Gov. Doug Ducey released his state budget proposal on Friday. Elements of the plan have bipartisan support, but Democrats are speaking out against a proposed $200 million tax cut.
The tax cut is set to expand to $600 million in its third year.
Arizona House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding (D-Laveen) said the plan takes steps in the right direction but does not do enough.
“The governor's budget could have far more impact than what we saw,” Bolding said. “This is not the time to propose $1.2 billion in tax cuts over the next three years when Arizonans are still hurting, the pandemic is not under control and the vaccine rollout has been slower than expected.”
He praised the inclusion of expanded opioid treatment and body cameras for all DPS officers. But, he says the tax cuts look like an attempt to offset Proposition 208, which will increase taxes on wealthy Arizonans to raise money for public education.
