House GOP Budget ‘Dead on Arrival’: Blame Game Erupts 18 Days Before Deadline

Arizona lawmakers are pushing to finalize a budget with just 18 days before the fiscal year ends on June 30. Recent proposals from House Republicans have faced sharp criticism, being labeled as unrealistic by Democratic opponents.

The state budget requires approval from both chambers of the legislature and a signature from Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Tensions are high as Senate Republicans and Hobbs have developed their own separate budget plan, set to be introduced on June 16, following stalled negotiations.

During a House Appropriations Committee meeting, Chairman David Livingston addressed the absence of input from various political factions, yet assured attendees that some requests had been incorporated into the budget proposal. “Some people in this room are very happy,” he stated, while acknowledging differing opinions among committee members.

Conversely, Democratic lawmakers expressed strong disagreement at a press conference. They accused House Republicans of hastily devising a proposal after skipping three weeks of negotiations. House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos described the budget as a “sham,” indicating it was crafted to appease the far-right faction within the party.

De Los Santos further asserted that the proposal was unlikely to gain the necessary approval, either from the governor or from the majority of House Republicans. Livingston, however, maintained an openness to amendments, suggesting that changes to the original plan could still occur.

The proposed budget emphasizes funding for law enforcement and infrastructure improvements but also includes measures expected to be rejected by Hobbs, such as transferring control of federal funds and imposing restrictions on entitlement programs. It also attempts to ban public universities from awarding scholarships to undocumented students, a move that has drawn significant backlash.

“This is a hodgepodge of vetoed bills,” De Los Santos critiqued, particularly opposing the scholarship ban as contrary to the will of the voters who passed Proposition 308, which allows in-state tuition for all Arizona high school graduates regardless of immigration status.

During the committee meeting, Livingston attributed the stall in negotiations to Hobbs, claiming she halted further discussions. A spokesperson for Hobbs rebutted this, indicating that serious negotiations with other legislators were ongoing.

Critics from various sectors voiced concerns over cuts to vital funding during the committee hearing. Some speakers acknowledged its merits but largely condemned the budget for neglecting essential services. Democrats argued that proceeding with the House Republicans’ proposal was unproductive, given the impending better budget plan from the Senate.

Ultimately, the budget proposal passed through the committee along party lines. As the House gears up for a lengthy Friday session, discussions on amendments and voting are anticipated later that evening.