The Arizona Guardian

GOP lawmakers approve budget-balancing plan that relies on voters

By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services

State Republican lawmakers approved most of a budget plan late Thursday to cut at least $1.2 billion in spending.

The package of measures, pushed through by GOP leaders over Democratic objections, is designed to help bring expenses into line with revenues. Aside from cuts, it also takes nearly $500 million from special funds and defers payment of some bills to balance the books.

But to make up the $2.7 billion deficit, the budget presumes voters will approve a temporary 1-cent sales tax hike at a special election May 18. If that fails, the plan calls for an...