FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Majority Whip Sine Kerr Expresses Concern Over Partisan Antics Senate Democrats Displayed on Water Conservation Effort
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Wednesday's Senate vote on SB 1390 (water infrastructure finance authority; amendments) revealed disturbing partisan games at play from several Senate Democrats who I made a good faith effort to work across the aisle with on this legislation.
Last year, the Legislature made a historic investment in Arizona's water future by making resources available for augmentation and conservation. SB 1390 makes only technical changes to this effort to ensure consistency and clarity in administering those resources. Furthermore, it removes potential confusion over legislative intent that could create future difficulty for the state to deploy these resources in a timely and efficient manner.
When Democrat Senators from districts 18 and 23 asked for amendments to the bill that focused on water conservation, I obliged and committed to their requests in an effort to pass and expedite implementation of this legislation, so that desperately needed conservation projects would be funded before the availability of federal dollars expires in June of 2024. Unfortunately, when the bill was brought up for a vote on the Senate floor, all Democrats, including those from districts 18 and 23 voted against it. Their decision now prevents these essential conservation projects from moving forward.
It's incredibly frustrating that our Democrat lawmakers, including Governor Hobbs, continue to virtue signal an effort of "bipartisanship" to the media and public in general, when in reality, they're corroborating to work against Senate Republicans. The only ones who stand to lose are the citizens of Arizona. I'm urging my colleagues across the aisle to stop playing partisan games. If addressing our water crisis is in fact a priority to Democrats, then get serious. Actions speak louder than words, and today's vote against SB 1390 by Senate Democrats spoke volumes.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov
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