GOP lawmakers pass Arizona budget proposal. Democrats expect Hobbs to veto it

Republican lawmakers passed a state budget proposal on Monday which Democrats expect Gov. Katie Hobbs to veto.

The budget plan passed out of the state House and Senate on party lines without Democratic support. It includes sweeping tax cuts paid for with cuts to various government programs and state agencies.

Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson) said it’s not a given that government officials should cut programs like Medicaid and SNAP to pay for the budget.

“That entire category of cuts is where I would like us to move into a space where we’re just reminding all of us that corporate tax breaks are not really necessary but supporting people is,” Sundareshan said.

Hobbs and GOP leaders are not actively engaged in budget conversations.

Hobbs walked away from the negotiating table several weeks ago over disagreements on education funding. Her staff declined to say when she’ll take action on the GOP budget plan.

The plan passed out of the Legislature on party lines without Democratic support and centers on sweeping tax cuts — paid for with cuts to various government programs and agencies.

Sen. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) said the tax cuts will provide needed relief for all Arizonans.

“If I had to ascribe one word to this budget, it would be affordability. Affordability at a time when people are worried about their household incomes — their economy,” Kavanagh said.

As for cutting programs like SNAP and Medicaid, Kavanagh touted the work the state Department of Economic Security has done by removing more than half the people from the program. He said that just shows the department is weeding out fraud.

As of Monday, Hobbs and GOP leaders are not engaging with each other in budget negotiations, as Hobbs walked away from the talks several weeks ago due to an impasse on education funding.

Petersen said Hobbs’ decision was unprecedented and noted the budget includes a handful of things she said she wanted, which Hobbs and other lawmakers have also acknowledged.

“We’re at the table. So if she vetoes it and comes to the table, then we’ll be ready to negotiate with her,” Petersen said.

Hobbs’ spokesperson declined to say when she’ll take action on the GOP budget plan.

Legislative Democrats, as the minority party, haven’t been part of the negotiations at all.

“Somebody should pick up the phone and include us,” Sundareshan said.