Ariz. Legislature resuming special session extended after Senate rejected bill to cut spending

Arizona Legislature resumes special session Monday

PHOENIX — Arizona legislators report back to work Monday to try to conclude a special session that had been expected to end last week.

The Senate on Thursday unexpectedly rejected a budget-balancing bill sponsored by majority Republicans to cut funding for K-12 schools’ equipment purchases and Department of Economic Security social services.

Legislative leaders responded by adjourning the special session until Monday.

The spending cuts are part of a package to close about a quarter of the state’s projected $2 billion midyear budget shortfall.