Arizona Budget Coalition

Even though the stimulus funds play an important role in most budget proposals in the Legislature, Gov. Brewer has said little about the funds, and hasn't even submitted an application that would clarify how the money would be spent.

In spite of Brewer's inaction, Legislators have decided to create budget proposals that include use of the stimulus money. So far, they are shooting in the dark, as negotiations with the Governor's office will ultimately decide how this important part of the budget will be determined.

The stimulus funding would provide support to unemployment insurance, health care, and help to create 21st century jobs that would stimulate our struggling economy. A lack of clarity on how to apply this assistance could prove costly for Arizona.

The Associated Press reports that with only 40 days left in the Legislative session, the Governor isn't willing to discuss much about the stimulus package:

The new House Republican proposal formally unveiled this week anticipates spending an additional $570 million of stabilization money on K-12 schools and universities to help close a new, growing shortfall in the same budget.

Is Brewer willing to use that much additional stimulus money or even more to keep the current budget in the black?

"That is part of the negotiations obviously," replied [Brewer spokesperson Paul Senseman].

Senseman said there are other options for keeping the current budget balanced, but he declined to identify them during an interview.

"I'm not prepared to discuss those with you," he told The Associated Press.