State senators — on a party-line vote — approved a budget for the next fiscal year earlier this week.
The House is expected to follow along and finish up the legislative session before the weekend.
One sticking point had been Gov. Doug Ducey’s insistence on a flat tax code for all Arizona taxpayers. That has been modified slightly, but Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard said it will be an impactful step.
Another major issue for Democrats is the attempt by Republican senators to include an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) — or voucher — expansion with the budget bills. Democratic Sen. Tony Navarette said that would defy the will of voters.
The Show spoke with Republican Sen. Paul Boyer. He was a member who called for the flat tax proposal to be modified, and he also is a prime supporter of ESA expansion.
The Show spoke with him to learn what has changed from the governor’s original flat tax proposal.
