Grand Canyon Times

Senate President Warren Petersen has criticized Senate Democrats for their lack of participation in the 2024 state budget negotiations. The Arizona Legislature is required to pass a balanced state budget annually, with discussions typically starting before the legislative session begins. This year, lawmakers face the challenge of reducing unnecessary spending to address a one-time funding gap.

To gather input from all 30 Senators on resolving this issue, Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh sent emails to Senate Democrats on December 21, 2023, and January 4, 2024. He requested feedback on which government areas should see reduced expenditures and which should continue receiving priority funding. As of now, no response or acknowledgment has been received from Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein.

President Petersen was informed that Minority Leader Epstein is advising her caucus not to engage with Chairman Kavanagh regarding the budget. "It's unfortunate we're kicking off this legislative session with Senate Democrats playing games at the expense of our taxpayers. It's time to be adults," said President Petersen. "We want all lawmakers to be at the table during budget negotiations, as the citizens of Arizona expect of their elected leaders, but we've heard nothing but crickets from the Minority Leader on her statutory obligation. We may have no other choice but to move forward without their input."

For further information, contact Kim Quintero, Director of Communications for the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus at kquintero@azleg.gov.