By Barrett Marson
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
PHOENIX - A large crop of freshmen lawmakers and a budget crisis that virtually
precludes new spending are combining to bring Arizona less government this year.
The two houses of the Legislature are considering the fewest pieces of legislation since 1993.
"Isn't that wonderful," said House Speaker Jake Flake, R-Snowflake.
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Monday was the last day to introduce new legislation in the state House, while the deadline in the Senate passed last week. The Senate is considering 388 bills and resolutions, the lowest number since 1980. The House's 573 bills are the fewest since 1993.
Last year, even with a budget that was short on new programs, 1,270 pieces of legislation were introduced.
Both Flake and Senate President Ken Bennett, R-Prescott, said members realize the budget, which is $360 million out of balance this year and $1 billion out of balance next year, is the top priority.
"I think the members know that the budget is such a dominant challenge this year that probably the smart thing to do is stay focused on that and keep the other things to a minimum," Bennett said.
No money equals few bills asking for appropriations.
Also, the House features 35 freshmen, and there are five true freshmen in the Senate.
"They recognize why should we be doing a lot of bills that may or not be important when we can be spending time on the budget," Flake said.
Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D-Tucson, is the prime sponsor on just a handful of bills. The freshman lawmaker opted for a smaller number of bills to be able to track them better and, she noted, the newcomers got a late start.
Along with the smaller number of bills, there is a dearth of what some call wacky bills that often create more laughter than serious discussion.
In past years, a bill has been introduced to create term limits for reporters and one to continue the use of a chemical banned by the federal government.
This year, some legislators point to Rep. Randy Graf, R-Green Valley. Graf, the House majority leader, has sponsored bills that make carrying a concealed weapon a petty offense along with several other bills. That's OK, Graf said.
"That's when you get the moniker crazy or wacky. But I think these are serious policy discussions," he said. "They want to call it crazy, fine."
* Contact reporter Barrett Marson at (602) 271-0623 or at bmarson@azstarnet.com.