Arizona Budget Coalition

Following massive cuts to education, health care, and other human services last January, a collection of community organizations called the Arizona Budget Coalition is proposing a menu of alternative budget options that would significantly restore state funding for services.

The proposals include maximizing use of the federal stimulus package and generating new revenue through a host of strategies, including a fair and adequate tax structure. Full details about the options are available here.

If adopted, the options would not only avoid further cuts, but would reverse many FY 2009 cuts, strengthening the resources Arizona needs to create economic recovery.

The Coalition is guided by a belief that a robust state budget for services is not just feasible, but necessary for building a prosperous 21st century economy for Arizona. A recent legislative budget proposal calls for further cuts to services and capturing unspent cash reserves from school districts.

Community organizations representing teachers, parents, public service employees, and non-profit service providers created the alternatives to give voice to public concerns over budget cuts.

"This coalition represents a broad base of support for stronger protections for Arizona families," said Dana Wolfe Naimark, President and CEO of Children's Action Alliance. "There are alternatives to deep cuts that will hurt children and families, and that's why we look forward to sharing these ideas with the Legislature and the Governor."