Arizona state Democrats block debate over budget, tax-cut plan

Arizona Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday blocked debate over the state’s budget and tax-cut plan, alleging that they were shut out of the negotiation process.

Democrats in Arizona’s state House said in a statement on Tuesday that they withheld quorum for scheduled debate on the measure.

The statement faulted the budgetary proposal for not reflecting Democratic input, and said it “retaliates against teachers and voters because of the 2020 presidential election.”

The Democrats also alleged that it included last-minute changes that were only unveiled Tuesday morning.

Republicans hold a slim 31-29 majority in the Arizona House. 

According to The Associated Press, the legislature was poised to vote on a $12.8 billion state budget plan. Lawmakers have to enact a spending plan by June 30.

The budget includes tax cuts that Democrats have said will help special interests. Democrats had also worried about the budget’s effects on education and schools.

Arizona House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding blasted the proposal in a statement, and saying the plan “was already a massive gift to campaign donors and special interested, and full of retaliatory attacks on educators and Democratic elected officials.”

“A budget should be developed with all voices at the table, but they don’t want the public to know what is’ in this plan until it’s too late,” Bolding said.

Texas Democrats pulled a similar tactic last month, blocking the passage of an elections overhaul bill by leaving the House floor.