Pub. 6 2016 Issue 3

Under the Copper Dome 2016 Election Results and 2017 Legislative Forecast By MARILYN RODRIGUEZ, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, VERIDUS, LLC T H E NEXT SEASON OF LAWMAKING AT 1700 WEST WASH- INGTON STREET IS UPON US. NEWLY ELECTED LEGISLATORS WILL BE SWORN IN AND SESSION WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 9, 2017. With two full legislative sessions under his belt, Governor Doug Ducey is more determined than ever to continue forging ahead in making Arizona the most business friendly state in the nation. The results of the election should help to make that goal a reality, as many of the Governor’s strongest allies were reelected. Contrary to what many believed would be the case, a seismic shift of power did not occur at the Arizona State Leg- islature this election cycle. The Republicans maintained their majority in both houses and, with the exception of one House seat pickup for the Democrats in LD-18 (Ahwatukee), the Republican/Democrat split in the House and Senate remains relatively unaffected: The Republican Party claimed 17 seats in the Senate and 35 seats in the House. What is changing, however, is the face of leadership at the Capitol. In the Majority Caucus, with both the Speaker of the House, David Gowan (R-Sierra Vista), and President of the Senate, Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert), opting to run for higher office, GOP lawmakers in both chambers were presented with the opportunity to select new leaders. On November 9th, Representative J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) and Senator Steve Yarbrough (R-Chandler) were both chosen by their peers to fill those shoes. Speaker-elect Mesnard and President-elect Yarbrough are business friendly conservatives, and will bring a decidedly dif- ferent leadership style to the House and Senate. Representative Mesnard has made his reputation as a policy thinker with the ability to successfully navigate the political process. Senator Yarbrough also possesses a strong policy background having chaired the Senate Finance committee. The Arizona business community has good reason to be hopeful that the Legislature and Governor Ducey will be able to work together in making real strides toward economic prosperity. 24 www.azbankers.org