Arizona Governor Ends Heated Legislative Session with Budget Approval

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    In Phoenix, Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs has endorsed a bipartisan budget that will enhance salaries for first responders and bolster funding for social services. This move concludes a contentious session within the Republican-led Legislature that nearly resulted in a governmental shutdown.

    During this session, the first-term Democrat and Governor Hobbs experienced legislative challenges, particularly concerning her agency nominations and her record number of vetoes. She also worked alongside Republicans on certain bipartisan initiatives, despite some opposition from her own party. All of this unfolded while Hobbs’ aspirations for re-election in the battleground state in 2026 were in the spotlight.

    Confronting majority Republican opposition in both the House and Senate, Hobbs had to navigate the complexities of a state governed by opposing political affiliations. Arizona stands among eight states where the governor’s office and legislature belong to different parties. Her office focused efforts on significant issues, including water policy, support for vulnerable populations, and upgrades to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ stadium.

    Following disputes within the legislature, a $17.6 billion budget was sent to the governor. Initially, the Senate’s budget proposal lacked sufficient support in the House, leading to a stalemate and the introduction of a temporary measure to continue government operations. The Governor vetoed this stopgap measure, labeling it as overly partisan. Eventually, the proposal was amended and passed by the House, paving its way for Senate approval.

    Hobbs has expressed a willingness to collaborate on border security challenges with a commitment to counter fentanyl trafficking. Her support for the Laken Riley Act, which enforces detention for unauthorized immigrants accused of certain crimes, garnered praise from Republican Senate President Warren Petersen but drew criticism from within her party. Furthermore, her February executive order established a border task force, although she vetoed subsequent legislation necessitating local and state cooperation with federal immigration officials.

    Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan indicated her caucus’ intention to limit spending on border initiatives, firmly opposing the budget until adjustments were made. Opposition from Democratic Senators, like Catherine Miranda, focused on immigration enforcement provisions in the budget, expressing concerns about policy texts influencing practices. Progressive voices like lobbyist Marilyn Rodriguez urged Hobbs toward less stringent border security measures.

    Despite some contentious issues, House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos acknowledged that the budget satisfies priorities such as public education and healthcare expansions. He highlighted investments in childcare affordability and access to college tuition for students from working families.

    Governor Hobbs, familiar with exercising her veto power, rejected numerous bills not aligned with Arizona’s politically diverse constituency. Her disagreements with Republicans extended to legislative nominations and her criticism concerning delays in groundwater regulation in affected rural areas. Hobbs has vowed to advance water policy reforms irrespective of legislative results, foreshadowing potential clashes with Republican lawmakers as her next electoral contest approaches.

    With no Democratic opponent at this stage, Hobbs is likely to face contenders like Karrin Taylor Robson or U.S. Representative Andy Biggs in her quest for re-election, both candidates endorsed by the president.