This longtime lobbyist says the Arizona Legislature should be a full-time job
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The Arizona Legislature won’t be back in session until the end of July, when lawmakers are expected to formally adjourn for the year.
They were last at the Capitol a couple of weeks ago and have already taken a few other lengthy breaks this year. The Arizona Senate says it needs this time to vet and vote on Gov. Katie Hobbs’ nominees to lead state agencies. But critics argue the chamber has had plenty of time to do that, and that keeping the session open is wasting the state's money.
That’s because lawmakers continue to collect daily per diem payments while they’re technically still in session, even if they’re not actually at the Capitol.
All of this has led to some conversation about whether Arizona is ready to move to a more full-time legislature, rather than the current part-time one whose goal is to finish its session in 100 days.
Longtime lobbyist Kevin DeMenna is one of those pushing for the change. He joined The Show to discuss why he thinks it’s past time for Arizona to ditch its part-time Legislature.
