In a tense Senate floor session on June 27, 2025, Arizona lawmakers grappled with a contentious budget that sparked heated debates over immigration enforcement, education funding, and community welfare. As the clock ticked down to a government shutdown deadline, legislators voiced their concerns about the implications of the budget on vulnerable populations and public safety.

Senator Ortiz opened the discussion by expressing deep reservations about the budget's provisions, particularly regarding local law enforcement's collaboration with federal immigration agents. He recounted the troubling story of Caroline Diaz Congalavez, a nursing student who was wrongfully detained by ICE after a routine traffic stop. Ortiz emphasized the need for accountability, urging fellow lawmakers to ensure that funds allocated to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) would not be misused for immigration enforcement. "Human beings are not quotas," he declared, highlighting the risks of prioritizing numbers over due process.

The budget, while avoiding cuts to essential services like Medicaid and education, faced criticism for its lack of restrictions on the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) voucher program, which some argued siphoned funds from public schools. Senator Epstein pointed out the program's flaws, citing instances of misuse and calling for reforms to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, some legislators celebrated the budget's provisions for civil legal aid and support for the unhoused. Senator Ortiz acknowledged the bipartisan efforts that led to these wins but maintained that the budget did not fully reflect the needs of Arizona families. "This budget isn't perfect," he stated, underscoring the ongoing struggle for a more equitable financial plan.

As the session progressed, lawmakers continued to voice their dissent, with several voting against the budget due to concerns over its implications for immigrant communities and the lack of adequate funding for public education. Senator Kavanaugh, while voting in favor, acknowledged the budget's shortcomings and the need for future improvements.

Ultimately, the budget passed with a vote of 21 to 8, but the discussions revealed a deep divide among lawmakers regarding the priorities and values that should guide Arizona's fiscal policies. As the session concluded, the urgency for a more inclusive and responsible budget remained a pressing concern for many, leaving the door open for continued advocacy and reform in the months ahead.