They say budgets are moral documents. If that’s true, then the federal budget passed by Congressional Republicans sends a clear message: help the wealthy, hurt everyone else.

In Arizona, we chose a better path.

While D.C. lawmakers gutted support for working families to fund tax breaks for billionaires, Democrats in Arizona worked across the aisle to pass a state budget that — while imperfect — protects the vulnerable and invests in people.

The federal budget is a moral failure. It strips healthcare, food assistance, and education to fund tax cuts for the ultra-rich. As a result, up to 500,000 Arizonans could lose Medicaid, over 150,000 will lose food assistance, and 148,000 children will lose school meals.

In our Legislative District 8, students face higher loan costs, and immigrant families are still charged thousands to reunite with their children under a bloated $170 billion ICE budget. That’s not just cruel — it’s calculated.

By contrast, Arizona’s $17.6 billion budget centers people, not profits. Thanks to the work of Democrats, Governor Hobbs, and community advocates, it:

*Preserves and expands AHCCCS (Medicaid)

*Maintains food assistance and disability services

*Funds school meals, housing, and education

*Invests $100,000 in traditional healing, unlocking $222 million in federal funds for tribal communities

*Blocks Republican efforts to massively expand ICE funding

Local wins include $2 million for East Valley homeless services, $3 million for civil legal aid, and $2 million to save the Arizona Arts Commission.

Is it perfect? No. Republicans still block key reforms like ESA voucher oversight and refuse to fully invest in public education. But this budget is a meaningful step—and a stark contrast to Washington’s cruelty.

We voted yes because when the federal government fails working families, states must lead.

Budgets don’t just show what we fund—they show who we fight for.

State Sen. Lauren Kuby and State Rep. Brian Garcia represent Legislative District 8 (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, half of Tempe/Scottsdale, and parts of Mesa and Phoenix). Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.