From better roads to school funding How AZ's dueling budget proposals affect you

Arizona lawmakers are working on two competing budget proposals as they approach the June 30 deadline. The Senate's $17. 6 billion plan, which enjoys bipartisan support, contrasts sharply with the House's $17. 3 billion plan that passed solely along Republican lines. The Senate budget allocates $1 billion in new, one-time spending, focusing on road improvements, public safety, and education funding to address a $205 million shortfall for schools.

The House plan, while less viable due to a lack of Democratic support, may still influence the final budget. Specific allocations in the Senate plan include $54 million for projects on State Route 347 and $195 million for state employee health costs. Lawmakers are tasked with merging the two proposals, balancing the needs of various projects against a backdrop of a small surplus and looming federal budget cuts. The ongoing debate emphasizes the importance of funding for low-income healthcare through a hospital tax extension. As negotiations continue, the outcome will significantly impact Arizona residents' infrastructure and education funding.