Budgets are moral documents. They show what we value and prioritize as a state. Both of us stand ready to work together with our legislative colleagues and the Governor on a responsible budget that puts all Arizonans first.

Budget bills cleared their first hurdle Tuesday after a day of arm-twisting and political maneuvering, but problems getting it passed persist.

GOP leaders in the House and Senate introduced a $12.8 billion spending plan Monday afternoon with high hopes of passing it by Wednesday — but finding the votes to pass it will prove difficult.

Top aides to Gov. Doug Ducey are defending the $1.5 billion cut in tax collections and bailout of the most wealthy as "modest and responsible.''

House and Senate leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey have agreed on a roughly $12.8 billion spending plan, including the state’s largest tax cut in recent memory – but the budget lacks the Republican votes it needs to pass in its current form.

A Republican senator is prepared to withhold his crucial vote on the state’s budget unless it contains at least $160 million in ongoing funding for higher education and another $20 million for firefighters with cancer.

House Majority Leader Ben Toma, R-Peoria, said that while the details are still in flux, he believes support exists for the idea of phasing in a flat income tax over three or four years. He said he would like to see the rate around 2.5%.

The closely divided Arizona electorate wants practical solutions, not strict ideology. They will support my tax plan as they are willing to pay in an equitable way for more government services. I ask the Arizona Legislature to put my 4.5% flat income tax plan on a ballot for voters to decide.

In delivering his shortest State of the State address to date, Gov. Doug Ducey made Covid the dominant theme of his speech on Monday, although he hinted at a host of legislative priorities for 2021.

We must continue to remain vigilant and fiscally responsible. Arizona is obviously doing something right to be in this great position.