Last week, Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick issued a statement about economic calamities affecting families around her state.
Bolick said, “Since Kamala Harris and Joe Biden entered office, Arizona families have felt the weight of crippling inflation caused by their bad policies. In 2022, inflation hit its highest level in 40 years at 9%, and the price of every basic necessity skyrocketed. While the Federal Reserve reports inflation has since eased to near the target 2% threshold, and despite this month’s interest rate cut of 0.5%, conditions are not improving for hardworking Arizonans. Grocery store prices are 25% higher now than just before the pandemic. Homes are no longer affordable for our working class. Eviction filings have hit record highs in the Valley.”
Bolick added, “Republicans at the Legislature have made it our mission to lessen these burdens. We eliminated the tax renters pay on housing. We passed a ban on grocery taxes that sadly every Democrat voted against and the Governor vetoed. I vow to continue fighting for policies that will allow you to keep more of your money next legislative session.”
Last year, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1131, which Republicans led through the state legislature. This legislation eliminated the rental tax for Arizona tenants.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senate Republicans Deliver Inflation Relief to Struggling Arizonans by Prohibiting Sales Tax on Rent ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8tGzEhrJxj
According to Arizona Senate Republicans, “There are approximately 70 municipalities within our state charging this tax, while cities and towns continue to collect record revenues. From fiscal years 2019 to 2023, state-shared revenues from both sales and income taxes combined grew $733 million, or 59%. This increase is on top of any sales taxes or property taxes individually levied by each city. Between FY 2024 and FY 2025, those shared revenues are expected to grow by an additional $389 million.”
Senate President Warren Petersen issued the following statement in conjunction with the announcement: “Charging a rental tax is bad tax policy. In fact, Arizona is one of only two states in the nation currently allowing this. While our first attempt at eliminating the tax passed out of the Legislature with solely Republican support and was eventually vetoed by the Governor, we’re grateful our Democrat colleagues came to the table with us and realized the real tangible relief this reform will provide.”
Earlier that session, Hobbs vetoed SB 1063, which would have repealed the food municipal tax across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Governor Continues Unwillingness to Help Arizonans Amid Crippling Inflation ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qwOJSxorOH
After the governor’s action against the Republican proposal, Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli said, “This veto is a disgraceful windfall for cities and an absolute gouge for families. We’re not only paying inflated prices to feed our families, but we’re also paying more in taxes as the cost of food rises. Food is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A tax on our groceries is regressive and hurts everyone. Over the next four fiscal years, cities and towns are estimated to receive an average of $2.3 billion per year in state-shared revenues, which is an increase of $844 million more than the average for the last four fiscal years. And yet the governor vetoed this bill, only padding cities’ bloated budgets instead of leaving more money in the wallets of hardworking taxpayers.”
Senator Bolick faces a tough General Election fight in November for her bid to return to the Arizona Legislature for another two years. 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.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
A leading small business advocacy organization has presented several Arizona lawmakers with its top award.
Earlier this summer, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) presented a handful of Arizona legislators with its Guardian of Small Business Award. The individuals recognized with the award were as follows:
Speaker of the House Ben Toma
Representative David Livingston
Representative Travis Grantham
Senate President Warren Petersen
Senator J.D. Mesnard
Senator T.J. Shope
“These six lawmakers have gone above and beyond on behalf of Main Street Arizonans,” NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich said. “In this difficult economy, where costs continue to go up and open positions remain unfilled, it’s incumbent on lawmakers to not make it more difficult to own and operate a small business here in Arizona. Our members are grateful for each of these lawmakers’ commitment to free enterprise and sound policy.”
NFIB presented the award to Petersen in August.
Arizona State Director @chad_heinrich caught up with Senate President Warren Petersen today to present him with NFIB’s prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award in recognition of his steadfast support for Arizona small businesses. Thank you for your support @votewarren! pic.twitter.com/ugnYrkGgU0
In recognition of his devoted work on small business issues Arizona State Director @chad_heinrich recently presented State Senator T.J. Shope with NFIB’s respected Guardian of Small Business Award. Thank you for your support @TJShope! pic.twitter.com/5H2YJhAqBo
Arizona State Director @chad_heinrich recently presented State Senator J.D. Mesnard with NFIB's coveted Guardian of Small Business Award. Thank you for your resolute advocacy on tax and other small business issues @JDMesnard! pic.twitter.com/sFNbNnLR2f
NFIB presented the award to Toma earlier this month.
AZ Speaker of the House Ben Toma @RepBenToma consistently keeps the needs of small businesses top-of-mind. Today AZ State Director @chad_heinrich presented him with the Guardian of Small Business Award. Thank you for supporting #SmallBusiness through your work at the Capitol! pic.twitter.com/6wXxGektGe
Toma responded to the award, stating, “Thank you. It is a great honor to be recognized by those dedicated to protecting and promoting small businesses.”
Thank you. It is a great honor to be recognized by those dedicated to protecting and promoting small businesses. https://t.co/4go2aRFZSg
According to its website, “NFIB is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Dozens of Arizona Republicans running for the state legislature received endorsements from a key organization for their support of small businesses.
Late last month, the National Federation for Independent Business Arizona PAC endorsed 51 individuals for their General Election races in the upcoming November contests.
“Locally-owned businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy, creating good-paying jobs and thriving communities,” NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich said. “A recent NFIB survey found that inflation and health care costs are taking a serious toll on our small business owners. These candidates understand the challenges small business owners face and support policies that will make it easier to do business in our state.
Heinrich added, “On behalf of our small business owner members, I’m proud to announce these endorsements for the 2024 general election, and ask all Arizonans to support these pro-small business candidates.”
Senator J.D. Mesnard, one of the Republicans who received an endorsement, said, “I’m proud to have been among a small group of Arizona legislators to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the state’s leading small business advocacy organization. My colleagues, President Petersen and Senator Shope, also received this award for their work. NFIB holds legislators accountable for the way they vote on important small business issues. I 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. We should also create and protect policies that allow small businesses to thrive in our state. I have always voted on legislation with those beliefs in mind. This session, I received a 100% on the NFIB Arizona voting record.”
The NFIB endorsements are as follows:
Endorsed candidates:
Senate
District 01 Mark Finchem District 02 Shawnna Bolick District 03 John Kavanagh District 04 Carine Werner District 07 Wendy Rogers District 10 David Farnsworth District 13 J.D. Mesnard District 14 Warren Petersen District 15 Jake Hoffman District 16 T.J. Shope District 17 Vince Leach District 19 David Gowan District 25 Tim Dunn District 27 Kevin Payne District 28 Frank Carroll District 29 Janae Shamp
House
District 01 Selina Bliss District 01 Quang Nguyen District 02 Ari Bradshaw District 02 Justin Wilmeth District 03 Joseph Chaplik District 03 Alexander Kolodin District 04 Pamela Carter District 04 Matt Gress District 07 Walt Blackman District 07 David Marshall District 09 Kylie Barber District 10 Justin Olson District 13 Jeff Weninger District 13 Julie Willoughby District 14 Laurin Hendrix District 14 Khyl Powell District 15 Neal Carter District 15 Michael Way District 16 Chris Lopez District 16 Teresa Martinez District 17 Rachel Jones District 17 Cory McGarr District 19 Lupe Diaz District 19 Gail Griffin District 23 Michele Peña District 25 Michael Carbone District 25 Nick Kupper District 27 Lisa Fink District 27 Tony Rivero District 28 Beverly Pingerelli District 28 David Livingston District 29 Steve Montenegro District 29 James Taylor District 30 Leo Biasiucci District 30 John Gillette
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The Arizona House of Representatives continues to make inroads across the world.
Last week, members of the Arizona House of Representatives hosted a delegation from the Republic of Indonesia at the state capitol. According to the press release from the state House, the delegation from the foreign nation was comprised of 12 individuals and consisted of “elected officials, government representatives, and business leaders.” The release revealed that Rahayu Saraswati Dhirakanya Djojohadikusumo, “a recently elected member of the People’s Representative Council, Indonesia’s House of Representatives, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (GERINDRA),” led the delegation to Arizona.
House Speaker Ben Toma, Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, Representative Justin Wilmeth, and other legislators met the Indonesian delegation. Wilmeth, the Vice Chairman of the House International Trade Committee, issued a statement after the visit from the overseas group. He said, “It was a privilege to meet with the Indonesian delegation and exchange insights on potential trade and investment opportunities between Arizona and Indonesia. Through our discussions, it was evident that Arizona and Indonesia share a strong interest in fostering new opportunities in education, mining, and technology manufacturing. We look forward to exploring ways to strengthen our economic ties and foster mutually beneficial partnerships in the future.”
The Indonesian delegation’s visit to Arizona is another episode in a growing list of relationships that have been cultivated by the Arizona Legislature – particularly through this trade committee. The Committee has been active in traveling outside of the United States and welcoming delegations to its house (no pun intended).
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Many Arizona energy consumers are about to see some savings in their bills in time for the holidays.
This month, the Southwest Gas Corporation sent a notice to the Arizona Corporation Commission about a rate decrease to consumers effective at the start of October.
The statement from Doran A. Miller, a Regulator Manager, said, “Pursuant to Decision Nos 74595 and 79038, Southwest Gas is providing notice that the Gas Cost Balancing Account rate will decrease from $0.30911 per therm to $0.00 per therm effective October 1, 2024. This results in a decrease of approximately $7 per month for the average single-family residential customer.”
In an exclusive comment to AZ Free News, Republican Commissioner Kevin Thompson responded to the notice from Southwest Gas, saying, “Any significant savings for the ratepayer should be welcomed, particularly in this economy. The cost of natural gas fuel is required to be passed along to ratepayers as a monthly surcharge that the Commission regularly reviews to make sure customers are paying the actual cost. This helps ensure utilities don’t over collect or earn a profit on this necessary resource.”
Thompson added, “As volatility in domestic and international markets have subsided, and the cost of natural gas dramatically decreases, most Southwest Gas customers will see a noticeable decrease in their monthly gas bill beginning in October.”
Earlier this year, the Corporation Commission shared a report from WalletHub, which showed that Arizona had the second-lowest energy cost out of the 50 states in the North American union with a $400 bill.
According to the Corporation Commission, there were a handful of factors separating Arizona from other states:
“Diverse generation sources – Arizona relies on a mix of generation sources, from nuclear, natural gas, hydropower, renewables, and battery storage.
“Self-Sufficiency – Arizona is not dependent on imported power. We tap into the market if needed, but our utilities’ focus is providing Integrated Resource Plans to guarantee future readiness. The Commission diligently oversees upgrades and construction.
“Proactive maintenance to ensure reliability – The Commission prioritizes daily maintenance and line work leading up to the summer to ensure the grid is ready for the extreme heat and high load.”
Republican Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson reacted to the report from WalletHub, writing, “The data released in the report reflects the priorities of our Commission – reliable energy at the most affordable rates. I’m proud of the service and affordable rates we work hard to provide to ratepayers throughout the state.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
President Donald J. Trump saved a major policy proposal rollout for his trip to Arizona last week.
Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump visited Tucson, Arizona, and announced the latest installment of his economic plan should voters return him to the White House in the upcoming November General Election.
Trump stated that his administration would “end all taxes on overtime.”
🚨NEW POLICY ALERT🚨
President Trump announces a new plan to eliminate all taxes on OVERTIME pay.
"The people who work overtime are among the hardest working citizens in our country — When you pass 40 hours a week, your overtime hours will be tax free." pic.twitter.com/YQvSOUHr0w
The former president went into further detail about this plank, saying, “Think of that. That gives people more of an incentive to work. It gives the companies a lot. It’s a lot easier to get the people. You know, I went to some economists, great ones, and I said, ‘What do you think?’ They said, ‘It would be unbelievable. You’ll get a whole new workforce by doing that.’ No taxes on overtime! The people who work overtime are among the hardest working citizens in our country, and for too long no one in Washington has been looking out for them.”
Trump added, “Those are the people. They really work. They’re police officers, nurses, factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers, and machine operators. It’s time for the working man and women to finally catch a break, and that’s what we’re doing because this is a good one. And I think it’s going to be great for the country. So that’s why we will be saying that if you’re an overtime worker when you’re past 40 hours a week, your overtime hours will be tax-free.”
After the announcement, the Trump campaign rolled out an endorsement of this proposal from the National Fraternal Order of Police. Patrick Yoes, its president, said, “This would be incredibly impactful for law enforcement officers and their families. SO many officers and their families depend on overtime pay just to get by, so eliminating taxes on this income will actually help these families get ahead. This is just one of the many reasons FOP members voted to endorse President Trump – he understands the needs of working families like ours.”
NEW: The Fraternal Order of Police — the nation's largest law enforcement labor organization — endorses President Trump's "NO TAX ON OVERTIME" proposal @GLFOPpic.twitter.com/02J8ltsmqa
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich chimed in on his X account, writing, “Trump announced a great new policy yesterday. NO TAXES FOR OVERTIME! When I was growing up & my working parents scrimped & saved, ‘Time & a half over 40 & double time on Sundays’ meant a college education for me. Donald Trump – Champion of working people and the American Dream.”
Trump announced a great new policy yesterday. NO TAXES FOR OVERTIME! When I was growing up & my working parents scrimped & saved, “Time & a half over 40 & double time on Sundays” meant a college education for me. Donald Trump-Champion of working people & the American Dream. pic.twitter.com/02u2TO3IOc
This latest economic policy proposal follows others from Trump over the past year as the race for the White House has heated up across the country, including ‘no taxes on tips’ and ‘no taxes on Social Security for seniors.’
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
