By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona thinktank has released its ballot guide for local and statewide propositions facing voters in the November General Election.
Last week, the Common Sense Institute Arizona issued a ballot guide for a number of local and statewide propositions. The report analyzes Scottsdale Proposition 490, Glendale Proposition 499, Proposition 138, and Proposition 312.
“In a year where many Arizonans will face the longest ballot in recent history, CSI is pleased to provide this resource on some of the statewide and local ballot questions that have economic implications,” said Katie Ratlief, Executive Director of the Common Sense Institute. “CSI strives to be a go-to resource for voters looking for just the facts, data, and impact on jobs. We hope this resource will be helpful to voters in making informed decisions in 2024.”
The summary of Scottsdale Proposition 490, according to CSI, is that it “would enact a new transaction privilege and use tax at a rate of 0.15% to fund city parks and preserves.” CSI’s bottom line for Prop 490 is as follows: “Given the local nature, small size, and offsetting public spending of the proposed tax, its economic impacts are difficult to model and probably small. Given clarification that this is a new tax, city voters must decide whether a new $30 million annual sales tax is needed to maintain and protect its popular parks and preserves within the larger context of the total city budget.”
The summary of Glendale Proposition 499, according to CSI, is that it “would enact a $20 minimum wage for certain hotel and event center workers, set limitations on the amount of square feet a room attendant can clean before earning twice the hourly wage rate, require service charges to be distributed directly to the person performing the service, and establish a new City Department of Labor Standards.”
CSI’s bottom line for Prop 499 is as follows: “Ultimately, if enacted, the Act would have dramatic implications for the city of Glendale and its economy. Though the implications would play out over time, rather than immediately, the results would be stark. Glendale is long, thin, and surrounded by the state’s urban core. The assets it has invested in — like State Farm Stadium — may be fixed, but other event and accommodation facilities could easily relocate outside of Glendale and still be within a mile or two of major landmarks.”
The summary of Proposition 138, according to CSI, is that it “will modify the minimum wage credit for tipped workers in the state through a constitutional amendment from $3/hr to 25% of the current state-wide minimum wage amount so long as the individual makes at least $2 above the state-wide minimum in wages and tips combined. CSI estimates the 25% offset in Prop 138 would be $3.69/hr in 2025.”
CSI’s bottom line for Prop 138 is as follows: “By lowering labor costs for certain tipped workers in the Arizona economy, the state’s minimum wage tipped worker credit supports a higher overall level of employment in these industries than would happen otherwise. The current fixed dollar credit both declines in relative value over time (when the minimum wage is increased) and is vulnerable to changes when the minimum wage itself is changed (since it is a part of state law).”
The summary of Proposition 312, according to CSI, is that it “would allow property owners in the state to apply for a property tax refund if the city or locality in which the property is located does not enforce laws or ordinances regarding illegal camping, loitering, obstructing public thoroughfares, panhandling, public urination or defecation, public consumption of alcoholic beverages, and possession or use of illegal substances.”
CSI’s bottom line for Prop 312 is as follows: “Property crime, illegal camping, the public use of drugs and alcohol, and other public nuisances are on the rise in Arizona. The impact of this is disproportionate, however — the problem is often isolated to specific areas. While this can limit the exposure of the city as a whole to the issue, for property owners in these areas, the impacts can be significant if the issue isn’t mitigated.”
The ballot guide also includes a number of key facts for each proposition that allows voters to obtain more information and context as they research the reasons and importance of the measures.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
