Hull OKs most of budget package

From: Phoenix Business Journal, AZ - 06 Dec 2002

Mike Sunnucks The Business Journal

Republican Gov. Jane Hull has approved a package of budget cuts passed by the State Legislature during a special session to deal with the state's $500 million fiscal shortfall.

But Hull, who is near the end of her tenure as governor, Thursday vetoed $32 million worth of cuts and funds transfers within the $220 million reduction package.

Hull rejected a move that would transfer $27 million highway expansion and loan money to the general fund.

Hull also restored $434,000 to the Department of Corrections budget and vetoed spending reductions aimed at the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. All told Hull restored more than $5 million worth of cuts and fund transfers, said press secretary James Ahlers.

Hull had sought a $409 million budget reduction package but the Legislature could only agree to approximately half of that figure, leaving additional budget cuts to be done by incoming Democratic governor Janet Napolitano.

© 2002 American City Business Journals Inc.