Democrats leave Arizona budget up in the air Democrats leave Arizona budget up in the air YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Democrats say they were shut out of negotiations involving the state’s $12.8 billion budget and, they say, they were never briefed on the updated provisions. So on Tuesday, they chose not to participate in a vote. Republican lawmakers in the house needed 31 votes to pass the budget. Two GOP lawmakers were absent, as were all Democratic lawmakers. The house will reconvene Thursday morning for further debate on the spending plan, and it promises to be heated. At issue - a major $1.9 billion tax cut. Democrats, like Yuma's Representative Charlene Fernandez, say the measure benefits the richest Arizonans while failing to fully fund public education.