PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona legislators have begun a special session mostly aimed at reducing the state's $2 billion budget shortfall but also to resolve issues related to foreclosures and research funding.
The House and Senate convened Tuesday just hours after Gov. Jan Brewer issued a formal call that included a to-do list negotiated by Republican legislative leaders and the governor.
The centerpiece of legislation proposed for action during the special session is a package of budget bills to narrow the midyear shortfall by roughly $450 million. That amount includes $292 million of cuts in funding for K-12 schools' equipment purchases and Department of Economic Security social services.
Lawmakers took no formal action Tuesday on any of the legislation. The House plans to consider the bills Thursday. The Senate had not yet scheduled committee consideration of the legislation.
