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Senate approves 2025–26 budget package amid sharp floor debate over immigration, vouchers and priorities
Summary
The Arizona Senate on June 27, 2025, approved the 2025–26 General Appropriations Act and linked budget bills after hours of floor debate; votes reflected divisions over immigration enforcement funding and universal ESA vouchers.
The Arizona Senate approved the 2025–26 General Appropriations Act and related fiscal bills on June 27, 2025, concluding a long, contentious end-of-session package. The set of budget bills (SB 17-series and companion measures) advanced after floor debate that highlighted disagreements over immigration enforcement funding, education vouchers and funding priorities for health and human services.
A number of senators explained their votes on the budget on the chamber floor. Senator Ortiz announced a no vote, citing concerns that some budget language could enable or be used for immigration enforcement and mass deportation efforts, and urged vigilance in oversight of how border and related funds are spent. “Human beings are not quotas,” Ortiz said, arguing that additional funds could be used in ways that erode due process.
Other senators who supported the bills pointed to specific policy wins in the package, including stable funding for Medicaid and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, investments for teachers and higher-education programs, civil legal aid funding, and other targeted appropriations. Senator QB noted the package preserved funding for K–12 and DDD and added funds for community college programs and legal-aid services. Several senators emphasized the compromise required to avoid a government shutdown.
Outcome and next steps: The Senate passed the General Appropriations Act and companion bills; final recorded tallies on multiple appropriation bills were 21 ayes, 8 nays and 1 not voting on the floor. The bills were ordered transmitted to the governor. Senators across the aisle said they expect continued oversight and potential future adjustments in subsequent sessions.
Notable floor concerns: Several senators criticized the expansion of universal ESA vouchers and absence of reforms in the package; others objected that language related to border or immigration funding could be used for enforcement actions at the local level. Supporters said the bills preserved key services and responded to negotiation priorities across chambers.
The Senate completed its work for the 50th Legislature, first regular session and adjourned sine die on the same day.
