Governor Releases FY22 Executive Budget while Legislature Advances Bills to Fund UA Initiatives

Feb. 25, 2021
State Relations
A University of Arizona flag is seen waving as dusk falls over Tucson

 

 

In January, Governor Ducey released his FY22 state budget proposal. Over the next several months Republican and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate will release their proposed budget and negotiations between the Executive and Legislative branch will begin. The Governor projects that the state general fund FY21 ending balance will be $625 million and recommends a FY22 state budget that totals $12.6 billion in spending. The majority of his FY22 budget is dedicated to K-12 Education with $700 million going to new initiatives for district and charter schools.  These initiatives are focused on closing the achievement gap that widened during the pandemic and expanding school choice for families.  Tax reform is another budget priority for the Governor which is expected to cost approximately $200 million in FY22 and will grow to $600 million by FY24.  Details for his tax reform plan have yet to be released.

The Governor’s proposal provides $35 million for the university system which will be divided as follows:

  • $16 million for ASU
  • 11.2 million for UArizona
  • $7.7 million for NAU

Although the legislature typically releases the first draft of their budget recommendation in early March, the Senate has already demonstrated a willingness to fund several University of Arizona priorities.  Senate Bill 1117 is sponsored by Senator Vince Leach, Vice-Chair of Appropriation, and appropriates $3.5 million to the UArizona hypersonics program. Senate Bill 1788 is sponsored by Senator David Gowan, Chair of Appropriation, and appropriates $4 million to the UArizona to establish the School of Mining.

In addition to SB1117 and SB1788, the UArizona State Relations team will continue to advocate for ABOR’s budget priorities which includes $100 million for the university system ($46M - ASU, $32M – UA, $22M – NAU).