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Let’s unpack the debate of local control, it deserves scrutiny
For the most part, the proponents of “local control” for cities and counties hang their hat on the explanation that the superior government is always the one closer to the people. This argument it is rarely explored, explained, or expounded upon further than a convenient slogan meant to excuse government overreach and conflate the idea of federalism with granting more power to local government[...]
Number of jobs grows as Trump tears down 1,579 regulations
We finally have a president who knows what it takes for a business to succeed in this country, and who won’t bow to political pressure. Just look at the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act where individuals and businesses are benefiting tremendously.
The work ahead for Arizona’s water future
Reaching a lasting accord on these challenges is not done by one group working the process alone, but by all of us working together to eliminate uncertainty and strengthen our state’s negotiating posture as we prepare to meet the demands of growth.
Bill creates needed framework to tax digital goods and software
Did anyone else notice their bill for cloud storage went up last year because a sales tax (TPT) suddenly appeared? As an association who follows state tax law closely, we wondered what law or rule changed. It turns out nothing changed. Bureaucrats at the state simply decided to start taxing the cloud.
Tax exemption for digital goods will leave 9-figure budget hole
But this week, the Legislature proposes to take away at least another $183 million of tax revenue per year without any potential for future economic benefit. Unlike other tax reductions approved by the Legislature in recent years, eliminating the transaction privilege tax, or TPT, on digital goods doesn’t help the state attract one new job or encourage one business to relocate.
Taxing sugary beverages lowers consumption, improves public health
It should come as no surprise that the February 23 guest commentary, “Taxpayers shouldn’t feel bubbly about taxing sugary beverages” by Thomas Aiello, was penned by a Washington D.C. lobbyist, not someone with expertise in public health who is watching the state Legislature preemptively push back on local control in a reactive versus proactive manner.
Misleading House resolution would gut Clean Elections
If there’s one thing virtually all voters agree on, it’s that money has too much influence on our politics while people’s voices have too little. HCR 2007 is just another step toward empowering the wealthiest interests to control our state. As it heads to the Senate, legislators should stop and think about whether they want to side with the voters, or join a stealth assault on this popular a[...]
Mining reform America and Arizona need would protect the environment
The president and Secretary Zinke are wrong to direct our government to reduce community input in mining decisions. Our communities need up-to-date mining laws that protect our families, our water and our future.
Politicians should stop invading our privacy and reject SB1394
The state of Arizona has already laid out a better path to decreasing the abortion rate – expansion of health care, and making excellent contraceptives available to more women. That is the patient-centered, evidence-based model we endorse, and one the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists would like to see duplicated in every state.
‘Lack of funding’ only answer as tragic school shootings mount
I can’t begin to imagine the horror and grief that a school, district or community must go through when one of these shootings takes places. But equally tragic will be the answer to the question of “Why was more not done to protect our children” and the only response was “A lack of funding.”
Bill will ‘rocket’ foster children toward family life
SB1452 serves the demands of justice because timeliness is everything. Just ask John who has been waiting 17 years for a family.
Time has come to save mentally ill inmates from solitary confinement
The time has long passed for this relic of Sheriff Arpaio’s regime to be closed down. Sheriff Penzone has shown he is willing to reform the jail to bring it in line with sound correctional practices, and to enhance public safety. The next step on this path is to shutter the SMU.
