Leaders from several education and social service organizations gathered in front of the state capitol today to protest the new state budget proposal. The $9 billion spending plan was announced Wednesday and is currently making its way through the legislature.

The protesters gathered to talk about the impacts the proposed budget would have on things like health care and public education. The deal includes more cuts to universities and the state’s Department of Child Services than the governor originally proposed but contains more funding for K-12 schools.

But the group was upset about more than just the cuts themselves. Sam Richard, the executive director of Protecting Arizona’s Families Coalition, said the effort to pass the budget so quickly also raises concerns.

"This is not democracy, 72 hours from introduction to intended passage that doesn’t allow democracy enough time to do its work and we think it’s really important to shine some light on some things that we’re really concerned about," Richard said.

Ducey acknowledged that the budget might not please everyone, but added the proposal is a reflection of the need for the state to live within its means.

"Slow this down, what are we waiting for? I ran on this budget," Ducey said. "I talked about this budget at the inauguration and the state of the state. I stood with the speaker and the president on January 16th. We’re 7 weeks into this. Let’s pass a budget."

It’s unclear if the proposal has the votes it needs to pass.