PHOENIX \u2014 The newly signed budget for the fiscal year beginning Tuesday contains some significant items that got agreement from lawmakers and the governor.<\/p>\n
Public safety<\/p>\n
\u2022 5% pay raise for state troopers
\u2022 15% more in pay for state firefighters
\u2022 $30 million for fire suppression
\u2022 $8 million to help law enforcement fight drug smuggling and human trafficking
\u2022 A one-time 4% bonus for corrections officers
\u2022 $5 million to sheriffs for border security<\/p>\n
K-12 education<\/p>\n
\u2022 $183 million for schools to use for major repairs
\u2022 $66 million in additional funds for equipment, technology and textbooks
\u2022 Full funding for the voucher program
\u2022 $500,000 in grants for defibrillators for high schools with sports and athletic teams<\/p>\n
Higher education<\/p>\n
\u2022 $16 million more for scholarships for in-state students
\u2022 Authority for universities to borrow an additional $325 million, including for a new medical school and nursing school<\/p>\n
Social and health<\/p>\n
\u2022 $49 million in state funds and $81 million in federal dollars to expand child care access
\u2022 $3.8 million to eliminate co-pays for reduced price school meals<\/p>\n
\u2022 $4.2 million to support critical access to hospitals in rural and underserved areas<\/p>\n
\u2022 $100,000 to expand Medicaid to cover traditional healing services for tribal members<\/p>\n
\u2022 $16.5 million for services for housing services including eviction prevention and shelter operations<\/p>\n
\u2022 $1 million set aside for potential litigation over rights to Colorado River water<\/p>\n
Tax breaks<\/p>\n
\u2022 No property taxes for veterans who are 100% disabled
\u2022 Allows businesses to exempt $500,000 of equipment from property taxes, up from $270,000<\/p>\n
Major and minor construction projects<\/p>\n