ANALYSIS:

PHOENIX (AP) — Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed into regulation a $17 billion Arizona finances package deal that drew criticism from Democrats for failing to restrict the enlargement of a faculty voucher program.

“While it isn’t perfect, this budget is an important step towards making housing more affordable, building more roads, bridges and broadband access, expanding children’s health insurance, and investing in our public schools,” Hobbs stated in an announcement Friday. “I’m glad legislative leaders were able to come together to deliver for Arizona, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”

The Democratic governor got here into workplace in January with plans to undo the huge explosion within the voucher program, championed by her GOP predecessor, Gov. Doug Ducey. The program lets college students apply to make use of public cash for private-school tuition and different training prices.

Hobbs’ workplace had stated the enlargement siphons cash from underfunded public faculties and would value $1.5 billion over the following decade.

But regardless of her criticism of the expanded vouchers, the finances negotiated with leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature by Hobbs didn’t embody any caps on the enlargement. The governor had proposed restoring this system to what it was pre-expansion. Disabled kids, college students residing on tribal reservations and college students at low-performing public faculties would nonetheless be eligible for voucher funds.

Some Democratic lawmakers nonetheless voted for components of the package deal and lauded its $300 million enhance in Okay-12 training funding and one other $150 million for a fund that helps individuals with low-income housing, an eviction-prevention program and transitional housing.

Senate Republicans, in the meantime, hailed the passing of a “fiscally conservative” state finances and highlighted the safety of the voucher program.

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