AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.

May 28, 2019

Crossing the Finish Line

The Legislature wrapped up the session "sine die" at 12:58 AM Tuesday after approving an $11.8 billion budget.

Keeping Things Spicy

The last two weeks were very contentious as two Senators, Heather Carter (R-Cave Creek) and Paul Boyer (R-Phoenix), held out on voting for the budget.

They wanted Boyer's bill to pass, which helps survivors of childhood sexual abuse sue their abusers. Action on the budget was delayed as legislators battled one another both publicly and privately.

In the end, a compromise was reached. Legislators then met throughout the holiday weekend and the budget was passed in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

What's In the Budget for Nurses?

A big sigh of relief - Kid's Care was funded, an AzNA priority. $1.6 million is designated to eliminate a freeze on the KidsCare program, which provides health care coverage to children in low-income families.

Not All Great News

The $50,000 needed to fund the workforce database was not included in the budget. That's ok for now. The project will proceed as DHS has to write rules, which will take about a year. Additionally, DHS has indicated there may be some other funding available in their own fiscal structure to begin the project.