Senate President Warren Petersen confirmed to the Arizona Globe that Republicans in both chambers are “working together on the budget,” adding confidently, “We are close to a deal.”

His remarks come as the state heads toward a July 1 deadline to pass a budget or face a government shutdown. For months, the budgeting process has been a series of competing proposals, quick vetoes from Governor Katie Hobbs, and rising tensions between GOP factions. However, Petersen’s statement suggests that negotiations are finally imminent, especially after both the House and Senate attempted to pass a short-term continuation budget, which the Governor ultimately vetoed.

On the Senate floor, Petersen issued a direct rebuke of partisan grandstanding and social media-driven theatrics, urging lawmakers to focus on substance over spectacle.

“We have to pass bipartisan budgets. It doesn’t take competence or courage to pass a budget that only has Rs on it. Because that is how you score short-lived political points. And with the help of shock jocks and troll farms you can fool some of the people, some of the time. It takes leadership, competence, and courage to pass a bipartisan budget.”

Petersen, who has served in the legislature for over a decade, expressed deep frustration with the toxic political climate and the erosion of statesmanship.

“Every year I think the culture of politics cannot become more polarized or toxic, but somehow it does. Social media has provided a platform for the most vile exchanges and Machiavellian tactics. Misinformation spreads at the speed of light. People publish things they would never dare say in person—especially under unaccountable anonymity.”

He continued, highlighting the sacrifice of public service and the growing difficulty in attracting serious candidates:

“It’s amazing we can still find decent, competent, sane people willing to run, knowing the certain malaise that awaits them. A few of the inexperienced legislators have been hoodwinked by charlatans. But it’s been mind-boggling to witness experienced legislators allow the emperor to wear no clothes.”

“Members, let’s stop wasting time.”

House Speaker Steve Montenegro said, “The House acted decisively today to prevent a government shutdown and protect Arizona taxpayers. Once it became clear the budget deal negotiated by the Senate and Governor Hobbs lacked the votes and failed to meet our standards for fiscal discipline and transparency, we advanced a continuation budget to keep state services operating past June 30 and allow time for further negotiations.”

Montenegro’s effort has failed, and now the clock is ticking. If no deal is finalized and signed by midnight on June 30, 2025, state services could grind to a halt.

But Petersen’s confidence and public call for unity signal hope that a shutdown may still be avoided.