FY2025 Legislative Wrap-Up:
Major Wins for Women, Families and Equity in Arizona
The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) is proud to report that the bipartisan $17.6 billion FY2026 Arizona state budget—signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 27—includes investments in early childhood care, family support, and education. Despite a polarized and protracted legislative session, equity-centered advocacy prevailed in several critical areas.
A Victory for Families: $4 million in Ongoing Funding for Healthy Families
One of the most significant outcomes of WFSA’s advocacy this session is the $4 million in ongoing state funding for the Healthy Families Arizona program—a proven home visitation initiative that supports new parents and strengthens family well-being statewide.
This achievement reflects WFSA’s leadership in championing policies that support family stability and early childhood development, especially for communities historically marginalized by systemic inequities. Our coordinated lobbying efforts helped secure this overdue investment.
Historic Investment in Child Care Access
For the first time since the Great Recession, Arizona has made a major general fund investment in child care.
The budget includes:
$44.9 million for DES child care assistance, including $37.8 million one-time to reduce the child care waitlist by 50%
Other early childhood and provider supports:
- $3 million one-time for the After School and Summer Child Care Grant Program for kids ages 5-12
- $1.9 million one-time for child care licensing expenses
- $1.5 million one-time for the Taylor Child Development Center
- $100,000 one-time for a state employee child care study
These wins represent tangible progress toward WFSA’s goal of building an Arizona where all families—especially those in rural and low-income communities—have access to affordable and high-quality child care.
Additional Equity-Aligned Investments
- $100,000 ongoing for Traditional Healing Services under AHCCCS and codifies the program
- $100,000 for supplemental childhood therapies at the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind
- $15.5 million one-time for coordinated homeless services, including eviction prevention and rehousing youth and families
- $6 million one-time for the Community College Adult Education Workforce Program
- $2 million one-time for the Adult Workforce Diploma Program
Political Climate: A Fractured Path to a Bipartisan Budget
- The legislative session was marked by deep divisions, with House Republicans initially advancing two partisan budgets that were ultimately vetoed. A bipartisan coalition of Senate Republicans and House Democrats negotiated the final agreement with Governor Hobbs.
- Governor Hobbs issued a record 178 vetoes, reflecting intense policy clashes. The general effective date for most legislation is September 26, 2025.
Looking Ahead: WFSA’s Continued Advocacy for Gender & Racial Equity
This budget was positive for Arizona, but our work is far from over. Many of the gains—especially in child care—are one-time allocations. We must continue to defend, expand, and institutionalize these investments.
WFSA remains steadfast in our mission to advance equity for women and girls of all identities through policy advocacy. In the year ahead, we will:
- Fight for ongoing, expanded funding for programs that support economic security, health, and care infrastructure
- Oppose any future anti-transgender or discriminatory legislation, affirming our commitment to inclusive, intersectional policymaking
- Amplify community voice in policy conversations to ensure lived experience guides legislative priorities
- Hold the line against politically motivated budget reductions that harm women, children, and marginalized communities
- The wins during this legislative session were hard-fought and deeply meaningful. Together, we are creating a more just, inclusive Arizona for women, girls, and families—today and for generations to come.
Become a WFSA supporter and further our vision of a more equitable Arizona for women and girls of all identities.
