STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX –  The Arizona House of Representatives today passed a structurally balanced, conservative budget that fulfills House Republicans’ promise to strengthen public safety, lower costs for families, and hold government accountable.

“This budget delivers safe communities, strong families, and a government that works for the people—not the other way around,” said Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro. “It cuts tuition, raises pay for law enforcement, fixes critical roads, and reins in waste—all without raising taxes. I’m proud of every member who supported this budget and especially thankful to Appropriations Chairman David Livingston and Vice Chair Matt Gress for their steady leadership in moving it forward.”

Key provisions of the House-passed budget include:

• A 5% pay raise for DPS and corrections officers.
• $94 million for critical infrastructure improvements, including I-10 and Highway 347.
• A 2.5% reduction in in-state university tuition and a three-year freeze on tuition.
• Full funding for school choice and a cleared ESA application backlog.
• Millions in election system funding to keep voter rolls accurate and up to date.
• Fully funds Parents as Paid Caregivers and developmental disability services.
• An expanded adoption tax deduction.

The House Republican Majority Plan, introduced earlier this session, focuses on preserving the American Dream, promoting public safety, and protecting individual rights and liberties. Today’s budget vote advances each of those pillars through direct, measurable action.

“This budget puts the House Majority Plan into action,” Majority Leader Michael Carbone said. “We’re protecting opportunity by lowering costs for students and parents. We’re backing public safety with strong support for our law enforcement officers. And we’re holding government accountable by cutting waste and demanding better results. This is the kind of leadership Arizona voters asked for, and we’re proud to stand behind it.”

“The House-passed budget gives long-overdue relief to Arizona’s small businesses by eliminating the administratively burdensome business personal property tax under the $500,000 threshold,” added Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter. “This helps local job creators grow, hire, and invest in their communities—and makes Arizona a more competitive place to do business.”

The House budget package—HB2945 through HB2961—now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Watch Speaker Montenegro’s video on the House budget here: youtu.be/g82Ek16SnCM

Steve Montenegro is the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and serves Legislative District 29 in the West Valley, Goodyear, and Surprise. Follow him on X at @SteveMontenegro.