GOP lawmakers working on sending budget plan to Hobbs, but they aren't talking to each other

Republican lawmakers are halfway through the process of sending a budget to Gov. Katie Hobbs, but both sides say the onus is on the other to pick up the phone.

Both Hobbs and GOP legislators said they’re ready to continue budget negotiations.

Hobbs walked away from the talks several weeks ago and pledged to veto all legislation until the lawmakers sent her a budget plan. They produced that plan on Monday but say Hobbs still won’t pick up the phone and call them.

Hobbs said Friday that she’s waiting to hear from them.

“We are having conversations and this has turned into a he said/she said, which is why I don't think it's ever a good idea to litigate this in the press. Everyone's trying to score their own political points. I have made my position clear. We are ready to get back to the negotiating table,” Hobbs said.

Lawmakers plan to pass the budget to Hobbs next week.

So far, it hasn’t received the support of any Democratic lawmakers. Although the governor has acknowledged there are some things in the proposal she likes, she says there are many elements she opposes.

Several Democrats have said they expect Hobbs to veto the budget.

Republicans have said that although they negotiated a partisan budget, they are making an effort to include bipartisan elements and want to get the governor on board.