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PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on legislative action an Arizona budget proposal (all times local):
9:45 p.m.
The Arizona House and Senate have adjourned for the weekend as a deal on a state budget hit a major snag and led to a day of frustration.
House Speaker David Gowan and Senate President Andy Biggs called it quits after negotiations with a group of House Republicans on additional cash for K-12 schools hit a major roadblock.
That group had held out for more money for several school items and reached a tentative deal with leaders to get that funding on Thursday. But as negotiations dragged on Friday over language putting the deal in place, it became more and more apparent there were major issues.
The holdout House Republicans balked at what they believe are funding shortfalls for smaller schools, district-sponsored charter schools and those with declining enrollment. The tentative agreement brings new spending on those items to about $51 million, up from about $16 million.
Some conservative members are upset about the added spending. Democrats want more spending on schools and social services but majority Republicans don't need their votes to pass a budget.
Republican Sen. Steve Pierce blames the breakdown on a "complete lack of leadership" in the House. Lawmakers will return Monday to try again to reach a deal on the $9.58 billion budget package.
3:55 p.m.
The Arizona House gaveled-in to begin debate on the $9.58 billion spending package for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and then recessed because amendments weren't ready.
The start of Friday's session came more than five hours late as changes to the agreement hammered out last week by Republican House and Senate leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey continued. After the traditional prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, members moaned when the Speaker pro tem announced the recess.
A budget deal struck by top leaders last week didn't go over smoothly with some House Republicans, who fought to add education funding. The House Appropriations Committee chairman finally announced a deal late Thursday adding millions in spending for K-12 education to break the stalemate.
That agreement wasn't set in stone, and negotiations continued out throughout the day Friday.
Some House Republicans balked at what they believe are funding shortfalls for smaller schools, district-sponsored charter schools and those with declining enrollment. The new agreement brings new spending on those items to about $51 million, up from about $16 million.
Some conservative members are upset at the added spending. Democrats want more spending on schools and social services.
The full Senate was also set to debate Friday morning but has delayed its session repeatedly.
9:30 a.m.
Members of the Arizona House Rules Committee are plowing through a series of budget bills as the $9.58 billion spending package for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Friday's meeting of the panel that reviews proposed laws for constitutional issues sets the stage for House debate later in the day.
The action comes after the House Appropriations Committee chairman announced late Thursday a deal adding millions in spending for K-12 education to break a stalemate that stalled a budget deal for several days.
The spending wasn't added in the committee but is expected to be offered on the House floor.
The appropriations committee debated the bills negotiated between Republican House and Senate leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey for hours before adjourning at about 3 a.m. Friday.
Some House Republicans balked at what they believe are funding shortfalls for smaller schools, district-sponsored charter schools and those with declining enrollment. The new agreement brings spending on those items to about $51 million.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the budget bills late Wednesday, setting the stage for a full Senate debate
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