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It’s time to lift the freeze on KidsCare
Arizona has a real problem with uninsured kids. But we also have a time-tested solution that now has no cost to the state budget: KidsCare.
7 percent increase needed for developmentally disabled program
Through a privatized system of contractors, Arizona cares for about 35,000 individuals with severe developmental disabilities deemed by the state to be “at risk of institutionalization.” Instead, these individuals can receive services provided by direct service professionals employed by community providers, in their homes, other residential settings, day programs and work programs. These careg[...]
After nation’s deepest higher ed cuts, advocates see glimmer of hope
Arizona cut higher education funding deeper than any other state last year, capping a five-year period in which the state led the nation with a 27.3 percent cut from its support for colleges, a new report says.
Arizona should improve education rather than making it worse by legalizing marijuana
With considerable discussion about Arizona’s education funding, along with high school and college graduation rates, shouldn’t we do all we can to improve our state of education instead of making it much worse by legalizing marijuana?
Ducey won’t restore welfare cuts made during budget crunch
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey won't seek to reverse cuts to cash welfare assistance made when the state appeared to be facing a major budget crunch, despite a dramatic turnaround in state finances.
State revenues continue to rise
After years of incessant cuts, Arizona might be on the verge of shifting the budget discussion following months of robust revenue collections.
Revenues exceed forecasts by $322M, but state leaders reluctant to call it a surplus
Six straight months of revenues exceeding projections has some lawmakers hoping to reverse the impact of Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget cuts, but the Governor’s Office has signaled that agency heads and legislators shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Arizona reports budget surplus after taxes
Arizona ended the budget year with a $266 million surplus, a stark contrast from the $132 million deficit lawmakers had planned for.
Pima, Pinal counties may have to hike tax rates for court to decide legality of budget provision
Pima and Pinal counties may have to set their tax rates – and hike the levy on businesses and homeowners – before any court decides whether a provision in the state budget is legal.
Pima County sues state, saying it shifted burden to county taxpayers
Pima County sued the state of Arizona Monday to block a new budget provision the county says shifts tax burdens away from the state and on to county taxpayers.
Educators say legislative budget error could cost district charter schools millions
When lawmakers approved the state budget in March, they accidentally left out one key part. Because of the omission, several longstanding district-sponsored charter schools – public schools that have reorganized as charter schools to capture more state funding – will be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in back payments.
Strong revenue showing raises questions about whether lawmakers acted too fast
The surprisingly strong showing in state revenue collections in April promptly revived questions surrounding the wisdom of rushing the budget’s passage earlier this year.
