ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona Gov. Hobbs says she won’t sign Republicans’ ‘skinny budget’

Feb 14, 2023, 11:05 AM
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her State of the State address in front of House Speaker Ben Toma...
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her State of the State address in front of House Speaker Ben Toma, left, and Senate President Warren Petersen on Jan. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. (Twitter Photo/@GovernorHobbs)
(Twitter Photo/@GovernorHobbs)

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs appears to be prepping her veto stamp for the “skinny budget” plan that Republican lawmakers passed on Monday.

Ramping up a showdown over priorities with the new Democratic governor, the GOP-led House and Senate voted along party lines in favor of a $15.8 billion package that would extend current-year spending for another 12 months.

House Speaker Ben Toma issued a statement saying the Republican plan is a “responsible state budget” and “was crafted with the needs of the state and of Arizona’s families in mind.”

Hobbs, however, is looking to fund at least some of her priorities in her initial budget.

“The issues Arizonans are facing require more than business as usual,” the state’s first Democratic governor since 2009 said Monday on Twitter after the Legislature passed its spending package for fiscal 2024, which starts July 1 of this year.

“I will not sign a budget that is just more of the same and does nothing to demonstrate a desire to move our state forward.”

Democratic lawmakers criticized the GOP for pushing a continuation budget without negotiating across the aisle.

“Put simply, this is a do-nothing budget guised as an attempt to outsmart the hardworking people of Arizona,” House Minority Leader Andrés Cano said in a statement.

“I’m here to tell my colleagues across the aisle what they already know: This budget will be vetoed.”

Soon after taking office in January, Hobbs released an executive budget that emphasized public education, affordable housing and water resources.

Toma called Hobbs’ plan a “left-wing wish list” that was “dead on arrival.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo/Spinato's Pizzeria)...
KTAR.com

Spinato’s Pizzeria looking to hire staff ahead of East Valley restaurant opening

A Valley-based pizzeria is looking to hire staff ahead of its anticipated East Valley location slated to open in May. 
1 day ago
FILE - Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer speaks inside the Recorders Office, Nov. 9, 2022, in...
Associated Press

Dominion conspiracies highlighted by Fox lawsuit have election officials concerned for safety

Maricopa County officials are bracing for what could happen when it comes time to replace its contract for voting equipment.
1 day ago
(ADOT Traffic Camera Photo)...
KTAR.com

Northbound lanes of Loop 303 reopen in West Valley after crash

Northbound Loop 303 was reopened on Friday in the West Valley after a crash halted traffic for almost two hours.
1 day ago
(Pexels Photo)...
KTAR.com

17-year-old arrested on murder charges in Peoria crash that killed 5

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder in a 2022 crash in Peoria that left five people dead.
1 day ago
Salvador Gonzalez Duenas (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)...
KTAR.com

Glendale police arrest Circle K robbery, assault suspect

Glendale police arrested a man suspected of robbing a Circle K convenience store and assaulting a clerk in December, authorities said. 
1 day ago
(Facebook Photo/Tempe Festival of the Arts)...
KTAR.com

Tempe Festival of the Arts takes over Mill Avenue all weekend

The annual Tempe Festival of the Arts is underway through Sunday in a showcase of over 350 artists from across North America.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...
Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
...
Quantum Fiber

How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
Arizona Gov. Hobbs says she won’t sign Republicans’ ‘skinny budget’