Governor Napolitano took $7.8 million from a special fund to preserve military bases to help balance her budget. The fund was created to reduce encroachment and buy up development rights to make sure that bases are able to maintain their mission. Her spokesperson thinks that its not that big of a deal.
However, as the Republic reports today, Arizona military bases pump over $3 billion into the local economy. That is a big deal if the state doesn't continue to do what it takes to preserve them.
Military bases are an important part of Arizona's economy, especially in the West Valley and in Napolitano stronghold, Tucson. Perhaps it would have made a but more sense to listen to a few more cuts offered up by the House to keep this military fund whole.
Not only did she take the $4.8 million that was due to the fund for this year, but she swept an additional $3 million that was in the fund from previous allocations. Meanwhile, she still has the millions in her non-lapsing budget.
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