To the editor,

I am State Rep. Teresa Martinez, a Republican who represents Maricopa in the Arizona House of Representatves. On Thursday, we voted to approve the state budget. We didn’t finish voting until 10:46 p.m. I don’t mind telling you that it was an ugly process that I was not happy about. In total, we voted on three different budgets. Two we knew that the governor would veto, which in my mind was a waste of time and energy.

However, now that it is all over, I wanted to provide a recap of what the budget means to us who live in Legislative District 16. Not everyone will be happy; I am sure people will find fault in it. But we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  

Arizona’s newly passed state budget reflects my priorities, which are roads, water, public safety and community support.

Each Republican member of the House of Representatives got $2.5 million to spend in their districts. Thank you to my seatmate, Rep. Chris Lopez, who agreed that we should combine our money together to get more bang for our buck. So, here is how we spent $5 million.

We allocated money for law enforcement agencies, fire departments and fire districts across Pinal County, the City of Maricopa and the Thunderbird Farms Fire District.

We also managed to get money for community nonprofits helping veterans, suicide prevention and reading programs, all based in Pinal County. Further, we secured money for signs to prohibit illegal dumping in our beautiful deserts and money to use the Arizona State University Decision Theater to plan transportation infrastructure in Pinal County.

Our greatest accomplishment was $54 million for State Route 347. This was on top of the $5 million! This was a group effort! This could not have been done by one person alone, and so I would like to thank first and foremost our incredible seatmate Sen. T.J Shope. He made sure that it was at the top of the list on the Senate side while Rep. Lopez and I did our part in the House side. The three of us worked as a team and it shows in the wins we got this year!

Also, we cannot forget the tremendous community support! An SR 347 community group organized by Mayor Nancy Smith and several community members got a website going and got Maricopa residents to send hundreds of thousands of emails to all 90 members of the State Legislature! There is no doubt that all those emails worked! (Don’t worry — we are still funding and keeping a very watchful eye on the Interstate 10 expansion between Casa Grande and Chandler, which is currently in progress!) 

Looking at the budget broadly, the Arizona State Legislature also tackled shortfalls in the developmental disabilities program while securing guardrails so that the executive branch can’t overspend. We also set aside money for Arizona Department of Public Safety raises and statewide water projects. 

I am a parent, taxpayer and community member, just like many of you. We are in this together. I want you to know that we kept this in mind while fiercely advocating for you. 

I am honored to represent you,

State Rep. Teresa Martinez, Republican of Casa Grande