Arizona's state budget is on the move, with the House Speaker, Steve Montenegro, announcing that the Republican budget proposal has cleared the Appropriations Committee. Set to hit the House floor on Friday, the budget outlines measures that Montenegro claims will deliver "safe communities, strong families, and a government that works."

The planned budget does not propose new taxes, yet it includes several key increases in spending. Law enforcement officers are looking at a 5% pay raise, and there's a sizable $94 million earmarked for infrastructure projects, including much-needed improvements to I-10 and Highway 347. Additionally, the budget proposes a tuition reduction of 2.5% at public universities, followed by a three-year tuition freeze, measures geared towards making higher education more accessible.

Describing the forthcoming budget, Montenegro stated , "We’re cutting tuition, raising pay for law enforcement, investing in infrastructure, and protecting taxpayers—all without raising taxes." These words echo the broader fiscal sentiments of the state's Republican majority, who have long championed a limited but accountable government.

Details in the budget, set out in bills ranging from HB2947 to HB2961, offer a glimpse into further planned expenditures. These include full funding for the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) and a reduction in the application backlog. Moreover, the budget accounts for services and programs such as Parents as Paid Caregivers and developmental disability support. To fortify the state's adoption incentives, the legislators are also expanding the adoption tax deduction, and there are plans to allocate millions to maintain the accuracy and current status of the election system's voter rolls.

Arizona residents and political observers can watch Speaker Montenegro's video regarding the budget proposal here . With the full House set to consider the budget tomorrow, all eyes will be on the state capitol to see whether these fiscal plans will pass muster and become the actions that shape Arizona's financial roadmap for the future.