Per Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh,
“We tightened the state’s belt by trimming fat from state agencies, and we reallocated unspent tax dollars to the general fund to eliminate the deficit, without irresponsibly tapping into our rainy-day fund. Most government operations within the state received a healthy and manageable 3.5% reduction in spending, with a few exceptions. Safe communities free of crime and a secure border are the biggest priorities to Arizonans and Republicans alike, and we want to ensure our budget reflects that. As a result, funding for the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Corrections, and the Arizona Auditor General remains intact, while we’re also investing millions in border security, all without raising taxes or creating new debt.”
Budget Highlights:
• Reduces state spending by $1.7 billion below the 2023-2024 enacted budget (a 10% reduction).
• Reduces ongoing spending by $330 million.
• Protects school choice programs- both Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and School Tuition Organizations are funded for continued growth.
• Protects Arizona Freedom Schools.
• Does not pull dollars from the rainy-day fund.
• No new taxes or tax increases.
• No new debt.
• Reduces ongoing funding of state agencies by 3.5%, including cuts to universities by $23 million.
• Maintains law enforcement funding, while adding $5 million for local border security support and $4 million for fentanyl interdiction and law enforcement response.
• Prohibits board fee increases for 2 years.
• Lowers vehicle emissions testing fees by 5%.
• Ends ongoing funding for COVID federal programs.
• Maintains road infrastructure funding.
For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
[email protected]