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Arizona State Troopers Association warns continuation budget omits pay raises and equipment funding
Summary
Jeff Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, warned the committee that the continuation package omits several items DPS requested, including a proposed 5% pay raise and funds for facilities, vehicles, radios, dispatch staffing and aircraft maintenance.
Jeff Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, testified to the House Appropriations Committee on June 24 that the continuation package does not include items DPS asked to keep staffing and operations current.
Hawkins said the association had sought $9.5 million for a 5% pay raise for troopers, $11.2 million to address aging infrastructure at DPS headquarters, $8.7 million for replacement patrol vehicles, $1.5 million to continue conversion of the radio system, $800,000 to support 911/dispatcher staffing and $700,000 one‑time to maintain DPS aircraft. "Without the money, those planes are grounded," Hawkins said, adding that reduced aviation capability would affect air rescue and law‑enforcement responses.
Chairman Livingston acknowledged many of those priorities had been included in a previously passed House budget but said the continuation package before the committee was designed to maintain basic operations and could not accommodate those supplemental items. "I'm happy I can say that, but it makes me sad I say that because of how true it is... I just can't today," he said in response to Hawkins.
Committee discussion noted state public safety funding remains an outstanding negotiation point and that some lawmakers support separate bills for pay raises or specific critical investments if the continuation package is enacted.
