Arizona House Speaker J.D. Mesnard is following through on his promise to revamp how his chamber negotiates a state budget with the Senate and the governor's office.
Mesnard said Tuesday that he expects appropriations committee and the sub-appropriations committee chairs to begin meeting soon to come up with an initial proposal. That will then be shopped with Republican House members to reach an initial agreement that can get the required 31 votes.
Once that happens, GOP leadership will begin negotiating with the Senate and governor's office on an agreement for a nearly $10 billion budget for the year starting July 1.
Mesnard's approach revamps one used for years that saw House and Senate leaders negotiating with the governor. They then presented the done deal to members.
