Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Rancor in the Ranks of AZ Legislature Republican Caucuses?

Statement from President of the Arizona Senate on the premature plan to adjourn the 2020 regular session Sine Die as of May 1st.

Statement from Senate President Fann on a May 1st return by the Legislature
"Today I was informed by the Speaker of the House that during a lengthy meeting of his Caucus, some of the Members did not want to sine die, ending this year's legislative session on May 1. In the Senate we are continuing discussions with our Members, to determine the best way forward for the Senate and the citizens of Arizona. For now, a May 1st sine die is on hold, until we have heard from all in our Senate Caucus. I want to make sure whatever decision is made is in the best interests of the State of Arizona."
One reason Republican state lawmakers (specifically the majority party, because they don't gaf about anything Democrats want) don't want to adjourn the session is because they have pet legislation they want to pass so they can boast to their district voters. Any bill not passed before the end of the session dies.

Only one (of many) example, David Farnsworth's S1013 passed the Senate, was sent to the House on March 2nd and needs to be heard in the Health and Human Services committee. S1013 would require the Department of Child Safety to report twice each year on children missing (runaway and/or abducted) from the department's custody. 

Last October, the Arizona Republic reported, regarding a brouhaha between the Sen. David Farnsworth from Mesa and Kate Brophy-McGee, who represents LD28 in north Central Phoenix. Brophy-McGee co-chairs the Joint Oversight Committee on the Dept. of Child Safety. 
Farnsworth said he fears children in foster care are being abducted by a worldwide trafficking network and sold into sexual slavery.
"I have no proof of that, but those are my darkest fears," he said. [...]
Brophy McGee told Yellow Sheet she had advised Farnsworth he was meeting with people who were "unbalanced." She recounted having to ask security guards on at least one occasion to help her safely get back to her office.
Well, one can speculate about several possibilities why the Mesa senator would want to see that bill get passed into law, but at minimum, he seems to want to see if his fears are justified.

Nevertheless, IF Sen. Fann's statement today is not disingenuous on the subject of the best interests of the State of Arizona (i.e. the citizen VOTERS), she would have to modify her earlier position about her caucus not being in favor of allowing ALL MAIL elections in August (for the primary) and November (for the general).

If you want to make sure Fann knows how you feel about ensuring that voting this year does not put your life at risk of Covid19 infection, Fann can be reached on Twitter, as can Eddie Farnsworth (chair of Senate Judiciary committee, which would likely have to hear any bill on all mail elections) and Gov. Ducey. If the matter isn't resolved before Sine Die, Gov. Ducey would be able to include it in his call for a special session to enact the state government budget for FY2021 (which begins on July 1, 2020) @FannKfann @FarnsworthEddie and @DougDucey.

Contact Gov Ducey by email to ask him to ensure the legislature takes up the question of allowing each county board of supervisors to authorize ALL MAIL elections this year by going to azgovernor.gov.

Contact Karen Fann by phone 602-926-5874 and email kfann@azleg.gov.

Contact Eddie Farnsworth by phone 602-926-5735 and email efarnworth@azleg.gov

No comments:

Post a Comment