Steve Yarbrough

Steve Yarbrough

Yarbrough, Steve (Republican)

Phone: (480) 897-1060

Email: sby@acsto.org

1086 W. Armstrong Way, Chandler, AZ 85286

Age: 62 (8/26/47, Las Cruces, NM).

Arizona since: 1963.

Occupation: Executive director, Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization since 1998; attorney, Yarbrough & Dunn since 1972; student affairs administrator, ASU 1971-75; instructor, Mesa C.C., 1975-77.

Marital: Married (Linda).

Children: 3.

Religious preference: Evangelical Christian.

Education: J.D., ASU, 1971; Bachelor’s degree, finance, ASU, 1968.

Political experience: Precinct committeeman; ran for Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board; AZ House 2003-10.

Memberships have included: ASU Alumni Association, board of directors; Faith Community Church, Chandler; Kiwanis Club; Legislative Subcommittee, Domestic Relations Reform Study; State Bar of AZ; State Bar Association Family Law Section; Valley Christian High School Board.

Issues:

Political influence: Philosophically, I would say Barry Goldwater. When we moved to Arizona, I picked up his new book, “Conscience of a Conservative.” I was a junior in high school, and it turned me into a conservative.

Budget recommendations: I think we have to address the AHCCCS eligibility issue. When the people voted to liberalize the eligibility, they expected the tobacco tax money to pay for it. What occurred was not what I believe the voters anticipated.

Other concerns: I continue to be invested in what I would consider the pro-family agenda, whether that’s pro-life, pro-school choice, pro-religious liberties. Also, public safety issues, which includes illegal immigration and a lot more.

Fiscal philosophy: Labels can be deceptive, but I would describe it as conservative. I realize reasonable people may disagree as to what that means, but that is my fiscal philosophy. I think we’ve exhausted borrowing options and we’re starting to face debt service issues from the borrowing.

Background & experience: I don’t want to make too much out of being a practicing attorney, but a lot of the skills do transfer into being an effective legislator. To be an effective attorney, you have to have a lot of negotiating skills and working with people.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I voted twice to let the people decide, so I’m conflicted. Personally, I voted against it, but I thought the people were the ones who should decide.

Pro-life/pro-choice: I am strongly pro-life. If you really had a situation where the life of the mother was in danger, I could understand making an exception.

One last thing: I have quite a passion for reforms that will improve student academic achievement for all students. I hold to the view that increased competition and meaningful school choice will advance student academic achievement.

Campaign Finance: private.