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The deal: Notable new policies make the state’s 2017 budget agreement more than just a group of numbers
Lawmakers like to say that a budget is a reflection of values. But it’s also a collection of policies, some of which might not have stood a chance as stand-alone measures.
House Republicans reject KidsCare restoration in budget
The House of Representatives rejected an attempt to restore a federally funded children’s health insurance program over concerns that it would “blow up the budget.”
Dems, advocates push for KidsCare
As lawmakers milled around the Capitol waiting for the final word on a budget deal, children’s advocates and legislative Democrats made a last-minute attempt to ratchet up the pressure to restore Arizona’s KidsCare program.
Budget sets stage for GCU tax break bill
The budget framework approved by legislative leadership and Gov. Doug Ducey appears to give a green light to a contentious proposal that would dramatically reduce property taxes for Grand Canyon University and, in the process, raise them for others who live near the school.
The state budget: potential winners, losers and question marks
Lawmakers are debating a proposed $9.58 billion budget, which for the first time in years, makes significant increases in a handful of key areas.
Timeline: How budget negotiations are unfolding
Last year, lawmakers approved a state budget in record-breaking time and adjourned the shortest legislative session since 1968. But this year, the process is going much slower.
Budget moving down different paths in House, Senate
A Senate committee on Wednesday advanced a package of budget bills that outline a $9.58 billion spending plan, with a promise of amendments to the bills on the chamber’s floor.
Senators vote to set aside more than $100 million for charter school loan assistance
Republican lawmakers are moving to use state funds to help privately run charter schools borrow money at better interest rates.
House, Senate preparing to move on budget deal
The Arizona House and Senate are primed for rapid movement of a $9.58 billion budget package.
New budget would spend hundreds of millions from state surplus
The budget proposed by GOP leadership in the House and Senate dips into a massive budget surplus to make hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time expenses and millions in tax cuts, but makes few commitments to ongoing spending.
KidsCare is an important health resource for Arizona families
In my five decades of providing medical care to Arizona children, I have realized that Medicaid (AHCCCS) and KidsCare (Arizona’s version of a Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP) are critical for low-income families. KidsCare has been frozen since 2010, and the Legislature now has the opportunity to include lifting the freeze in their budget negotiations, while the federal gover[...]
Arizona to get $26 million in conservation funding
The state of Arizona is slated to receive nearly $26 million to go toward conservation funding.
