STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – House Democratic
Leader Eric Meyer, D-Paradise Valley (District 28), released the following
statement after the 2016 legislative session ended:
“Legislative
Democrats opened this session with a comprehensive
plan to strengthen Arizona’s communities and economy. We would have greatly
increased the state’s investment in K-12 and higher education and given Arizona
a real second step after Prop. 123. We also proposed common-sense reforms and
investments in child safety and economic security programs because we have the
resources to help the most vulnerable Arizonans. The Democratic plan would have
strengthened the state’s economy and moved Arizona forward.
“Legislative
Republicans were constantly bogged down in political gamesmanship and
grandstanding. As a result, the policies they advanced will continue to fail our
students and teachers, our most vulnerable populations, and hardworking
Arizonans. They have protected the status quo and kept per pupil spending in our
state at the bottom of the barrel.
“They displayed a
stunning lack of leadership all session. Their misplaced priorities once again
led to repeated late-night debates and a chaotic process that kept the public
out of critical discussions. House Democrats fought for the priorities of
Arizonans by promoting K-12 education, affordable college tuition and high-wage
jobs over the wealthy special interests that Republicans continue to place above
all else.”
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