Arizona Dem House Leader Eric Meyer's statement on close of 2016 legislative session

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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