State Senate President, Karen Fann, shares an update on the new legislative session

The Arizona Legislative Session is in its second week and things are already heating up at the capitol. We spoke to Senate President Karen Fann.

How has COVID-19 affected this new legislative session?

“So far, so good…we’re open for business,” Fann said. She added that they ask people to not come down to the floor if they do not feel well.

Masks are optional according to Fann. She mentioned that those that choose not to where a mask are asked to be courteous and respectful of others.

Lawmakers are asked to be physically present to vote because, “our attorneys have determined that in the constitution it literally requires us to be here physically on the campus to vote,” Fann said.

She added that there is one exception to this rule and that is, “with a doctor’s permit excuse you can be in your office secluded and you can vote from your office.”

Will the Education Spending Cap be addressed?

“We’re not discussing that right now because we’re waiting for some advice from the attorneys…there are a number of issues that need to be considered here,” Fann said.

She noted that in 1980, voters were the ones who agreed to an education cap and she said that under the office of Governor Ducey, the republican legislative body has put in new money into education as well as the federal government.

Fann said that, “this is one of the main reasons why we are over that cap is because of all of the money that has been put into education.”

She could not comment on this issue too much but she did add, “I think it’s high time we have a conversation about, ‘do we need to reset that floor?'”