This year, Governor Doug Ducey promised more transparency, but the House Appropriations Committee has elected not to allow public comment during departmental budget hearings to be held over the coming weeks. The Senate Appropriations Committee will invite the public to speak on the state spending plan, and the Governor's Office has been gathering public comment at events around the state. That's exactly the kind of public input we need more of in our political system.
Why is this important?
The Senate Appropriations Committee allows public speakers and the House Appropriations Committee should too for the sake of transparency and accountability. Arizona state leaders should listen to the opinions of Arizona citizens.
