January 19,2019 | Triadvocates
Yesterday afternoon, Gov. Doug Ducey unveiled his FY 2020 Executive Budget—a $11.4 billion spending plan that would increase state spending by 9.2 percent, marking the largest single-year increase since he took office. Closely mirroring the key focus of his State of the State address on Monday, the governor’s proposal dedicates the majority of funding to education, school and public safety, and other long-time priorities.
Highlights of the budget plan include:
- a one-time expenditure of $542 million – the most expensive line item in the proposal – to more than double the state’s Rainy Day Fund, a reserve of cash to help the state cover expenses during budget shortfalls;
- $30 million for drought-planning demands and an additional $5 million for infrastructure projects for agriculture;
- $164.7 million to fulfill and protect the 20X2020 teacher pay raise plan;
- $21 million to expand the Arizona Teachers Academy at each of the state universities;
- $10 million to support Career and Technical Education and expand Arizona’s competitive workforce;
- $9.3 million to fund 89 new school resource officers and $12 million over the next two years to fund approximately 224 new school counselors and social workers, as part of his proposed Safe Arizona Schools plan;
- $20 million for Pima Community College aviation center expansion;
- $21.5 million for an increase in Department of Public Safety Trooper salaries;
- $35.5 million for an increase in Department of Correction salaries;
- $3 million to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state; and
- $130 million over the next two years to expand and improve safety on I-17, a critical commerce corridor.
To download the Executive Budget Summary, click here.
While this proposal serves as a starting point for discussions, Gov. Ducey and the GOP-controlled Legislature will spend the coming months negotiating a final budget. Let the games begin.