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Report: State deficits loom despite stimulus
The federal government paid out all but $1 billion of the anticipated $49 billion in stimulus money for states and localities for fiscal 2009, a Congressional watchdog reported Sept. 23. But while stimulus dollars helped states patch holes in their budgets, "states will continue to be fiscally strained," the U.S. Government Accountability Office said in its latest bimonthly report of how 16 sel[...]
Valley leaders tout study quantifying impact of tourism downturn
You don't have to work at a resort or sell souvenirs to be hurt by the downturn in Arizona's tourism industry, a group of Valley leaders said Sept. 22. "Do you know a teacher, a police officer, a firefighter, a librarian?" Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said. "They're all dependent on tourism because of the sales and property tax it provides."
Brewer: Arizona’s international trade a strength despite recession
Aggressive, agile, smart. Arizona needs to be all of these to build on international business growth that has defied the economic downturn, Gov. Jan Brewer said Sept. 22. "Exports create jobs, and I encourage and applaud businesses that are ready to enter the global marketplace," Brewer said in her International State of the State Address to the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations.
State unemployment rate levels off – for now – as back-to-school jobs kick in
Arizona's unemployment rate remained fairly steady in August, dipping slightly to 9.1 percent as back-to-school jobs offset losses in retail and leisure and hospitality, the state Department of Commerce announced Sept. 17.
Financial Institutions agency seeks self-funding
The demands placed on the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions grew rapidly with the state's booming housing market, and haven't abated much with the subsequent bust. What's more, the state's crippling budget crisis has stripped the department of some of its resources at a time when it needs them most.
Commercial property owners file wave of tax appeals
Arizona residents and business owners who have seen their property values drop significantly during the past few years have filed what's expected to be a record number of appeals to challenge the valuations - and their tax burdens - set by their county assessors.
Nogales-area businesses banding together to bring customers back
NOGALES - Gael Sylvia Pullen said her McDonald's franchise a five-minute walk from the pedestrian port of entry here is doing pretty well, all things considered. But she only needs to look down the road, where a Wendy's, Sonic and Hometown Buffet have gone out of business since last fall, to find reason for concern.
States forgive penalties, reap late taxes
State legislators looking for extra money to balance their budgets are historically quick to forgive penalties for tax delinquents, provided they pay their back taxes during amnesty periods. Twelve states are offering programs this year, including two - Hawaii and Oregon - that are holding amnesties for the first time.
Road planners look at new interstate
Interstate 11 could someday be a major thoroughfare linking Phoenix and Las Vegas. I-11 would consist of 225 miles of improved U.S. 93 with about 150 miles of new freeway around the Phoenix area.
Department of Energy providing $9M for projects in AZ
The U.S. Department of Energy announced Sept. 14 that more than $9 million for energy efficiency and conservation projects is headed to Arizona. The money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is part of a plan that will send more than $354 million to 22 states for "green" energy projects.
Brewer, Alice Cooper urge Arizonans to dine out for the common good
Gov. Jan Brewer took the stage Sept. 10 with rocker and restaurateur Alice Cooper to convince Arizonans that dining out is good for the state.
Foreclosure law repealed: AZ bankers will continue to push for reform
A recently passed state law intended to help small Arizona banks recoup enormous financial losses incurred through waves of foreclosure was quietly stripped from statute as part of a budget agreement signed by Gov. Jan Brewer on Sept. 4.
