Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services

Michelle Ugenti-Rita in 2018.

On April 22, The Show spoke with Rep. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) about a plan to adjourn the 2020 legislative session on May 1.

“Because the president’s guidelines and the governor’s executive order specified April 30, this was something we wanted to be respectful as far as large group gatherings, which 60 members in one building is a large group gathering for sure — not to mention the staff from both sides of the aisle as well as non-partisan staff that are required to be on-site just for a normal legislative day. So, that’s why the May 1 date was targeted.” Shope said.

As of April 23, that plan is on hold.

Lawmakers temporarily adjourned after passing a skinny budget in March. When they left, they intended to return to finish voting on numerous bills still in limbo. Some members of the Republican majority are still fighting to do so.

In a statement released on April 22, House Speaker Rusty Bowers (R-Mesa) said a substantive majority of his caucus wants to get back to their work at the Capitol. Senate President Karen Fann (R-Prescott) said the plan to adjourn is now on hold while she consults her own members.

The Show spoke with one of them, Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-Scottsdale), and started by asking if she had been aware of the plan to adjourn on May 1.

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