The Arizona Senate worked late into the night on Tuesday in order to pass the state’s budget and other key initiatives, such as expanding the state’s school voucher program and blocking Critical Race Theory education.
The proceedings began on the Senate side after Arizona House Democrats refused to show up at the Capitol, blocking the deliberative body from being able to conduct debate on a budget and tax cuts for the state’s residents.
As a fragment of the state’s budget, the plan adopted by the Senate approves a sweeping tax reform. Overall, the new tax code would lower tax rates for most taxpayers to 2.5 percent, which leaders argue will keep the state competitive.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey praised the measures passed by the Senate. In a tweet, he said, “This balanced and fiscally responsible plan is a win for all Arizonans — it delivers unprecedented tax relief to working families and small businesses, it pays down state debt, and it continues to invest in our schools and infrastructure so we can keep Arizona competitive.”
This balanced and fiscally responsible plan is a win for all Arizonans — it delivers unprecedented tax relief to working families and small businesses, it pays down state debt, and it continues to invest in our schools and infrastructure so we can keep Arizona competitive. 2/
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) June 23, 2021
In addition to the fiscal matters, leaders included several key educational provisions for schools across Arizona.
Amendments to the legislation will block Critical Race Theory from being taught in K-12 public schools — a decision that has become increasingly popular throughout states across the county. Additionally, colleges and universities will not be allowed to require the coronavirus vaccine — strengthening the executive order issued by Ducey earlier in the month.
The state’s voucher program for private schools will also see an expected expansion.
Ducey pledged to support the bill saying, “I look forward to signing this budget once the Arizona House of Representatives votes and it reaches my desk.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Arizona Budget Votes” by Arizona Republicans.Â
