AZ Legislative Update – June 6, 2025
Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 6, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Today marks the 145th day of the Arizona 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session. Of the 1,679 bills introduced this year, the Legislature has now passed 359 with the Governor signing 218 and vetoing 138.
With no budget deal in sight, we are now only three weeks away from a possible government shutdown. The Arizona Constitution requires the Legislature to pass a balanced budget by June 30th and it appears we are on a collision course to possibly go past that deadline.
While negotiations are frequent and ongoing, the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office have yet to even agree on a spending amount for the FY 2026 budget. Governor Hobbs and the Republican-controlled Legislature continue to be at an impasse over spending priorities. Additionally, the state’s projected revenue growth has declined from originally $612 million to $277 million, intensifying the discussions.
Key points of contention include the allocation of funds for legislative projects, with the Senate advocating for $90 million for member-directed initiatives, while the House favors large-scale projects. Governor Hobbs is prioritizing investments in veterans’ homelessness, childcare affordability, and emergency personnel salaries.
Education funding is also a significant issue, as the teacher’s union is urging lawmakers to protect education budgets amid looming cuts to federal funding. They are advocating for $285.6 million in ongoing funding to basic state aid to offset the expiration of Proposition 123, which affects K-12 education funding from the state land trust.
Additionally, a proposal to use public funds for renovations at Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, remains under discussion.
Amidst these negotiations, continued economic uncertainties and various proposed budgetary actions by the federal government is weighing heavily on legislators and the Governor.
Both the House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene on June 16th with the hopes of coming to an agreement.
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