Jan 14, 2023
Democrat governor and Republican legislature likely headed for conflict over policy priorities. If the reaction from Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' first budget proposal is any indication, she and lawmakers are likely in for a long spring. Hobbs announced her $17.1 billion spending proposal Friday afternoon, saying it lowers costs, invests in public education, secures the state's water future and addresses the affordable housing crisis. "We have an opportunity to make a significant change in the lives of the families and communities of this state. We are committed to facing our challenges head on to build a resilient, innovative and prosperous Arizona for everyone," Hobbs said. She proposes to end Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship program, which allows any parent to use a portion of the state funds devoted to their student to pay for private school tuition or various other educational needs. Gov. Doug Ducey pushed for the expansion, which received national attention as
