/ Modified jan 17, 2020 3:21 p.m.

Arizona’s Democratic legislative leaders on goals for new session

A discussion with House minority leader Charlene Fernandez and Senate minority leader David Bradley.

While Gov. Doug Ducey in his State of the State address vowed no new taxes would come out of this legislative session, the possibility of further tax cuts could be a sticking point for Democratic leaders in the House and Senate. Minority leaders Rep. Charlene Fernandez and Sen. David Bradley shared some of their priorities with Lorraine Rivera.

“If tax cuts are brought forward as a big proposal in this budget, we’re not going to be on the budget. We are not. Because it’s that important,” Bradley said. “It’s an illusion that everything’s hunky dory and if we’re going to keep cutting, then it’s going to be hard to discuss other things.”

Come Election Day in November, Democrats believe they could become the majority party in both chambers. After the 2018 midterm election, House Democrats gained more seats to put them within two seats of Republican’s 31 seat majority.

“The funny part is if someone has to go home and walk their dog, or let their dog out, we shut down business. That’s all there is to it. If their 31 members are not in their seats we close out for the day,” Fernandez said. “Case in point we were there for 135 days, one of the longest in the history of the state, and that’s on the backs of our taxpayers because they have to pay us while we’re there.”

Arizona 360
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