about the Department’s conduct of its business. The 4-year renewal was accompanied by demands that the Department correct its behavior.
In another front, legislation has been introduced to force the legislature to adjourn April 30. In recent years, it has become common for legislative sessions to last way past the 100-day goal, well into June. House bill HCR2005, if approved by both chambers, would allow voters to decide whether to approve the April 30 adjournment date. In its present form, HCR2005 does not specify what action may be taken if adjournment does not happen as required.
Among the bills we are tracking, every one that experienced committee action passed. Here is the full list:
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