Joint Statement from Governor Jan Brewer, Speaker of the House Andy Tobin and Senate President Steve Pierce Budget Agreement for Fiscal 2013

Statement

"Today, we can proudly announce that we have reached agreement on an FY 2013 state budget plan that enjoys our full support.

"This agreement adheres to our conservative principles by restraining unnecessary spending, paying down debt and setting aside funding for Arizona's future fiscal challenges. This is a prudent budget that leaves us well-prepared for global and national economic uncertainties, as well as the financial fallout that may come with the outcome of lawsuits regarding ObamaCare and other issues.

We have kept the State on a path that helps ensure Arizona's financial solvency into FY 2015.

"Just as important, this budget addresses those services that are vital to citizens and central to Arizona's ability to compete around the world for jobs and investment: Education, Public Safety and Health and Human Services. By way of this agreement, the State will spend nearly $200 million more for K-12 and higher education, hire additional Public Safety and Correctional officers and create a special investigative unit to target the highest-priority cases of potential child abuse and neglect.

Likewise, State funding will be increased for critical safety net programs, including adoption services and assistance for the seriously mentally ill.

"Unlike some other states, Arizona has gone from budget crisis to solvency and stability in relatively short order. This is due, in large part, to the persistence and ingenuity of Arizona businessmen and women who have helped lead our economic recovery. It is also because of the difficult but necessary decisions that were made by policymakers over the last few years to reform and modernize programs like Medicaid, as well as trim other services the State could simply no longer afford.

"With this plan, we are putting into action the wisdom of conservative principles that have helped bring our State back from the brink of fiscal ruin."

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