Arizona state lawmakers are taking a break to focus on the state budget

Arizona state lawmakers are taking a break from their usual duties now that they’re close to the end of voting on this year’s bills. It’s time for them to hunker down on state budget negotiations.

The House of Representatives is taking two weeks off and returns on May 19. The Senate will take three weeks off and return May 28.

It’s common for lawmakers to shorten their workweek a few months into the session.

Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) said the other area of focus during the break will be finalizing a Proposition 123 extension. Lawmakers aim to pass a new version of the measure, initially approved by voters in 2015, which would boost teacher salaries.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that a Proposition 123 extension is important, but over the past two sessions, the parties haven’t come together on a deal.

Last week, House Committee Chair Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) said a Proposition 123 extension must be tied to a measure to enshrine private school vouchers called Empowerment Scholarship Accounts in the state constitution.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called Gress’ proposal a “complete and total nonstarter.”

The GOP-controlled Legislature must pass a budget that Hobbs will sign.

A budget must be approved by June 30, which is the end of the fiscal year.

Last year, lawmakers passed a budget and closed out the legislative session on June 15.