PHOENIX — Senate Appropriations Chairman David Farnsworth (R-10) is pushing back against Democratic criticism of the Republican budget proposal Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed Tuesday, arguing the plan was balanced, fiscally responsible, and misrepresented by opponents. In a statement released May 6, 2026, after Hobbs vetoed the GOP-approved balanced budget, Farnsworth challenged Hobbs’ claims that the GOP budget would threaten essential services, calling them “completely false.” He said the GOP proposal preserved funding for public safety and K-12 education, maintained wildfire mitigation and Colorado River protection funding, and exempted the Department of Child Safety from a 5% operating reduction, all measures that Hobbs had indicated were key requirements for her approval. In addition, the budget managed to incorporate $1.45 billion in tax relief over the ensuing four years, all without raising taxes.

“The Republican budget proposal, which Hobbs vetoed on Tuesday, reflects a balanced approach,” Farnsworth said. “It protects essential services, supports public safety, and shows respect for taxpayers by focusing on responsible spending.”

The statement marks the latest turn in a budget fight that has grown increasingly politically contentious. As reported by the Arizona Globe on April 30, the standoff had already devolved into a “petty” dispute over which side should call first, with House Speaker Steve Montenegro saying Republicans were waiting for Hobbs to “pick up the phone, email us, text us,” while the governor’s office said it was awaiting proof Republicans were “serious” about bipartisan talks.

Then, as reported on May 5, Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen intensified pressure on Hobbs by meeting her challenge to produce a balanced budget roughly $800 million less than Hobbs had previously proposed. Despite undercutting Hobbs’ numbers, the GOP plan managed to comply with the new federal tax code on tips, overtime, child care, dependents, seniors, and small businesses. Even after meeting Hobbs’ challenge, she still vetoed the budget offering, not surprisingly, given her veto record.

Despite Hobbs’ partisan rebuke of the budget plan, Sen. Farnsworth’s response seemed to reframe the veto as a dispute over budget numbers rather than political priorities, possibly signaling that Republicans still want to negotiate. But the political gap remains substantial. Hobbs objected to the parts of the GOP plan addressing Medicaid entitlements and SNAP eligibility, longtime Democrat hingepins. Also, Democrats generally criticized the absence of Hobbs’ proposed repeal of the state’s data center tax exemption.

Farnsworth said his office remains open to lawmakers from both parties and chambers, an invitation that may now become more consequential. With Hobbs having rejected the GOP proposal, the budget is no longer a question of whether Republicans can pass a plan, but whether either side can produce something that the governor will sign.