LSS-SW Advocacy Update: Arizona Budget and What Advocates Should Know About Housing, AHCCCS, ESAs, and the 2026 Election
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s latest advocacy newsletter summarizes key takeaways from Arizona’s newly passed $18.3 billion state budget, including more than $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a three-year moratorium on most new data center tax incentives, funding for AHCCCS and the Arizona Department of Economic Security to help manage federal changes under H.R. 1, and maintained or increased support for state-funded housing and homelessness programs. The newsletter also notes that seven legislative referrals were sent to the ballot, including a controversial ESA voucher-related measure that could conflict with a citizen-led voucher reform proposal.
The update also explains HCR2048, an ESA reform referral some are calling a “poison pill,” because while it would allow military families to keep unused ESA funds, it could also void voter-approved measures that restrict ESA funding for military families in any way. LSS-SW also reminds Arizonans that the primary election is July 21, 2026, and the midterm election is November 3, urging eligible voters to register or update their registration.