PHX Reporter

Governor Hobbs has presented a budget that, according to critics, does not align with the 2025 Majority Plan concerning water security and housing supply. The budget reportedly fails to allocate funds for long-term water augmentation, rural water supply development, water conservation, or groundwater recharge projects.

Representative Gail Griffin, Chairman of the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee, expressed disappointment: "As usual, the Governor talks a big game on water but does little to prioritize the solutions that matter."

House Republicans have introduced bills aimed at securing Arizona's future water supplies. In contrast, they argue that the Governor's budget lacks initiatives to increase the supply of for-sale housing in areas affected by rapid price increases following a 2023 anti-housing moratorium. Instead, funds are directed toward historic preservation and fish hatcheries.

Representative Griffin commented on this allocation: "With Governor Hobbs’ latest proposal, it seems the Governor is more interested in building new homes for fish and birds than building new homes for hard-working Arizonans." She added that nothing in the budget supports increasing the critical supply of for-sale housing or promotes home ownership.

Griffin further said: "Arizona House Republicans are committed to advancing fiscally responsible solutions that address our critical housing and water supply issues, preserve the American Dream, and unleash economic prosperity in our state while protecting our individual rights and liberties." She emphasized their dedication to prioritizing Arizona citizens' interests in ongoing budget negotiations.

Gail Griffin serves as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 19. This district includes parts of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. She chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.