Economy - AZ FREE NEWS

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...

Resolution Copper’s Plans to Mine Delayed Again

Sep 19, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | A 26-page report detailing multiple concerns with last year’s environmental review of Resolution Copper’s plans to mine in and around the Tonto National Forest means the company won’t be securing its required permits anytime soon. Water was the...

Arizona Most Impacted by Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Sep 18, 2022

By Corinne Murdock | Arizona has the highest inflation rate in the country — making this state the number one victim of President Joe Biden’s inflation crisis. The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area suffers from 13 percent inflation, according to the latest...

Flagstaff to Increase Minimum Wage to Nearly $17 an Hour

Sep 15, 2022

By Corinne Murdock | Come January, Flagstaff will increase its minimum wage from $15.50 to $16.80 an hour, and from $13 to 14.80 an hour for tipped employees. Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy shared the news on Tuesday....

August Bankruptcy Filings in Arizona Hit Highest Mark Of Year

Sep 5, 2022

By Terri Jo Neff | Financial eyes are focused on data recently released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona showing August had the highest number of new filings this year, while also being the first month of 2022 to have more new filings than the...