Arizona Senate Republicans Push Budget with Key Investments and No New Taxes

Arizona Senate Republicans have introduced a new balanced state budget proposal that includes targeted investments in key areas such as public safety, education, transportation, water infrastructure, and public health. The plan is being positioned as a fiscally responsible alternative to the House budget, with legislative action scheduled to begin this week.

Senate President Warren Petersen described the plan as one that “benefits all Arizonans,” emphasizing that it is a bipartisan budget the Republican majority can support and one the governor is expected to sign. The proposal includes pay increases for public safety personnel and additional funding to enhance safety resources throughout the state.

Key elements of the budget also include investments in road projects critical to Arizona’s economic development, infrastructure improvements to secure the state’s water future, and resources aimed at strengthening public health systems. Notably, the plan is being advanced without any tax increases.

“This is a bipartisan budget the Republican majority can fully support and the governor will sign,” Petersen said. “We are protecting the interests of Arizona…without raising taxes on our hardworking citizens.”

Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh drew a contrast with the House’s version of the budget, which includes a proposed $100 million tax extension and what he described as unconstitutional policy measures. Kavanagh noted that the governor has pledged to veto the House budget, and warned of the risk of a government shutdown if a compromise isn’t reached soon.

“With the possibility of a government shutdown in a matter of days, we must move forward with our conservative spending plan,” Kavanagh stated.

President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope emphasized the need for practicality in a divided government, calling the Senate’s proposal the only viable path forward.

“This budget is viable, unlike the fantasyland budget proposed in the House,” said Shope. “Elections have consequences. We are in an era of divided government, and we must proceed as such. Republicans can’t get everything they want, and neither can Democrats. We did very well with protecting and funding our republican priorities.”

The Senate Appropriations Committee is set to hear the proposal on Tuesday, with a full Senate vote expected Wednesday. If approved, the bill will be transmitted immediately to the House for consideration.