By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | Twitter: @JasonWBrooks2

Capitol Media Services recently reported dozens of agencies throughout Arizona received shares of earmarked funding included in the state budget bill, signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs in mid-May. The budget earmarked about $50 million for special uses.

The earmarks include $750,000 for the Chandler, Tucson and Mesa police departments for a pepper ball pilot program. There is also $2 million in the bill for “Chandler Police Department support.”

City of Chandler spokesperson Matt Burdick said Rep. Julie Willoughby requested the $2 million for Chandler Police support in the budget bill. He said he didn’t know which legislator(s) requested the pepper-ball pilot program funding.

The Chandler Police Department didn’t respond to questions for this story.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent
@JasonWBrooks2

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.