State budget is on its way to governor's desk

Phoenix - Arizona's $10.6 billion spending plan for the coming fiscal year is now in the hands of Gov. Janet Napolitano, who is likely to pen her approval.

The House on Tuesday gave final approval to the package that had gained Senate OK the day before. But it came over the objection of many Republicans who were unhappy with the amount of money being spent and what they see as a tiny tax cut.

In fact, more House Republicans voted against the plan than supported it despite the fact the GOP has the edge in the chamber. What pushed it through was strong support from Democrats.

Gubernatorial press aide Jeanine L'Ecuyer said Tuesday night that her boss wants to review all 14 measures that make up the budget package. But L'Ecuyer said she anticipates Napolitano will approve the entire plan.

"This is a global agreement that her advisers worked on in tandem with the Senate and House negotiators,'' L'Ecuyer said.

"She's aware of what's in it,'' L'Ecuyer continued. "Barring anything that remarkable (or) incredible, I think this is a budget she can sign.''

Napolitano's pleasure with the deal was reflected in the grousing of Republicans.

Rep. Kirk Adams, R-Mesa, said it increases ongoing spending by close to $1 billion. "Yet it provides no additional tax relief for the middle class,'' he said.

That theme was echoed by Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, who said he wasn't pleased that the original House version of the budget had just $64 million in tax relief. He said it got worse: The final deal provides $11 million in tax breaks.

"It makes little sense to fund education and then create a business climate where the high-tech jobs that well-educated people want won't be here because we're less competitive with other states,'' Kavanagh said.

But Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R-Safford, said colleagues are ignoring $600 million in a multi-year tax relief package approved last session.