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Sexual harassment controversy clouds State of State address

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday promised to pump more cash into the state's K-12 public schools by starting to restore some cuts made during the Great Recession. He also wants the Legislature to fast-track a proposal to address the opioid crisis, overhaul the state's water laws and help fund his push to cut prison recidivism.

By: Kevin Boughton

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As an ongoing sexual harassment controversy continues to hang over the state legislature, one of its leaders says the House of Representatives has been called out as an institution.

Governor Doug Ducey says female political pioneers in Arizona didn't break barriers for women today to still suffer harassment at the capitol.

#AZLeg Gov Ducey opens 2018 State of the Stae recognizing female legislators - points out AZ has highest %-age of female legislators in USA pic.twitter.com/c6nXo7YO3X
— KevinBoughton (@KevinBoughton) January 8, 2018

He said those words as multiple lawmakers who listened are under investigation after accusations of inappropriate relationships with staff or sexual harassment claims against them.

Michelle Ugenti Rita and other women have accused Rep Don Shooter of sexual harassment.

Shooter had accused Ugenti Rita of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Other lawmakers have accused house Minority whip Rebecca Rios of a similar relationship.

Then Mesnard made a special appeal to the men in the House.

Mesnard said he hopes the new year brings a fresh start, but the house won't excuse past bad behavior.

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