FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Senate Republicans Pass Sensible Spending Plan to Keep Government Functioning in the Midst of a Recession
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans announce today they've passed a 2023-2024 budget proposal that will give all Arizona citizens and state agencies security during the uncertainty of this current recession that's plaguing our nation.
"It's important to tighten our belts and save some money. We don't know how long this recession will last or how severe it's going to be," said Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh.
The total spending plan of this Senate Republican approved budget is $15.8 billion, which is $2.3 billion less than the state budget that was approved last year and $1.3 billion less than the Governor's proposed budget.
"During the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009, the State General Fund lost one-third of its revenues. Senate Republicans want to make sure Arizona will be set up for success with essential services having a guarantee that they can keep the lights on and can continue to function," said Senate President Warren Petersen.
To absorb any revenue loss, this approved budget leaves $1.8 billion in cash available by the end of fiscal year 2024, in addition to the $1.4 billion available in the state's Rainy-Day Fund.
"This budget will prevent the government from shutting down and is the responsible approach," said Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli. "If the Governor unwisely chooses to veto it, then she will ultimately be responsible for a shutdown."
"Our Senate Republican budget proposal is in line with a majority of the priorities that the Governor outlined in her budget proposal," said Majority Whip Sine Kerr. "We're hopeful she will work with us and sign this fiscally balanced spending plan that benefits all Arizonans."
"Unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle are criticizing our budget, which has the same framework as last year's budget, " said President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope. "Not only did Senate Democrats call last year's budget 'historic' and 'bipartisan,' but then Secretary of State Hobbs also publicly praised the budget as being 'bipartisan.' To change their tune now just proves the political games being played by Democrats who are only interested in creating division."
"As a Legislature, we have one specifically spelled out constitutional obligation to the people of Arizona," said Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Jake Hoffman. "And that is to pass a responsible budget which funds our government, so that we can continue to carry out our everyday responsibilities like building roads, providing health services, education services, public safety and the like. The Governor should realize that a majority of the Legislature has done exactly what voters elected us to do."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus