Post by Logan on Apr 26, 2016 0:33:16 GMT -6
Leaders strike Arizona budget deal, but battle over K-12 funding looms
State leaders expect to unveil Tuesday a $9.58 billion budget deal negotiated in recent days that gives Gov. Doug Ducey the tax cut he promised, while providing more money for K-12 public schools and universities than the governor had sought in his spending proposal.
The tentative agreement between the Arizona House and Senate would also provide additional funding for child welfare. But it does not call for restoration of the KidsCare health-insurance program for low-income children, though that could change if supporters are able to amend the deal.
According to Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato, the tax cut would total $8 million and aid businesses. It would essentially allow them to write off more business expenses such as buildings or equipment. State leaders say the deal also leaves room for another $18 million in tax cuts or credits.
House and Senate Republicans were briefed on the deal Monday afternoon. Budget documents from those meetings show funding for a state bureau to fight drug trafficking at the border, wildland fire engines, and economic "freedom schools," at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
Read more: www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2016/04/25/arizona-budget-proposal-gov-doug-ducey-includes-8-million-tax-cut/83513058/
Considering the political climate in a state dominated by Republicans, this looks like the best case scenario that Democrats can expect with more funding for education programs at every level than what was earlier envisioned. The Democrats should of course hold out a bit to see if they can obtain some other favorable compromises, but also be willing to cut a bargain rather than have spending proposals withdrawn.
State leaders expect to unveil Tuesday a $9.58 billion budget deal negotiated in recent days that gives Gov. Doug Ducey the tax cut he promised, while providing more money for K-12 public schools and universities than the governor had sought in his spending proposal.
The tentative agreement between the Arizona House and Senate would also provide additional funding for child welfare. But it does not call for restoration of the KidsCare health-insurance program for low-income children, though that could change if supporters are able to amend the deal.
According to Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato, the tax cut would total $8 million and aid businesses. It would essentially allow them to write off more business expenses such as buildings or equipment. State leaders say the deal also leaves room for another $18 million in tax cuts or credits.
House and Senate Republicans were briefed on the deal Monday afternoon. Budget documents from those meetings show funding for a state bureau to fight drug trafficking at the border, wildland fire engines, and economic "freedom schools," at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.
Read more: www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2016/04/25/arizona-budget-proposal-gov-doug-ducey-includes-8-million-tax-cut/83513058/
Considering the political climate in a state dominated by Republicans, this looks like the best case scenario that Democrats can expect with more funding for education programs at every level than what was earlier envisioned. The Democrats should of course hold out a bit to see if they can obtain some other favorable compromises, but also be willing to cut a bargain rather than have spending proposals withdrawn.