Most state lawmakers insist they had no other choice than to borrow billions of dollars to keep Arizona government running during the past few years. The reality, however, is that they had a couple of options – they just didn’t like them.

With the state's budget crisis showing no signs of abating, voters on Nov. 2 will be electing a governor who could have a yearslong headache while trying to keep the state running and in the black amid a still unsteady economy.

Gov. Jan Brewer said she believes the state can balance its budget next session without another tax hike, but she didn't rule out the possibility. "I am hoping that we do not," Brewer said at a Sept. 30 press conference on the steps of the Executive Tower.

Most Arizonans know that the state faces dire fiscal problems. Yet, it is likely that few Arizonans have heard our state’s gubernatorial or legislative candidates talk about tax and budget policy solutions.

The Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on April 29, and the policy achievements of the 49th Legislature get a mixed review from a taxpayer’s perspective.

Half of the Senate won’t be coming back to the 30-person chamber in 2011. A majority of them face term limits and therefore cannot seek re-election. But some have decided to retire, for now at least.

Regardless of what happens to the Proposition 100 sales tax hike on May 18, Gov. Jan Brewer and the Arizona Legislature have a lot of work ahead of them.

An Arizona House committee is scheduled to consider a measure asking voters whether to increase the state's debt limit while requiring voter approval for debts backed by tax dollars.

A bill intended to reduce business and personal taxes would change significantly if a Senate committee adopts a strike-everything amendment that was agreed upon by leaders of both chambers.

The budget deal Republican lawmakers struck with the governor on June 26 includes $630 million in cuts, a dramatic change to a flat income tax system and a provision that will let voters decide this fall if a temporary sales tax increase should be used to bridge future deficits.