Senate approves film-industry tax credits
State lawmakers are moving to give away up to $150 million a year in hopes of luring the film industry to Arizona. SB1708, approved Thursday by the Senate on a... […]
Ducey denies he ordered Nike incentives withdrawn
Gov. Doug Ducey denied Tuesday that he unilaterally ordered the Commerce Authority to rescind a $1 million incentive that had been offered to Nike to locate a manufacturing plant in Goodyear.
Report: Arizona saw nation’s largest in-state tuition hikes
Arizona’s four-year public universities had the nation’s largest in-state tuition and fees increase over the past five years, according the nonprofit organization that oversees the SAT.
Solar storm
All eyes on Arizona as formal energy hearings begin
At the heart of Arizona’s battle over solar net metering systems is whether utilities can balance solar energy with the cost of maintaining the grid that delivers electricity to all users.
APS: $3.7 million spent on metering publicity
Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest energy company, told regulators Nov. 6 that its parent corporation has spent $3.7 million dollars to fight for a drastic reduction to a key rooftop solar incentive in Arizona.
Saving a railway
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s deal-closing fund became more of a deal-making fund during the 2013 legislative session, opening the possibility that more special projects could be in the agency’s future.
Time for a break? Some economists want Arizona to slow down on new incentives
Since the recession battered the economy in 2008, the state has dramatically increased the number of incentives it offers to companies that bring new jobs to Arizona. But after three years of tax credits, incentives and other policies aimed at jump-starting Arizona’s economy, some economists are saying the state should stop and take a breather.
Some say ‘incentives,’ others call them ‘bribes’
Like many public-private partnerships, the Arizona Commerce Authority will be responsible not only for attracting new businesses, but also for doling out incentives. Others say the incentives many states use to lure new companies ignore the needs of businesses already in the state, especially small businesses, while paying their competition to move in next door.
Arizona gets ‘D’ for transparency of business subsidies
Even as Arizona’s politicians are contemplating a slew of tax breaks to attract or retain companies, they might also want to ratchet up their efforts when it comes to disclosing the incentives the state gives to businesses.