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Forecast for Arizona economy shows gradual gains
A state economic projection for the next two years is favorable but tempered by continued weaknesses in construction, as Arizona makes a gradual pullout from the recession.
Senate OKs bill limiting state general funds
The Arizona Senate has given preliminary approval of a bill that would limit state government spending.
Deal-closing fund may be just the start for Commerce Authority
The $25 million deal-closing fund that forms a pillar of the new Arizona Commerce Authority is eye-catching, but may just be a drop in the bucket.
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.
Electorate’s message: No more stimulus packages
Simply put, the 2010 election results show that the American people (and Arizonans) know that government central planners cannot spend and stimulate our way out of recession and reject the notion that these same government workers are qualified to pick winners and losers in tax policy.
New tax legislation: Doom and gloom or just another bookkeeping task?
Are those nails scraping across a chalkboard, or is someone asking a small-business owner to do more tax reporting paperwork? It’s the latter, and Congress has mandated it with a 2012 start date.
Governor’s Office unsure about $18M small business lending initiative
Arizona may be eligible to receive an $18.2 million federal grant to provide credit to small businesses, but the Governor’s Office has yet to determine whether Arizona will seek the grant and some business representatives have cautioned that the money would have little effect.
Elimination of small-business tax cuts will have crippling effect
It is unfortunate that in a time when Arizona manufacturers need a consistent and positive message from Washington about economic policy, all we seem to hear is partisan bickering and a confusing and uncertain tax policy future.
