Legislature Works to Send Immigrants Measure to the Ballot

The Senate convened this week and spent hours debating a contentious ballot referral on border enforcement. Senate Republicans overcame Democratic opposition to approve the proposal after amending it to remove provisions about individuals that qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to apply the changes only to actions occurring after the law goes into effect if voters approve it. 

HCR 2060 now goes to the House for a final vote.

What’s Next?

Negotiations on the state budget, along with the continuation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, continue behind the scenes. Until there’s a budget agreement, there’s not much left for lawmakers to do this legislative session. The House does not plan to reconvene until June 4. The Senate did not adjourn but remains in recess. This is unusual and would allow the Senate to return to work at any time if Republican leaders believe it is necessary. There is no scheduled date for senators to return to work, though, and many say they are not planning for another floor session until June 12.

Budget Update: The Deficit Continues

Lawmakers who hoped for a quick fix to budget troubles were disappointed this week by new numbers that show a continued slump in state revenues. Though the state took in 1.6% more this April than it did last year, the collections were $9 million less than anticipated.

There are five weeks remaining in the current fiscal year.