Arizona House Approves Bold, Conservative Budget Blueprint

By Jonathan Eberle |

The Arizona House of Representatives approved a conservative budget on Thursday, prioritizing public safety, cost reduction for families, and enhanced government accountability. This plan is designed to be structurally balanced and aims to align with voter expectations.

Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) emphasized the budget reflects the community’s desires. “This budget delivers safe communities, strong families, and a government that works for the people — not the other way around,” he stated. Key features include a 5% pay increase for Department of Public Safety and corrections personnel, $94 million for major highway repairs, and a 2.5% reduction in in-state university tuition, coupled with a freeze for the next two years. Additionally, the budget clears a backlog of Empowerment Scholarship Account applications and fully funds school choice programs.

Funding will also ensure accurate voter rolls, support payments for parents acting as caregivers, and enhance developmental disability services. Notably, an expanded adoption tax deduction is included in the package.

Majority Leader Michael Carbone expressed confidence in this budget as a catalyst for growth. “We’re protecting opportunity by lowering costs for students and parents,” he said. “We’re backing public safety with strong support for our law enforcement officers, and we’re holding government accountable by cutting waste and demanding better results.”

Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter highlighted the budget’s promise for small businesses. “It gives much-needed relief by removing the burdensome business personal property tax for assets under $500,000,” he explained. This measure is expected to enable local job creators to expand and thrive, making Arizona a more attractive place for business.

The budget package, comprising HB2945 through HB2961, now awaits consideration in the Senate.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.