AZ Legislative Update 09-23-2022
Legislative Democrats gathered at the Capitol last week to call for a special legislative session to increase the state’s limit on school spending – a priority they believed was part of their agreement in the bipartisan budget deal earlier this year. Governor Ducey’s office conceded the special session was on the table in those talks, but only if the legislature had the votes to pass a measure to waive the spending limit. For now, at least, that’s unlikely. While some Republicans are interested in avoiding a tense debate on the topic next year, there’s little motivation to work across the aisle to waive the spending limit before the start of the next legislative session.
The issue will remain at the forefront of legislative debates as the state moves closer to a March deadline for raising, eliminating, or altering the spending limit for school districts.
Today, though, legislators are focused on efforts to block the state’s new expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). Since the end of the 2022 legislative session, advocacy groups opposing the expanded ESAs have collected voter signatures in an effort to send the issue to voters instead. Today is the deadline to submit those signatures and allow election officials to determine whether there are enough to stop the law from going into effect tomorrow.
Most of the 388 laws enacted during the 2022 legislative session will become effective and enforceable on September 24, the 90th day after the end of the session.
In the Elections
It’s debate season. Election officials want to combat misinformation. Arizonans are still using ballot drop boxes. A lot of people don’t vote. Here’s how to be sure you’re registered to vote in November.
Important Dates
October 11 Voter Registration Deadline
October 12 Early Ballots Mailed
October 28 Last Day to Request a Ballot by Mail
November 1 Last Day to Mail an Early Ballot
November 8 Election Day
In the News
House Democrats aren’t getting along. Arizona’s minimum wage is increasing. The Arizona Teachers Academy is combating the state’s teacher shortage.
On the Bright Side…
Friendship conquers differences.