by Staff Reporter | Aug 26, 2024 | Economy, News
By Staff Reporter |
One of the lawmakers responsible for the state’s historic income and small business tax reduction law is key to maintaining Republican control of the Arizona Senate.
State Senator J.D. Mesnard is running for re-election to Arizona Legislative District 13, which covers Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes in the East Valley of the Phoenix-metro area. Mesnard first entered the state legislature in January 2011 in the Arizona House of Representatives, and he served eight years in that chamber, including two years as the Speaker of the House. In November 2018, after being termed out of the House, Mesnard won his election to the state Senate.
Over his time in the Arizona Legislature, Mesnard has proven himself to be one of the top fiscal responsibility hawks in either chamber. On his campaign website, he addresses his thoughts on this issue, writing, “I support keeping taxes as low as possible, and we can’t have low taxes with reckless government spending. The fact is, the more government spends, the more we pay for it in higher taxes and/or saddle future generations with unsustainable debt. That doesn’t mean that all government spending is bad. For instance, funding public safety, a quality education system, and infrastructure are all necessary public goods. But I also believe that state government should follow the same financial guidelines that any responsible individual or family would follow: spend only what’s necessary, don’t rack up debt, invest in your learning, save for the future, and when times get tough, find responsible ways to trim.”
In 2021, Mesnard was responsible for a historic tax reform proposal that made its way through the Arizona Legislature and into law – SB 1828. This legislation ushered in a flat tax on individual incomes of Arizonans.
Mesnard was also the author of SB 1783, which lowered taxes on small businesses. The bill passed the state legislature and was signed by then-Republican Governor Doug Ducey.
After signing the bill into law in July 2021, Ducey recognized Mesnard for his efforts, when he said, “This tax cut will keep Arizona competitive for small businesses already operating here and new businesses flocking here every day. After a year as tough as the last, we should not be raising taxes on our small businesses — we should be cutting their taxes. That’s exactly what Senate Bill 1783 does. Arizona has now passed the largest tax cut in state history and will have the lowest flat tax in the country. My thanks go out to Senator J.D. Mesnard and Representative Ben Toma for their leadership on this issue.”
Mesnard added, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and integral to the future success of our state. Small businesses should be able to grow and reinvest in themselves without being forced to pay astronomical taxes. Rather, government should get out of the way so that they can thrive. That’s why I’m so grateful for the support of Governor Ducey and my colleagues in the Legislature.”
Two staunch free-market advocates Tim Phillips (President of Americans for Prosperity) and Grover Norquist (President of Americans for Tax Reform) wrote a piece in Newsweek, praising the accomplished feat of the Arizona Legislature, spearheaded by Mesnard, and Ducey. They stated, “Arizona, on the other hand, provides a good example: lower the tax rates to let people keep more of what they earn and invest in what they care about most. Limit government spending to grow no faster than the incomes of the citizens who pay the taxes. Create a magnet for job-creating investment and hardworking Americans who simply wish to be left alone to work hard, take care of their families and support their communities.”
Phillips and Norquist put the finishing flourish on their thoughts by saying, “The Arizona reform is a positive model and one that should be followed by other states and the federal government.”
When the Arizona Supreme Court gave the green light for these tax reforms to go into effect in a highly anticipated ruling, Arizona Free Enterprise President Scot Mussi said, “Today’s decision from the Arizona Supreme Court is a big win for taxpayers in our state. The legislature passed historic tax cuts last year that benefit all Arizona taxpayers. It’s time for Invest in Arizona and out-of-state special interest groups to accept this reality and stop making a farce of the referendum process.”
Mesnard touted the progress of his historic legislation in a campaign newsletter in January 2023, saying, “The historic tax reform that I championed in 2021 is now in effect for income earned this year – a full year ahead of schedule thanks to strong government revenues. Valued at more than $2 billion, this reform reduced individual tax rates to 2.5%, resulting in a tax cut for every single Arizona family and Arizona having the lowest flat tax in the nation.”
The east valley lawmaker added, “Depending on your tax decisions, if you choose to lower your withholding rates this year, you will be able to keep more of your own hard-earned dollars with each paycheck that hits your checking account. That will help take some of the edge off sticker shock at the grocery store.”
According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, Legislative District 13 is one of the most competitive in the state, with a 1.6% vote spread between Republicans and Democrats in the past nine statewide elections. In those contests, Republicans have won five times, compared to four for Democrats.
Mesnard will be facing off against Democrat nominee, Sharon Winters, in the November General Election. On his website, Mesnard asks voters to give him another term in the state senate, writing, “Now we face historic economic challenges that require someone with the right experience and a track record of success to navigate. That’s why I need your vote. Let me continue using my diverse background, which includes husband (to a registered nurse), father, professor and small business owner, with master’s degrees in business and public administration, to keep delivering results for you.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Aug 24, 2024 | Economy, News
By Staff Reporter |
Another one of Arizona’s middle-of-the-road legislative districts may be represented by a liberal after November’s General Election if enough Democrats and left-leaning independents have their say.
Judy Schwiebert, a Democrat, is running for the Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 2. Schwiebert currently serves as a State Representative for the district. She announced for the seat in June 2023, saying that “we need people who will work together to focus on the toughest challenges facing Arizonans including our teacher, affordable housing, and water shortage crises.”
Schwiebert posted more than 1,600 signatures at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office earlier this spring to qualify for the ballot.
The Democrat legislator has been endorsed by several left-leaning organizations, including National Organization for Women Arizona PAC, Arizona Education Association, Moms Demand Action, Save Our Schools Arizona, Arizona List, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, Emily’s List, Moms Fed Up, and Human Rights Campaign PAC.
Schwiebert has been a vote for her party’s efforts to stand against border security measures. In 2021, she voted against HCR 2029, which commended the courage of the United States Border Patrol and recognized the role they play in safeguarding Arizona and the U.S. She also co-sponsored HB 2604 in 2023, which would permit the Arizona Department of Transportation to issue a driver’s license or nonoperating ID to a person without legal status in the United States.
This year, she voted against SCR 1042, which proclaimed the legislature’s support for the people and government of Texas in its effort to secure our nation’s southern border.” More recently, Schwiebert refused to support a legislative effort to refer a border security measure to the ballot in this November’s General Election – HCR 2060, voting against the bill when it was considered by her chamber. The proposal, if passed by voters in the fall, would empower local law enforcement to better secure their communities from the increasing calamities from the border crisis.
It’s not just border issues where Schwiebert is showing her true, liberal colors; it’s also the economy where she is demonstrating an inability to moderate to her district’s desires. In 2021, Schwiebert voted no on HB 2113, which would have increased the 25% of allowed charitable deductions in accordance with the average annual change in the metropolitan Phoenix CPI. In 2022, she voted against HCM 2004, which urged Congress to oppose the reporting requirements included in the Biden administration tax increase proposal.
Also in 2022, Schwiebert opposed HB 2389 as one of nine members to vote against changing the time period from one year to six months for an agency that the legislature has granted a one-time rulemaking exemption to review a rule adopted by an agency to determine whether the rule should be amended or repealed. That same year, she voted against creating a TPT exemption for the sale of all machinery and equipment, including off-highway vehicles, utilized for commercial agricultural purposes.
This year, Schwiebert opposed SB 1370, which was coined “the lemonade stand bill.” This legislation exempted a minor or a person who has not graduated from high school from the requirement to obtain a TPT license and pay TPT, use tax, and local excise taxes, if the person’s business gross proceeds of sales or gross income is less than $10,000 per calendar year.
Schwiebert’s leftist leanings didn’t stop with the border and economy. She has a number of votes and bill sponsorships that show her being in lockstep with the Democrats on some of their most radical ideas. In 2023, she co-sponsored HB 2653, which would have established that “restaurants and other food service establishments in the state may only serve water and disposable straws to customers on request.” She also co-sponsored HB 2068, which would have repealed the designation of school sports by biological sex.
Additionally in 2023, Schwiebert voted no on SB 1028, which would have prohibited a person or business from engaging in an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the performance could be viewed by a minor. In this most-recent legislative session (2024), she voted against HB 2591, which would have prohibited a public power entity or public service corporation from entering into contract with a person or company that uses forced labor or oppressive child labor.
Arizona Legislative District 2 is one of the most competitive in the state, with a 3.8% vote spread in the past nine statewide elections. It is very winnable for Republicans, however, as the party has emerged victorious in six out of those nine elections. The district covers a large portion of northcentral Phoenix.
Schwiebert ran unopposed in the July primary election for Democrats. She is facing off against the winner of the district’s Republican primary contest for state senator, incumbent Shawnna Bolick.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Aug 23, 2024 | Economy, News
By Staff Reporter |
A radical Democrat state representative is attempting to return to her middle-of-the-road legislative district for a new term in office.
State Representative Lorena Austin is running for reelection in Arizona Legislative District 9, which covers the city of Mesa. According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, the district is likely one of the most competitive in the state, with a 2.6% vote spread in the Commission’s nine focus elections. Democrats are slightly favored in the district, having won in five of those nine focus elections.
Despite her district being more moderate in its political makeup, Austin has demonstrated a propensity to become one of the most extreme leftist members of the Arizona Legislature on almost every issue.
In a struggling state and national economy, where many families are struggling to get by in life, keep their jobs, and save for their children’s futures, Austin showed no mercy with her votes. This year, she was one of a handful of members to vote against HCR 2002, which stated that the legislature recognizes, encourages, and continues to support Arizona’s beef producing farmers, ranchers, and families. Last year (2023), she voted no on SB 1131, which would have prohibited a county, city, or town from levying a tax on rental property.
Austin is also opposed to individual property rights, as her votes have indicated. In 2023, she was one of 14 members to vote against final passage of a bill prohibiting protestors from targeting people in their own homes by protesting on their residential property (SB 1023).
This latest legislative session (2024), Austin voted no on SB 1129, which would have allowed a property owner or the owners’ agent to request from law enforcement the immediate removal of a person who is unlawfully occupying a residential dwelling. She also opposed SB 1073, which would have established a new form of the existing offense of obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare and classified this new form of the offense as a class 6 felony (which was introduced in response to protestors blocking traffic).
Austin’s legislative record extends, too, into bouts of radical socialism. In 2023, she co-sponsored HB 2610, which would have created a state-owned bank. Additionally, she co-sponsored HB 2653, which would have established that “restaurants and other food service establishments in this state may only serve water and disposable straws to customers on request.” Earlier this year, Austin voted no on HB 2629, which would have established November 7 of each year as Victims of Communism Day and required the State Board of Education to create a list of recommended resources for mandatory instruction on the topic in certain public school courses.
The Democrat lawmaker has refused to support solutions to help her state end the border crisis affecting almost every community in Arizona – not to mention elsewhere in the nation. In 2023, Austin co-sponsored HB 2604, which would have permitted the Arizona Department of Transportation to issue a driver’s license or nonoperating ID to a person without legal status in the United States. And in this most recent legislative session, she voted no on HB 2621, which would have deemed that the trafficking of fentanyl across Arizona’s border is a public health crisis and directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to do everything within its power to address the crisis. She also opposed SCR 1042, which proclaimed the legislature’s support for the people and government of the state of Texas in its efforts to secure our nation’s southern border.
Austin has an awful record in office on crimes against children. In 2023, she voted against SB 1028, which would have prohibited a person or business from engaging in an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the performance could be viewed by a minor. She also voted no on SB 1583, which would have mandated that a level one sex offender who commits specified sexual offenses is required to register on the internet sex offender website if the offender was sentenced for a dangerous crime against children.
This most recent legislative session (2024), Austin continued her spree of opposing legislation that would have protected more Arizona children from horrific crimes committed against them. She voted no on SB 1236, which would have specified that any offender who was convicted of or adjudicated guilty except insane for sexual crimes against children, whether completed or preparatory, and was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, must be included on the internet sex offender website. She also opposed HB 2835, which would have established knowingly observing a nude minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct for a person’s sexual gratification as a form of criminal sexual exploitation of a minor. And Austin voted no on a ballot referral (SCR 1021), which would statutorily require an adult who is convicted of a class 2 felony for any child sex trafficking offense to be sentenced to natural life imprisonment.
As with many of her fellow Democrats running for the state legislature, Austin promotes endorsements from left-leaning organizations for her campaign for the Arizona House of Representatives, including Moms Demand Action, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Save Our Schools Arizona, Progressive Turnout Project, HRC in Arizona, AEA Fund for Public Education, NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona, Stonewall Democrats of Arizona, Arizona Education Association, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Emily’s List, and Human Rights Campaign PAC.
There is one endorsement for Austin that appears to be absent from her website, from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. Austin’s support from this PAC may be one of the most concerning for voters researching her record and determining which direction they want to see for their district. This PAC asserts that “major solutions are stopped cold: the Green New Deal, Build Back Better, clean energy investments, ending billions in tax subsidies to the fossil fuel industry – all because of politicians backed by Big Oil.”
The Green New Deal pushed by the Jane Fonda Climate PAC is the same championed by New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is one of the most progressive lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The district is currently represented by two Democrats in the state House of Representatives. Austin and her fellow Democrat incumbent, Seth Blattman, ran unopposed in the recent primary election. Austin received 10,353 votes, and Blattman obtained 8,741 votes. They will face off against Republicans Mary Ann Mendoza and Kylie Barber, who also ran unopposed in the primary election. Mendoza garnered 10,429 votes, and Barber received 10,136 votes.
November’s General Election will be the second time that Mendoza has been pitted against Austin and Blattman. In 2022, Austin and Blattman defeated Mendoza and her running mate, Kathy Pearce, to assume their offices for the 2023 Arizona legislative session.
Correction: A previous version of this article listed the incorrect vote totals for the candidates. The totals have now been updated with the latest results from the Arizona Secretary of State website.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Aug 17, 2024 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Rep. David Schweikert shared the shocking July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that utterly shatters any narrative suggesting that the economy has recovered and inflation is abating. Citing the Bureau, Schweikert’s office noted that consumer prices are up 0.2% month-over-month and 2.9% compared to 2023. This requires the average family to spend $13,138 more per year to maintain the same lifestyle they enjoyed in 2021, while real average weekly earnings dropped 3.9%.
Most damningly, per the report, Cumulative CPI inflation (not seasonally adjusted) is up a devastating 20.2% with the American people effectively losing one-fifth of their buying power since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took power in 2021.
In several states, the cumulative inflation is significantly higher still. In the states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada, all key states in the 2024 Presidential election, cumulative inflation stands at 21.8%, and cumulative additional costs are the highest in the nation with Colorado’s the worst at $36,703 per average household. Colorado is exceeded only by Washington, D.C. where the cost increase is a staggering $41,313 per household. Arizonans have spent $32,625 more due to cumulative inflation.
Schweikert said in the statement:
“Though hardworking Americans received positive news this morning that inflation continued to slow in July, overall prices are still up more than 20% and real average weekly earnings are down 3.9% since the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration.
From Day One, this administration’s radical agenda has been a rubber stamp for growth-slowing tax hikes and runaway inflationary spending that have dramatically reduced Americans’ purchasing power and standard of living. It’s no wonder that consumers have declining confidence in President Biden and Vice President Harris to improve their financial standing after three-and-a-half years of economic calamity.”
The congressman’s office summarized the lengthy report, finding that food prices have increased 22% since January and energy costs have skyrocketed over 40%.
According to the JEC State Inflation Tracker, the average U.S. household was forced to spend $1,095 more in July, or $13,138 more per year, to maintain the same consumption basket they had in January 2021.
Headline CPI-U inflation increased 0.2% m/m and 2.9% y/y.
Core CPI-U inflation increased 0.2% m/m and 3.2% y/y.
Since January 2021:
- Headline CPI-U inflation has increased 20.2%.
- Core CPI-U inflation has increased 18.3%.
- The food price index has increased 22%.
- The energy price index has increased 40.2%.
Real average weekly earnings for all employees have decreased by 3.9%.
On the national inflation tracker, measuring the additional monthly cost for the average U.S. household since January 2021, Arizona placed 11th, well above the national average. The five states that enjoyed the smallest cost increases due to inflation were Arkansas, Oklahoma, Maine, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
On August 2, the Joint Economic Committee Republicans also reported that per the July jobs report, only 114,000 new jobs were added to the economy, well short of the 175,000 projected, and unemployment has increased to 4.3%, further indicating a weakening economy. A week prior, in a fiery speech to a largely empty House, Schweikert sarcastically congratulated Congress for the gross national debt passing $35 trillion.
He admonished his colleagues arguing to protect Social Security, saying they should “know the math and know how it actually works.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Aug 11, 2024 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona ballot proposition regarding tipped workers remains on track for consideration in November’s General Election.
Last this week, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter A. Thompson denied a request from Raise the Wage AZ for an issuance of a preliminary injunction against SCR 1040, the Tipped Workers Protection Act, which was passed by the Arizona Legislature this past spring and transmitted to the state’s Secretary of State for inclusion on the November ballot.
The measure will be Proposition 138 on the ballot.
According to the fact sheet provided by the Arizona Senate, SCR 1040 would “constitutionally establish minimum hourly wage requirements for employees who customarily and regularly receive tips or gratuities from patrons or others (tipped employees).” If approved by voters in November, the amendment would “authorize an employer to pay a tipped employee a wage of up to 25 percent per hour less than the statutory minimum wage if the employer can establish that for each week, when adding tips or gratuities received to wages paid, the employee received not less than the minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked” – among another provisions.
Andrew Gould, a former Arizona Supreme Court Justice, helped to lead the defense of this ballot measure in Superior Court. He said, “Holtzman Vogel is proud to defend the right of Arizonans to voice their opinion on this important matter. The proposed amendment, SCR 1040, protects the jobs of tipped workers while allowing the businesses that employ them to survive financially. This is a victory for the people of Arizona against anti-business politics.”
Arizona Restaurant President and CEO, Steve Chucri, told a local media outlet that, “Without passage of Prop 138, you can bet the imposters behind One Fair Wage will be back with a future attempt to install a California-style pay system in Arizona. That means lower tips for workers, lost jobs for employers and higher costs for everyone. Passage of Prop 138 is the first step to prevent that from happening.”
In his order, Judge Thompson wrote, “Far from voter fraud, the legislative process used for SCR 1040 is created by the Arizona Constitution. There is no allegation that the proper process was not followed… Plaintiffs have failed to cite to specific authority which would permit this Court, or any court, to remove an Initiative or proposed Legislative Constitutional Amendment because it interferes with or makes passage of a competing ballot measure more or less likely. Placement of the proposed Constitutional Amendment (SCR 1040) on the November General Election Ballot will not undermine the sanctity of the election process. In fact, it is part of the democratic process enshrined in the Arizona Constitution with choice being left to the voters.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Aug 1, 2024 | Economy, News
By Staff Reporter |
A small business champion could be on his way back to the Arizona Legislature for the upcoming session.
Former State Representative Jeff Weninger is running for the same position in the November General Election for Arizona Legislative District 13. He previously served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023.
Legislative District 13 covers parts of Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes.
After a brief hiatus from public service, Weninger decided that it was time for him to return to the legislature. He announced his candidacy for state House on July 27, 2023, in an email to supporters. In that email, Weninger wrote, “Over the last year I moved my son to college, helped my daughter start high school, dedicated more time to my small business, and continued to invest in our community. Personally, things are going really well. Unfortunately not every Arizonan feels the same way. Inflation and prices are climbing, energy costs are higher than ever, and parents are struggling with decisions on the best educational environment for their kids.”
Weninger added, “When I served in the Legislature, I fought to lower your taxes, keep our cost of living affordable, support our first responders, and make Arizona one of the most business-friendly states in the country. I’m excited to announce that I’m running for State Representative in the new Legislative District 13 to bring those same values and principles to the Capitol.”
Business organizations around the state know Weninger and trust his expertise and record in office as evidenced by the support he’s received for his campaign during this go-around. Earlier this summer, the Arizona PAC for the National Federation of Independent Businesses endorsed Weninger’s bid for election.
Back in 2022, Weninger was awarded with the organization’s Guardian of Small Business recognition. Chad Heinrich, the Arizona state director for NFIB AZ, said, “Representative Weninger is one of few small-business owners who dedicate the time needed away from his business to also serve effectively in the State Legislature. In 2022, he sponsored a key reform to the business personal property tax that will unleash untold amounts of business investment in Arizona through the simplification and reduction of this burdensome tax. He’s built a solid reputation in the State Legislature as being on the cutting edge of technology and has worked effectively to keep Arizona’s policies attractive to industry and innovators.”
The Greater Phoenix Chamber PAC also endorsed Weninger. Chamber PAC Chair John Moody stated, “It is absolutely critical we support and help elect lawmakers who understand the issues impacting the success of businesses and who will work collaboratively to advance and protect policies supporting our Arizona businesses. This will allow for a prosperous economy in the Greater Phoenix region and throughout the state of Arizona.”
In June, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry endorsed Weninger as well. President and CEO Danny Seiden said, “The Chamber is proud to endorse a bipartisan slate of candidates who will be strong champions for job-creating policies that will drive economic growth and further advance Arizona’s competitive position on the global stage.”
It’s not just business organizations that have lined up behind Weninger. The Arizona Troopers Association endorsed him back in June. According to the group, Weninger (and other officials and candidates) were selected “based on their support of Arizona law enforcement and the men and women of the Department of Public Safety.”
On the flip side, Secular AZ, a left-wing organization, gave Weninger a zero percent legislative score for the 2022 session – his last in the Arizona House of Representatives. Out of 22 votes scored by the group, Weninger voted the “wrong” way all 22 times. This organization, per its website, “represent[s] the Arizona nontheistic community – a vibrant and growing community of Arizonans who self-identify as atheists, agnostics, humanists, freethinkers, ‘nones,’ and other labels of personal choosing.”
Arizona Legislative District 13 is one of the most competitive in the state, so Weninger will have his work cut out for him in the General Election. According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, the district has a 1.6% vote spread over the past nine statewide elections. Out of those races, Republicans have won five times, compared to four for Democrats in the district.
Weninger is running alongside fellow Republican Julie Willoughby for the two House seats up for grabs in Legislative District 13. Both candidates were unchallenged in the primary. In unofficial results reported as of Wednesday morning, Weninger had received 16,631 votes, and Willoughby had garnered 15,931 votes.
The two Republicans will face off against Democrats Nicholas Gonzales and Brandy Reese, who were also unchallenged in their primary. Reese had received 11,901 votes, and Gonzales had obtained 11,576 votes. Shante Saulsberry previously withdrew from the race. Additionally, Cody Hannah is a Green Party candidate for State Representative.
Currently, the district is represented by Willoughby and Democrat Jennifer Pawlik in the state House. J.D. Mesnard, a Republican, represents the district in the state Senate.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
