Arizona Legislature Approves $16.1 Billion Budget to Close $1.4 Billion Deficit

The bipartisan plan involves spending cuts, special fund reallocations, and a controversial use of opioid settlement funds.

The budget was negotiated by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican legislative leaders.
Key cuts include reductions in higher education funding and delays in infrastructure projects.
The plan preserves the state's universal school voucher program despite Democratic objections.
Attorney General Kris Mayes opposes the use of opioid settlement funds to balance the budget, calling it illegal.
The budget passed with bipartisan support but faced criticism over the negotiation process.