by Ethan Faverino | Jul 8, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, supported by all Arizona’s Republican representatives, was signed on Friday, July 4th. The bill provides the largest tax relief in American history.
Among the bill’s most impactful provisions are no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security benefits.
These policies are designed to put more money back into the pockets of the hard-working American people.
The “No Tax on Tips” provision offers a new deduction of up to $25,000 for workers in tipped industries. Whether tips are received in cash, by charge, or through tip-sharing arrangements, employees will keep more of their hard-earned income.
This measure is expected to save tipped workers nearly $2,000 annually, providing direct financial relief to millions of Americans in these critical industries.
The bill also eliminates taxes on overtime pay. This guarantees that workers who put in extra hours are rewarded greatly with bigger paychecks. This, as well, could also save Americans on average $2,000 a year.
According to a new study from the Council of Economic Advisers, 88% (48 million) of American seniors receiving Social Security will pay no taxes on their Social Security income.
For a single senior receiving the average retirement of $24,000 annually, deductions will exceed their taxable Social Security income. Similarly, married seniors with a combined Social Security income of $48,000 will also see their deductions surpass taxable income.
The One Big Beautiful Bill also delivers an average 15% tax cut for Americans earning between $15,000 and $80,000, significantly boosting take-home pay.
For a typical family with two children, this translates to an increase of up to $10,900 per year in after-tax income. The bill also boosts the standard tax deduction, raising it to $23,625 for married couples and $15,750 for singles, a benefit utilized by 91% of taxpayers.
According to the Council of Economic Advisers, the One Big Beautiful Bill will drive significant growth and fiscal stability. This includes:
- Real wages increasing by up to $7,200 per year
- Real Investment growing by as much as 10%
- Creation of protection of 7 million jobs
- Deficit reduction of up to $11.1 trillion, driven by $5.2 trillion from economic growth, $2.8 trillion from tariff revenue, $1.6 trillion from discretionary spending cuts, and $1.5 trillion from interest savings.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 8, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Attending a Phoenix Suns game will cost fans more than nearly any other NBA team, according to a new study analyzing average ticket prices across the league. The Suns rank eighth on the list, with an average ticket price of $172.
The analysis, conducted by betting tips provider Spelcash using data from SeatGeek, evaluated the average cost of attending a game for each team. While Phoenix fans may be feeling the pinch, they’re not alone — several teams are charging significantly more, with the Los Angeles Lakers topping the chart at an average of $365.75 per ticket.
That figure is 31% higher than the second-place Golden State Warriors ($279.47), and a staggering 146% higher than the league-wide average of $148.42.
The top five most expensive teams include:
1. Los Angeles Lakers – $365.75
2. Golden State Warriors – $279.47
3. Boston Celtics – $247.96
4. New York Knicks – $238.49
5. Dallas Mavericks – $215.00
Despite not cracking the top five, the Phoenix Suns’ $172 average ticket price still represents a 16% increase over the league average. They trail just behind the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The study points to star power, market size, and recent team performance as contributing factors to ticket demand. “It is no surprise to see the Los Angeles Lakers at the top of the ranking,” said Johan Sunnanangs, CEO of Spelcash. “Their huge popularity, coupled with a roster featuring names like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, keeps demand sky-high.”
The Suns have drawn strong crowds in recent seasons, bolstered by playoff runs and marquee players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. But for fans hoping to see them live, the cost is rising.
By contrast, the most affordable team to watch live is the Charlotte Hornets, with an average ticket price of just $82 — 45% below the league average. The Atlanta Hawks ($82.16) and Detroit Pistons ($85.15) also rank among the most wallet friendly.
The study also notes that three of California’s four NBA teams — the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers — all rank in the top 10, underscoring both the market strength and popularity of basketball in the Golden State.
As the offseason ramps up with the NBA Draft and summer league action, demand for tickets is expected to continue climbing.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 4, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressmen Abraham Hamadeh and Andy Biggs proudly cast their votes on Wednesday, in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill, pushed by President Donald Trump.
Congressman Andy Biggs credited the collaboration “between President Trump and the Freedom Caucus for pushing the One Big Beautiful Bill over the finish line.
“I’m honored to stand with my great Freedom Caucus colleagues as we work in lockstep with President Trump,” said Biggs on X.
“Today, I proudly voted for the agenda that my constituents voted for when they sent me to Congress – the America First agenda. The agenda laid out by President Donald Trump during his historic, successful run to return to the White House,” stated Hamadeh. “The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class Americans in history and secures increases in paychecks and take-home pay for the hardworking families in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a foundation of President Trump’s economic vision, providing what supporters say are “significant benefits to American workers, seniors, and rural communities.”
Major elements of the bill include:
- Historic tax relief with an average of a 15% tax cut for Americans earning between $15,000 and $80,000, with no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits for seniors.
- Increased Standard Deduction, which raises to $23,625 for married couples and $15,750 for singles, boosting take-home pay over $10,000 annually for a typical family.
- Support for retirees (65+) by introducing a new tax deduction ensuring the average Social Security beneficiary pays zero taxes on their benefits, with relief phased out only at high incomes.
- Protection for social programs, like Medicaid and Medicare benefits, by maintaining full funding. Also, strengthening Medicaid for Americans with disabilities and implementing measures to eliminate fraud in Medicaid and SNAP programs.
- Investment in rural communities by expanding market access and providing historic support for farm families.
- Advancement of President Trump’s national security agenda, Peace Through Strength, by reinforcing America’s global leadership.
Congressman Hamadeh, a first-generation American and former U.S. Army Reserve Captain, highlighted the bill’s significance in countering economic challenges and misinformation. “For months, Americans have been bombarded with fake news accounts that stirred fear and anger and stoked resentment as part of the Democrats’ war on Capitalism,” he said. “Today, my Republican colleagues and I were able to ignore the noise bought and paid for by Green New Deal corporatists and hear the voices of the American workers.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill has gained significant attention for its bold approach to economic reform. Hamadeh’s vote reflects his commitment to addressing the soaring inflation and border security concerns that he identified as critical issues for Arizona’s 8th District during his 2024 campaign.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jun 27, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new bill aimed at securing the long-term future of Chase Field and keeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix is poised to become law, following bipartisan passage through the state legislature and encouraging signals from Governor Katie Hobbs.
House Bill 2704, sponsored by Representative Jeff Weninger (R-LD13), offers a funding solution for needed repairs and renovations at the publicly owned stadium without raising taxes. The plan allows state sales and income tax revenues already generated by the team and its events to be redirected for stadium upkeep.
“This is a smart, responsible solution that keeps the Diamondbacks where they belong—at Chase Field in the heart of our capital city,” said Rep. Weninger, who chairs the House Commerce Committee. “The costs will be covered by revenue generated through team activity, not by pulling from the pockets of Arizonans who never set foot in the stadium. We’re protecting jobs, preserving economic impact, and keeping our beloved World Champion Major League Baseball team in Phoenix—all without new taxes.”
Under the bill, the Arizona Diamondbacks have also pledged at least $250 million toward future improvements at Chase Field, adding to more than $200 million the team has already spent—despite not owning the venue.
With the team’s lease set to expire in 2027, lawmakers and stakeholders had faced mounting pressure to develop a long-term plan that would keep the Diamondbacks in Arizona. Supporters of HB2704 argue the bill strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and economic investment by keeping tax dollars generated by the stadium circulating locally.
Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Diamondbacks, praised the legislative effort. “I want to thank Representative Weninger, all of the supportive lawmakers, and Governor Hobbs for the leadership with HB2704,” Hall said. “The voting results and bipartisan enthusiasm clearly showed the need for funding for this economically generating public asset.”
Chase Field, which opened in 1998 and has hosted over 55 million fans, plays a significant role in downtown Phoenix’s economy. Lawmakers say the legislation ensures the stadium remains a viable and modern venue well into the future—without tapping into the general fund or creating new financial burdens for Arizona residents.
Governor Hobbs has expressed public support for the measure, and her signature is expected in the coming days. Once signed, the bill will take effect and begin shaping the next chapter for both the team and the stadium.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 25, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Earlier this month, Goodyear’s City Council passed a massive $1.2 billion budget for 2026, unchanged from the tentative budget presented to the city in May. The budget is a shocking increase of over $304 million year-over-year or approximately 25.3%, without increasing its combined property tax rate or sales tax.
Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo told reporters that the city was impacted by the loss of the city transaction privilege tax (TPT), eliminated as of Jan. 1st, 2025, through Republican tax reforms passed in the state legislature over the objections of Arizona Cities and Towns.
“A lot of cities here in the valley unfortunately had to raise their taxes to make up those $234 million…more than likely (which will) be doubling over the next five to 10 years,” Pizzillo said. “The city of Goodyear did not raise its sales tax or its combined property tax rate.”
Similar to property tax changes in Maricopa County, the city’s Truth in Taxation notice recorded an increase of $303,271. However, the overall property tax rate will not see an increase. This was accomplished by increasing the primary property tax rate, which is statutorily limited to an increase of 2%, while decreasing the secondary property tax keeping the rate effectively the same at $1.74 per $100 assessed property valuation.
In December 2024, Lee Grafstrom, a tax policy expert with Arizona Cities and Towns, told Fox10 that municipalities aren’t “cutting any of the services that citizens are requesting and requiring, so, we still have to do all the same amount of work. We just have this much less money to do it.”
“We have to find a way to either cut services or make up that shortfall,” he added. “This is a minor piece of a solution to a much larger problem, in terms of housing affordability.”
Finance Manager Ryan Bittle asked rhetorically, “‘Why is my property tax bill going up if the rate isn’t changed?’ (It) is one of the typical questions you might hear, and that’s simply because the value of your property is likely more this year than it was last year.”
The changes, according to Bittle, will bring more consistent revenues to Goodyear’s general fund. He explained that the secondary tax rate can only be used for servicing the city’s debts, while the primary property tax provides revenue for approximately 8% of the general fund on an ongoing basis.
In addition, Bittle explained that most of the property taxes paid by Goodyear property owners goes toward education, by a wide margin. “Most of the property taxes paid by citizens here in Goodyear falls outside of council’s decision-making authority,” Bittle said, noting that a full 66% of the collected taxes fund schools with just 15 cents on the dollar going to the city’s coffers.
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 Jonathan Eberle | Jun 24, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new law is opening the door for expanded career opportunities in dental care, and the Arizona School of Dental Assisting (ASDA) is welcoming the change.
Senate Bill 1124, signed into law on March 31, 2025, officially establishes the position of Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA), a new role that broadens the scope of practice for dental assistants in Arizona. The law aims to enhance preventive care services while addressing workforce shortages in the dental field.
Under the legislation, dental assistants can qualify to become OPAs by completing a board-approved training program totaling at least 120 hours of clinical and classroom instruction. Applicants must also hold certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), coronal polishing, and radiography, along with either a national certification in dental assisting or a diploma from an accredited dental assisting program.
Once certified, OPAs will be allowed to perform certain preventive services on patients evaluated by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. The law limits such procedures to individuals who are periodontally healthy or exhibit mild, localized gingivitis.
The Arizona School of Dental Assisting says it is ready to help students meet the new requirements and seize the opportunity to grow within the profession.
“Our curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge,” the school said in a statement. “By equipping future dental professionals with the tools and education they need to pursue certification and the 120-hour course advancement, ASDA continues to play a vital role in supporting Arizona’s dental workforce.”
Lisa Stevenson, ASDA’s CEO and founder, urged students to take full advantage of the new pathway. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” she said, encouraging future OPAs to invest in their education and embrace the potential of this expanded role.
The new law is expected to not only provide professional growth for dental assistants, but also improve access to preventive dental care across the state—especially in underserved areas.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
