‘Currently I feel our Republican leadership is “out of step” with Arizona’s citizens in regards to current education cuts, elimination of early childhood block programs, community health funding and ALTCS [stands for Arizona Long Term Care System — editor] responsibility passed down to counties. I cannot vote for unconscionable cuts to absolutely essential programs to placate the philosophy of one segment of the Republican Party that, holding the majority in numbers, seeks to suppress all dissent.

Thursday night [on May 15] I was hopeful that the substantial dissenting minority in the House Republican caucus would be able to save many of these important programs, but this did not happen. Accordingly, I find myself stepping forward with my fellow Republican Senator Slade Mead to chose to continue negotiating a fair budget acceptable to both parties as well as a majority if the citizens of Arizona. I am proud to be a Republican legislator. I will be even prouder of my party when it passes a budget supportive of education and healthcare and free of legislative trickery.’

— Excerpt from May 19 statement issued by Sen. Linda Binder