Republicans budget bill’s varying impact on elected Arizona officials an issue at Legislature

Budget bill’s impact on Arizona officials an issue

PHOENIX — How a budget-balancing bill would affect certain elected officials is a point of contention among legislators.

The bill drafted by majority Republicans would reduce funding for Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard’s office by $8 million, with Democratic lawmakers and Goddard saying the reductions would hurt crime-fighting efforts.

And they note that the bill wouldn’t cut funding for the smaller offices of two Republican elected officials, Treasurer Dean Martin and Secretary of State Ken Bennett.

Senate President Bob Burns said cutting Martin’s office would axe in-house investment officers who would be replaced by higher-cost outsiders. The Peoria Republican also said all agencies and offices will face cuts when budget work continues in January.