Grand Canyon Times

The Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives said today that Gov. Katie Hobbs’ (D-Ariz.) budget proposal, released this week, would place “undue burdens” on Arizona taxpayers.

“While we share a commitment to improving the lives of Arizonans, the Governor’s budget proposal as presented raises concerns about parental choice, fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, and the undue burdens it places on the backs of taxpayers,” said Montenegro in a press release. ““Our House Republican Majority remains focused on policies that support hardworking families, encourage job creation, and strengthen Arizona’s future.”

“I look forward to working together on a serious and responsible budget that addresses these goals, but it’s clear that there is a long way to go,” said Montenegro.

Hobbs’ budget proposal includes an income cap of $200,000 for families using the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.

83,032 students in Arizona received an ESA as of November 18, 2024, according to the Arizona Department of Education.  

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program allows parents to use public funds allocated for their child's education to pay for approved educational expenses. These expenses include private school tuition, homeschooling costs, online learning programs, tutoring, and other education-related services and materials.

The ESA program is available to Arizona students who meet specific eligibility requirements, such as students with disabilities, those attending failing schools, children of active-duty military members, and other qualifying categories. The program is managed by the Arizona Department of Education.

Funds for the ESA program are deposited into accounts managed by parents, who are required to use them for pre-approved educational purposes. The amount allocated to each student is based on a percentage of the funding the state would have provided for that student in a public school setting.

Hobbs’ proposal to do away with ESA’s for families making more than $200,000 would have a major impact on families in the Phoenix area. 

In Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale, it takes an annual household salary of $238,500 for a family of four “to sustain comfortable living standards,” reported AZCentral.com in March 2023. In Gilbert and Glendale, that salary is a bit higher, at $239,400. 

Under Hobbs’ proposal, families making that much would not be allowed to participate in Arizona’s ESA program.

The Arizona House Republican Caucus released its 2025 Majority Plan last week. The plan includes expanding resources for law enforcement and addressing challenges posed by cartels operating near the southern border. It also includes measures to lower taxes and reduce government regulations. 

Education reforms in the plan include expanding school choice and ensuring accountability in public schools. The plan says the GOP will empower parents to have more influence over their children’s education.

The plan also includes proposals to address homelessness and public safety.

In the 2024 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Arizona House, holding 31 seats to the Democrats 29. Montenegro was sworn in as the new Speaker on Jan. 13, succeeding outgoing Speaker Ben Toma (R-Glendale). 

First elected to the Arizona House in 2008, Montenegro represented District 12 until 2016. He then served one term in the Arizona Senate for District 13 from 2017 to 2018. In 2022, Montenegro was elected again to the Arizona House, representing District 29.