PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a package of bills to eliminate about a quarter of the state's $2 billion shortfall.
Brewer got the bills Monday after the House approved four budget bills already passed this week and last by the Senate.
They include nearly $300 million of spending cuts for K-12 public schools and social services provided by the Department of Economic Security.
"A $144 million cut to public education means a $144 cut to every student's education in the state of Arizona for this fiscal year," said John Hartsell with the
Arizona Education Association.
"The cuts were made to soft capital," added Hartsell. "Soft capital purchases are things like textbooks and desks and new technology."
The overall package, with both revenues and reductions, will cut about $450 million from the state deficit or nearly 25 percent.
"Still a lot of unfinished business still to go but this represents real progress," said Speaker of the House Kirk Adams (R-Mesa). "We'll continue to work through what is turning out to be the worst fiscal crisis in state history."
Votes on the main spending bill were along party lines in the House and nearly so in the Senate. One Republican senator joined Democrats in voting against it.
Democrats joined Republicans in voting for another bill to divert money and authorize fee increases to keep several state agencies going.
"We're still $1.5 billion dollars in the hold," said Rep. Kyrsten Sinema. "We have to do a lot more work between now and the end of the fiscal year. Democrats hope we can do it sooner rather than later."
The special session hit a major roadblock last week, when in a final vote to pass the $300 million in cuts for K-12 education and social services, the Senate came up just one vote short.
"This is very frustrating," said Rep. David Lujan, D-15.
After some quick maneuvering, the Senate decided to adjourn and revote again on Monday.
For this fiscal year, Arizona faces a $2 billion deficit. And next year is even worse: $3.3 billion.
The Legislature adjourned its special session after passing the bills.
