Arizona’s new governor and Legislature will face state revenues that lag far behind current expenditures. Some legislators and interest groups claim that spending cuts are the only way to balance the budget. This is not true. Arizona does have budget choices.
These choices include collecting more of the taxes that are already owed, eliminating tax deductions and tax credits that no longer serve their intended purpose, or suspending new tax cuts that are scheduled to be phased in.
By strengthening revenue collections, Arizona can avoid severe cuts to health, safety, education and security of children and families. Despite the huge budget deficit, the growing needs of Arizona families, and a significant percentage of state revenue specifically allocated by voter initiatives, Arizona has financial options and is not forced to dismantle critical services.
Children’s Action Alliance calls on legislators and the governor to look at both sides of the ledger as they work to balance the budget. We understand that some services may have to be suspended or some programs combined. But we urge elected officials to consider all the fiscal alternatives and understand the human impact before making cuts that will cause long?term harm.
— Karen McLaughlin is director of budget and research for the Children’s Action Alliance.