by Cole Lauterbach
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 one of the most comprehensive school-choice programs in the country. Hobbs projects $144 million in savings in the coming fiscal year and $1.5 billion in taxpayer savings over $10 years. She proposes eliminating the funding from an “underreported and unnecessary use” and funneling that money into public schools.
Her office expects students to be forced back into public schools with the repeal of the ESA.
“With a repeal in FY 2024, the Executive forecasts an anticipated increase in student enrollment,” her budget presentation read.
In addition, she proposes requiring the state’s charter schools and any that accept ESA accounts to be subjected to the same requirements as public schools.
Hobbs also proposes defunding another Ducey initiative in the Border Strike Force, an initiative within the Department of Public Services targeting border crimes and focusing on transnational criminal organizations.
In terms of tax breaks, Hobbs proposes a $100 tax credit for each child of a family making less than $40,000 or a single filer earning less than $20,000. Hobbs also wants a tax exemption on diapers and feminine hygiene products.
The announcement was met with some skepticism from Republicans, who Hobbs must persuade to make any of her proposals a reality.
“House Republicans are reviewing Governor Hobbs’ budget proposal but based on the left-wing wish list of spending details disclosed so far, I’m confident to say that it will be dead on arrival,” said House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria.
Lawmakers and Hobbs now begin the negotiation process that culminates with a budget to begin this summer.
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Cole Lauterbach is a managing editor for The Center Square covering the western United States. For more than a decade, Cole has produced award-winning content on both radio and television.
Photo “Katie Hobbs” by Katie Hobbs. Background Photo “Border Wall” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Background Photo “Classroom” by Wokandapix.
[…] A frequent critic of the ESA program, Hobbs has repeatedly vowed to reduce the state’s spending on school choice, and in 2023 pitched a budget that would have cut it entirely. […]
[…] A frequent critic of the ESA program, Hobbs has repeatedly vowed to reduce the state’s spending on school choice, and in 2023 pitched a budget that would have cut it entirely. […]
[…] “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 one of the most comprehensive school-choice programs in the country. Hobbs projects $144 million in savings in the coming fiscal year and $1.5 billion in taxpayer savings over $10 years. She proposes eliminating the funding from an ‘underreported and unnecessary use’ and funneling that money into public schools,” the Arizona Sun-Times reported. […]
[…] “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 one of the most comprehensive school-choice programs in the country. Hobbs projects $144 million in savings in the coming fiscal year and $1.5 billion in taxpayer savings over $10 years. She proposes eliminating the funding from an ‘underreported and unnecessary use’ and funneling that money into public schools,” the Arizona Sun-Times reported. […]
The election was stolen, no way AZ voted for this liberal ideology.
And the destruction begins with Hobbs in office. Just remember Dems you will be hurt by these stupid things she’s trying to do also. This is what you get when we allow someone to buy their way into office. Hopefully our recall we have already started will oust her before she totally destroys us just as Biden has done to the country. Oh by the way we have more than her on the chopping block.
This lefty whacko wants us to go back to public schools, which are some of the worst. Wokism crept in over the last few years so many of us parents have pulled our kids out in favor of home schooling or charter schools. Also, this crazy person puts Arizona citizens in more danger by eliminating the border strike force. Arizona is ground zero for Fentanyl, crime is up, illegals are squatting in our parks and hospitals overrun. Hopefully the Republican legislature will hold the line on this woke fool.
When campaigning, she had a “plan” to secure the border. Now she’s opening it up. A bold faced liar like all demon rats. How the hell did AZ get into this mess? Too many libtard idiot immigrants from CA and IL.
Katie Hobbs
This is terrible to take away choices for parents and force children back into dysfunctional school systems.
The boarder needs more infocement, not less. Typical democrat ideas, spend money and step backwards. Why don’t you save money by eliminating part of your salary that is overpaid.
Pay to kill babies, and welcome in illegal immigration.
WITH THE BUDGET PRESENTED BY HOBBS, A RECALL IS IN ORDER. SHE IS NOT FOR THE STATES OF AZ WELFARE. SHES THERE FOR REVENGE AGAINST AZ
Hobbs budget reflects the typical liberal mind set. She wants more kids in public scjhools so they can be brain washed ito the liberal agenda. School choice is not a liberal item. Force kids into public schools.. And to think that many of the parents that will be force to send their kids to public schools voted for her. She is just another liberal that wants to destroy our state.
Hobbs left wing cuts supports why I did not vote for her.