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 / Modified apr 19, 2022 3:15 p.m.

Arizona has a surplus. How will lawmakers spend it?

Gavel to Gavel speaks with economist Jim Rounds about the state's budget outlook and how long Arizona's surplus might last.
by Andrew Oxford

360 az cap dome statue File image of the Winged Victory weather vane atop the copper dome at the historic Capitol Building in Phoenix.
AZPM Staff

House Republican leaders this week put forward a so-called “skinny budget” — basically, proposing to keep last year’s budget in place with adjustments for inflation and population growth.

While sold as a way of clearing the path for agreement on more complex and politically touchy subjects that could jam up a budget in a narrowly divided Legislature, there is no indication this plan may actually pass.

Gov. Doug Ducey is not on board. Neither are Democrats.

For one thing, it wouldn’t touch much of an approximately $5 billion budget surplus.

Democrats want to use more of that money for public education. The governor has set out some big plans too on issues like water.

AZPM spoke with economist Jim Rounds about the state's budget outlook and how long this surplus might last.

Gavel to Gavel: The Arizona Legislature
Between the gossip, scandals and posturing at the state Legislature are decisions that will impact the lives of every Arizonan. Each week, Gavel to Gavel: The Arizona Legislature tunes out the noise and puts into context the issues that matter. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and Spotify.
MORE: Arizona, Gavel to Gavel, Government, Legislature, News Feature, Politics, Taxes
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