By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans are pressing pause over the latest proposal from the state’s Democrat governor.
On Friday, Governor Katie Hobbs released her Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. In a statement that accompanied her announcement, Hobbs said, “To realize the Arizona Promise, we must deliver opportunity, security, and freedom for Arizonans. My Executive Budget reflects my commitment to continuing our strong economic growth, lowering costs, keeping communities safe and securing the border, and protecting Arizonans’ fundamental freedoms. We are connecting Arizonans to good jobs, lowering the costs of housing, child care and groceries, and protecting our veterans. I’ll continue being a strong steward of taxpayer dollars, cutting waste, fraud, and abuse and investing in the critical services that improve life for everyday Arizonans in every corner of our state.”
While Republicans had limited time to review the governor’s proposal, they did have initial thoughts about Hobbs’ latest budget for the state. Newly minted Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives Steve Montenegro said, “While we share a commitment to improving the lives of Arizonans, the Governor’s budget proposal as presented raises concerns about parental choice, fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, and the undue burdens it places on the backs of taxpayers. Our House Republican Majority remains focused on policies that support hardworking families, encourage job creation, and strengthen Arizona’s future. I look forward to working together on a serious and responsible budget that addresses these goals, but it’s clear that there is a long way to go.”
A spokesperson for the Arizona Senate Republicans told AZ Free News, “We share the same concerns about some of the same issues the Governor has raised in her budget proposal. However, the Governor’s solutions are going to be a burden to the taxpayer and won’t deliver results. Senate Republicans have a fiscally responsible budget that will ensure the core functions of government are funded, will provide relief to the taxpayer, and will ensure our state is not creating unsustainable government programs.”
The FY 2026 budget proposal from Hobbs represents the third installment from the Democrat governor in a divided state government with legislative Republicans. Over the past two years, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and his counterpart in the House of Representatives have forced Hobbs to make major concessions and ensured that key Republican priorities and interests were protected in the final budgets. Republican lawmakers will be counted upon again to stand strong against Governor Hobbs’ continued attempts to enact elements of her radical agenda on Arizona.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.