Note from AriSEIA Executive Director, Nicole LaSlavic

​Uncertainty is a word we're all familiar with in our current times. As a trade association, we represent our members' interests at all levels of government. As our parent organization SEIA continues to fight for efforts at the national level, we need to remember this is a united effort. 

In honor of Earth Day, SEIA requested that we continue to urge Congress to take swift action to stem the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and to support the recovery and growth of the solar industry while advancing the critical principles of Earth Day. Though Earth Day has officially come and gone, the need to advance the message still remains. Please tell your member of Congress that we must #SaveSolarJobs from COVID-19 in order to protect the economy and our 250,000 American solar workers, while continuing the fight against climate change. Here's the April SEIA COVID Fact Sheet for more information. 

​In Arizona, the question as to when the state legislature would reconvene has been up in the air for some time now. With the original date of April 13, 2020 in the rear view mirror, speculation began to grow, and rumors of reopening began to spread. This week, many news sources reported the legislature would reconvene on May 1, 2020 and adjourn Sine Die (meaning session has come to an end) with the expectation of the governor calling a special session later in the year to address the state’s budget. 

Though leadership in both the House and the Senate understood this approach would effectively kill any remaining bills that were moving before the March 23, 2020 adjournment, they agreed that this would be the course taken. However, it was only a short time later that members of the majority party in the House objected to this decision and requested the Speaker of the House to reconsider so their bills could continue in the process. 

At this time, no definitive agreement has been reached and many factors come into play, with safety of individuals being at the top of the list. Factors include, the announcement a state senator has contracted COVID-19 and resuming session would require not only elected individuals to return, but staff. Lastly, there is a question as to whether or not it would be possible for them to obtain quorum. 

With the uncertainty that remains in place, it is important to stay in the loop. Please continue to stay tuned for ongoing developments at the national and state level.