The loss of more than half a billion dollars in federal matching funds for Medicaid. Deep cuts at Arizona's three universities. Community colleges in the state's two largest counties losing all of their state funding. Counties and cities losing tax revenue. The budget state lawmakers approved Saturday hits several Arizona constituencies hard, in ways that could have long-term implications for the state's economy. The authors of the $9.1 billion spending plan, however, say the plan is a tough but realistic solution to a $1.5 billion deficit. Plus, they say, it puts Arizona on track to have spending match the money the state takes in.
