PHOENIX — Arizona has a new $11.8 billion budget after lawmakers overcame tense infighting among Republicans, who hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate.
Budget bills passed the Senate Monday night after clearing the House on Saturday.
The budget for the year beginning July 1 uses a surplus to boost savings, give raises to police officers and prison guards and increase school funding.
It also cuts about $325 million in taxes to offset higher revenue the state anticipates from changes in federal law and from taxing more online sales. That was a point of contention for Democrats who say the money should be spent on needs like schools and infrastructure.
Disputes among Republicans over the tax cut package and the rights of child sex-abuse victims to sue their assailants delayed budget votes for days.
