House budget plan has more teacher pay, bigger tax cut

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The opening budget proposal from Arizona House Republicans includes bigger teacher pay raises and a larger income tax cut than the governor seeks.

The $9.8 billion spending plan also excludes nearly $100 million in new proposals sought by Gov. Doug Ducey.

Republican House members were briefed on the proposal put together by House Appropriations Committee members early this week and talks were beginning with Ducey’s office and the Arizona Senate.

Also included in the proposal is a partial restoration of road funding for counties and cities that is an annual fight in the Legislature. Lawmakers have been raiding the Highway User Revenue Fund for years.

The document outlining the proposals was obtained by The Associated Press.

The House’s opening gambit for the spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 contains room for about $30 million in other new initiatives, though Ducey wants $125 million.

Read more at AZ Capitol Times

Corrie O'Connor