Economy - AZ FREE NEWS

Hobbs Denies Arizonans Relief At Grocery Store

Mar 28, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski | Arizonans were denied relief at the grocery stores this week as the Democrat governor and Republican-led Legislature remain far apart on how to provide economic assistance to hard-working, middle-class constituents. On Tuesday, Governor Katie...

Bill Would Expand Arizona’s Cottage Food Program

Mar 25, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski | A bill to expand Arizona’s Cottage Food Program is picking up steam and attracting significant bipartisan support in the state legislature. HB 2509, sponsored by Representative Travis Grantham, deals with the sale and food preparation of cottage...

Bill Eliminating Food Tax Sent To Hobbs

Mar 24, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski | Arizona Republicans continue to advance solutions to improve the financial situations of their constituents, and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs will soon be faced with a decision on enshrining that relief into law. This week, the Arizona House...

Hernandez’s Targeted Tax Exemption Has Attracted Bipartisan Support

Mar 23, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski | Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs hasn’t been willing to compromise on Republicans’ proposals for economic relief for Arizonans, but her one idea for a targeted tax exemption has attracted bipartisan support as it moves through the legislative...

Bill To Spur Economic Development Meeting Serious Resistance

Mar 23, 2023

By Daniel Stefanski | Another Republican-led proposal to stimulate and incentivize business development in Arizona is moving through the legislature – though it is unsurprisingly meeting serious resistance from the other side of the aisle. Senator Steve Kaiser...

Several Arizona Cities Voice Opposition To Bill That Would End Food Sales Tax

Jan 22, 2023

By Terri Jo Neff | It sounds simple enough – repeal any sales tax on the purchase of food for home consumption currently being imposed by two-thirds of Arizona’s municipalities and thereby provide relief for residents against the ongoing effects of inflation, high...

Arizona Experiencing Growth In Medical Facilities Of All Types And Sizes

Dec 30, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | This month’s approval by the City of Maricopa’s planning & zoning commission of four amendments is the latest step toward bringing another hospital to the community, one of several projects adding to Arizona’s burgeoning supply of medical...

High Demand For Skilled Labor Turns Focus To Non-College Education Options

Dec 12, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | In the last year, Arizona has added nearly 15,000 manufacturing jobs. But the demand for skilled workers to fill those jobs along with thousands of others across the state which require specialized training is drawing attention to the importance of...

Senate President-Elect Issues Plan to Counter Inflation Crisis

Dec 10, 2022

By Corinne Murdock | On Wednesday, Senate President-elect Warren Petersen (LD-14) published his plan to help counter the burgeoning inflation crisis. Petersen declared that four approaches would relieve the pressure of rising costs to Arizonans: eliminating rental and...

Small Businesses Continue To Struggle To Fill Job Openings

Nov 7, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | The struggle to fill job openings continues for mom-and-pop enterprises and other small businesses across the country, according to a report issued Thursday by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). “The labor shortage remains a...

Higher Halloween Candy Prices Were Nothing Compared To Cost For Thanksgiving Dinner

Oct 31, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | Anyone who bought Halloween candy likely noticed the higher prices and fewer sales. Yet it appears to be just a prelude of things to come heading into Thanksgiving. https://twitter.com/RepDLesko/status/1586719572677120001 Avian flu outbreaks across...

Six U.S. Banks Served With Investigative Demands Over Their ESG Policies

Oct 21, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | Six U.S.-based global banking firms which participate in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices that seek to restrict investment in companies engaged in fossil fuel-related activities are under investigation by 19 states, it was...