ECONOMY
U.S. Inflation Eases To 2.39% Year-Over-Year In January 2026
By Ethan Faverino | The Joint Economic Committee released its Monthly Inflation Update for January 2026 last week, highlighting a modest cooling in consumer price pressures as headline inflation declined below expectations. According to data from the Bureau of Labor...
Study Shows Small Business Optimism Remaining Above 52-Year Average
By Ethan Faverino | The latest survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reveals that small business optimism in the U.S. dipped slightly at the start of 2026. The Small Business Optimism Index declined by just 0.2 points in January to 99.3,...
House Committee Advances Bill To Clear Path For Small Nuclear Reactors In Rural Arizona
By Matthew Holloway | Legislation aimed at easing regulatory barriers for next-generation nuclear power projects in rural Arizona advanced last week after clearing a key House committee. The House Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee approved House Bill...
GOP Lawmakers Advance Broad Package To Lower Gas Prices And Protect Ratepayers
By Ethan Faverino | Arizona House Republicans on the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee have taken action to address skyrocketing gas prices and utility bills, passing a sweeping package of bills designed to lower fuel costs, enhance energy reliability,...
Goldwater Institute Warns Local Regulation Could Threaten Arizona’s Data Center Growth
By Matthew Holloway | Arizona’s growing role as a national hub for data centers could be undermined by municipal regulations driven by concerns over water use, electricity demand, and land use, according to a new policy report released by the Goldwater Institute. The...
U.S. Trade Deficit Widens In November Despite Year-Over-Year Improvement
By Ethan Faverino | According to the Joint Economic Committee, the United States recorded a total trade deficit of $56.82 billion in November 2025. This figure represented a substantial monthly increase of $27.62 billion from the revised October level, reflecting a...
Sen. Carroll Urges Congress To Clarify EPA Authority, Warns Of Economic Impact On Arizona
By Matthew Holloway | Arizona Senate Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28) introduced a measure on Tuesday, urging the U.S. Congress to clearly define and limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulatory authority. Carroll and his cosponsors argue that...
Republican Lawmaker Introduces “No Tax On Concrete” Bill To Help Water Conservation
By Ethan Faverino | Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez (R-LD16) introduced House Bill 2826, which would exempt materials such as concrete, used in the improvement and maintenance of agricultural irrigation canals, from Arizona’s transaction privilege tax on...
Lawmaker Says C-PACE Program Would Boost Investment Without Raising Taxes
By Matthew Holloway | Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez (R-LD16) is leading legislation to establish a Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) program in Arizona, aiming to expand private investment, modernize infrastructure, and support...
Rep. Biasiucci Introduces Legislation To Prohibit Local Taxes On Essential Food Items
By Ethan Faverino | Arizona State Representative Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) has introduced House Bill 2839, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit cities and towns across Arizona from imposing transaction privilege taxes or similar local taxes on food items that are...
Congressional Republicans Report Inflation Holding Steady
By Staff Reporter | The Republican faction of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee (JEC) reported inflation as “hold[ing] steady” in its monthly update released last week. JEC Republicans reported in a press release accompanying the update that the Consumer...
Rep. Willoughby Proposes Summer Gas Tax Suspension In Maricopa, Pinal Counties
By Matthew Holloway | Arizona House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby (R-LD13) has introduced legislation to temporarily suspend the state gasoline tax in Maricopa and Pinal counties during the summer months, citing higher fuel costs tied to air-quality regulations....
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