by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 5, 2025 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A bill to keep unwelcome tax increases away from unsuspecting Arizona taxpayers cleared its first body of the state legislature.
On Monday, the Arizona Senate passed SB 1013 with a 17-12 vote. One Democrat member of the chamber, Senator Burch, did not vote. All Senate Republicans voted to approve the legislation, while all Democrats in attendance voted in opposition.
If passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed into law, the bill would “prohibit the common council of a municipality or the board of supervisors of a county from increasing an assessment, tax or fee without a two-thirds vote of the governing body.”
In a statement accompanying the news of the Senate vote, President Warren Petersen, the sponsor of the bill, said, “I’ve received a number of concerns and complaints from Arizonans who are frustrated with recent hikes on taxes and fees, especially in this era of inflation. We want government to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars, and this is a step in the right direction. This commonsense taxpayer protection requires the same threshold from local governments as the Legislature when raising or imposing fees. We want to make sure government fully funds its obligations, but we also want to protect our citizens from unnecessary taxation.”
Last month, the proposal cleared the Senate Government Committee with a 4-3 vote. All Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while all Democrats registered votes in opposition in committee.
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona, Barry Goldwater Institute for Public Policy Research, Arizona Free Enterprise Club, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business, Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona, and Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, signed in to support the bill. Representatives from the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, City of Casa Grande, Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter, City of Bisbee, Coconino County, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, League of Arizona Cities and Towns, City of Tucson, signed in to oppose the legislation.
SB 1013 now makes its way to the Arizona House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the state House, it would then make its way to the Governor’s Office for its fate. Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, would likely veto the bill.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 31, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Senate Republicans are wasting no time in getting down to business in a new legislative session.
In the recent newsletter published by Arizona Senate Republicans, two legislators reported on the progress made by the caucus in advancing priorities and bills in the first few weeks of the 57th Regular Session.
Senator Janae Shamp wrote, “Senate Republicans have hit the ground running this session, and I’m thrilled to share the 2025 Senate Majority Plan to guide our efforts! With Arizona’s future in mind, our agenda is built on three unshakable pillars: Securing Our Cities from the Front Door to the Border, Preserving the American Dream in Arizona, and Embracing Federalism and State Sovereignty. We stand on the threshold of possibility, entrusted with a majority that carries the hopes and expectations of every Arizonan.
Shamp added, “This session offers an opportunity to reaffirm the principles that have made Arizona a beacon of freedom and prosperity. As Senate Majority Leader, I am fully committed to advancing these priorities for the benefit of all Arizonans. By the power of the Republican-led Legislature, Arizonans can expect fiscal responsibility and commonsense bills to make it to the Governor’s desk this year. Together, we will remain unified in protecting the freedoms and constitutional rights of every citizen in Arizona.”
Senator Wendy Rogers reported on some of the key bills that her colleagues had already taken action on in various committees across the chamber. She said, “We’ve had a number of Senate bills pass out of their respective committees over the past two weeks. This is an important step in the legislative process because it allows the public and stakeholders to weigh in on legislation. As Chair of the Judiciary & Elections Committee, I’m happy to report SB 1011 passed and continues its journey through the Senate. This will provide voters results on election night, alleviating a lot of frustration and increasing confidence in the system.”
The northern Arizona lawmaker also shared the progress of three additional bills, saying, “My bill, SB 1015, passed out of Government Committee. This legislation prohibits a city, town, or county from imposing a tax or fee on the use of blockchain technology. Additionally, SB 1013 passed out of Government Committee. This bill requires a two-thirds vote of support from a local government before taxes and fees can be raised, or before new taxes can be imposed. In Senate Health Committee, SB 1076 passed and would provide newborn screening for early detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”
Supporters says that despite a divided state government shared with Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, Senate Republicans have deftly managed to defend Arizona’s interests against the chief executive’s attempts to proliferate her radical agenda. They – and Arizona House Republicans – are being counted upon yet again to stand up to Hobbs and to advance key priorities that affect the state’s future.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
