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Prison system will boost spending, medical staffing but puts more strain on state budget
Arizona’s prison system will boost spending and medical staffing for prison healthcare by more than a third as it works to meet a federal judge's orders that it vastly improve treatment of the nearly 25,000 prisoners in state-run prisons, but the move puts added pressure on a state budget that is already deep in the red.
State spending more money for vouchers for students this budget year than was reserved through June
Less than four months into the budget year, Arizona already is spending more money for vouchers for students to attend private and parochial schools at state expense than was set aside through June.
Certain counties to receive settlement monies for reentry programs
A legislative committee today approved monies for counties to spend on reentry programs to reduce recidivism rates, but only counties with existing programs can get the money, excluding some. Â
ESA program director resigns while ADE, treasurer’s office mull which firms to hire
The director of the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program resigned yesterday. Â
New law raises cap on funds for infrastructure projects benefitting manufacturers
Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill on Monday opposed by most legislative Democrats that will raise the cap on monies municipalities get to fund infrastructure projects to benefit manufacturing companies.
ESA vouchers projected to cost $900M next year
The Empowerment Scholarship Account program is on track to cost the state $900 million by the end of the next fiscal year, according to the most recent estimate by the Arizona Department of Education.
Arizona continues to trail in per-pupil funding
Arizona consistently hovers in the lowest percentile for per-pupil funding nationally.Â
Resolution cuts governor out of budget process
The Senate passed a resolution March 1 that would allow the previous year’s budget to go into effect for the next year, if the governor won’t sign off on a new budget. Â
Hobbs wants bigger budget – doesn’t ask nicely
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs wants to nearly double her office’s funding next year because of new burdens imposed by Republican legislators.
Fiscal responsibility guiding AZ through tough times
We must continue to remain vigilant and fiscally responsible. Arizona is obviously doing something right to be in this great position.
Rosy state revenues belie need for recovery package
Rosy state revenues belie ongoing economic turmoil, particularly for lower-income Arizonans who have been disproportionately affected by job losses and wage cuts.
Plans for plentiful spending turn to ‘skinny budget’ nearly overnight
The Second Regular Session of the 54th Legislature is a tale of riches to rags. What began six months ago with optimism – about a strong economy, the possibility for... […]
