Arizona Governor vetoes two budget proposals as the state risks a possible shutdown
Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, center, delivers the State of the State address at the state Capitol as she is flanked by Speaker of the House Ben Toma, left, R-Glendale, and President of the Senate Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, Jan. 8, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed two budget proposals Wednesday, calling them partisan and reckless, as legislators near a deadline to reach a deal and avoid a state government shutdown.
Her action comes after House Republicans indicated last week that a budget negotiated by the state Senate and Hobbs’ office lacked the needed votes in its chamber. The House instead introduced a budget to keep state operations running beyond June 30 and buy more time for negotiations. The chamber passed a separate budget earlier this month that it says is structurally balanced and conservative.
Hobbs vetoed both.
“It’s now time for House Republican leadership to set the political games to the side and work with their colleagues in a productive fashion to deliver a bipartisan solution for the people of our state,” she said in her veto letter.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro released a statement expressing disappointment with the governor’s vetoes.
“Despite the Governor’s actions, House Republicans will continue working to keep government operating and protect Arizona taxpayers from the consequences of political brinkmanship,” he said.
The state Senate greenlit both budgets, anticipating vetoes from Hobbs, to provide a ‘reality check’ for the state House, said GOP senator and Appropriations Committee Chair John Kavanagh in an interview ahead of Hobbs’ action.
Hobbs took similar action in early 2023 when she vetoed another budget proposal she said was one-sided and “an insult to Arizonans.”
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