By Maria Polletta | Arizona Republic
Republican lawmakers frustrated by Gov. Doug Ducey’s sweeping authority as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on took initial steps Monday to curb his and future governors’ power during emergencies.
The Senate Government Committee — led by Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who has repeatedly slammed public health restrictions imposed by Ducey — voted along party lines to advance five measures that would give the Legislature more power to intervene in crisis situations.
“Either we are at the table as partners, or we’re not,” Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler said during Monday’s three-hour hearing. “It’s a matter of the Legislature being part of the check on a single executive.”
