Beginning this week, the Arizona Legislature will cut its floor sessions to one day per week.

Republican State Senate President Warren Petersen said the move is so leaders can finalize a budget without keeping other members in the chambers.

Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen on Nov. 13, 2023.

“I’ve always said, if I become the speaker or the president, I’m not going to do this thing where we, after we’re done with the work that we just bring in our members to pledge and pray,” said Petersen. “What’s holding up the deal is the Governor’s Office hasn’t been willing to sit down and have substantive budget discussions with us and budget meetings with us.”

But Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs said, “I’m not aware of cancelled meetings. I’m eager to negotiate a budget.”