Az House GOP Budget Ignites Blame Game Just 18 Days to Deadline

With only 18 days remaining before a crucial budget deadline, Arizona lawmakers are experiencing mounting pressures. The spending plan, drafted exclusively by House Republicans, faces backlash as critics label it a farce lacking practical viability.

To secure funding, both the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives—dominated by Republicans—must reach a majority agreement and obtain the signature of Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. The fiscal year concludes on June 30, marking the critical deadline.

Meanwhile, a collaborative budget proposal created by Senate Republicans and Governor Hobbs is anticipated to be introduced on June 16. After previous negotiations faltered, House Republican leaders opted to forge their own plan.

During a recent House Appropriations Committee meeting, Chairman David Livingston acknowledged the absence of input from Hobbs and the Democratic party but asserted that some of their requests were incorporated. “Some people in this room are very happy,” Livingston stated, while also noting varying reactions among committee members.

However, Democratic lawmakers vehemently disagreed with this characterization. House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos criticized the proposal, describing it as hastily assembled and designed to placate far-right factions within the party. “This is a sham, written haphazardly behind closed doors,” he asserted, labeling it as “dead-on-arrival” before even reaching Hobbs’ desk.

Livingston admitted that the final version of the budget might differ from what the committee approved. Republican Rep. Matt Gress emphasized that they expect the majority of their plan to remain intact in the final budget. Key priorities include funding law enforcement, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting rural hospitals.

While the proposal continues funding for the Department of Developmental Disabilities Parents as Paid Caregivers Program, it also features provisions that are likely to face opposition from Governor Hobbs. These include a significant reallocation of federal funds and new restrictions on entitlement programs, along with barring public universities from offering scholarships to undocumented students.

De Los Santos condemned the scholarship ban, framing it as a betrayal of the 2022 Proposition 308 vote, which allowed in-state tuition and state financial aid for all Arizona students regardless of immigration status. “This is a hodgepodge of vetoed bills,” he remarked.

During the committee meeting, Livingston accused Hobbs of abandoning negotiations, a claim her spokesperson disputed. “His sentiment is not shared by stakeholders and others actively negotiating with the Governor’s Office,” said Christian Slater, emphasizing ongoing discussions among various parties.

Livingston took a jab at Senate Republicans, branding their proposal as “the governor’s budget.” Senate GOP leaders chose not to respond directly to these claims.

Public feedback regarding the budget has been mixed, with industry representatives voicing both praise and criticism. Many expressed concern over cuts to critical funding sectors, which they argue are essential for vulnerable populations.

Democrats in the committee labeled the budget vote as counterproductive, anticipating a bipartisan plan from the Senate. “A vote on this budget is a vote to waste time on distraction,” declared Rep. Kevin Volk of Tucson.

Ultimately, the Appropriations Committee approved the budget along party lines. House lawmakers brace for a long session on Friday, with discussions on amendments and a potential vote expected by evening.