Dear Freshmen Members of the 54th Legislature,



Congratulations on getting elected to the Arizona Legislature. Now the real work begins.



I can tell you that representing your constituents in the Arizona Legislature is truly a privilege. It’s also a lot of work that will require long hours of study, meetings, committee work, floor deliberations, official events, and many other duties.



Fortunately, the Arizona Legislative Academy through Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy has been created to help guide you through the transition from private citizen to public official. I’m happy to be a co-host of this year’s Academy.



You’ll be learning more about the legislative process that governs our work, the jurisdiction of the Legislature, issues that will likely come up during session, and many other things.



I applaud you for volunteering for public service. Arizona has a citizen legislature, and it could not function without citizens like you.



I look forward to serving with you and hope that you will reach out to me if I can ever assist you with anything.



Sincerely,



Representative T.J. Shope

House Speaker Pro Tempore

District 8