Last Week at the Legislature
Monday, January 16, 2023
Keeping You Informed
The Arizona State Legislature is now in session, and the policies we make over the next few months about schools, water, housing, healthcare and taxes in Arizona will affect all of us. It's my great honor to serve as your representative in the State House, and I want to let you know what's happening.
Reducing Taxes on Corporations?
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was disappointed to see that the first and only bill we heard last week was a proposal to reduce corporate taxes. It passed out of committee and is headed to the Senate. Here's why I voted NO.
This proposal would cost Arizona $1.8 Billion in projected revenue over the next four years. Next year alone, it would reduce state revenue by $223 million, and we’re only expected to have $140 million in on-going revenue. So this cut would immediately send us into the red. That's not responsible.
Also, over 70% of Arizona corporations already pay less than $50 per year in income tax in our state. Even conservative Arizona economist Jim Rounds opposes more cuts for corporations.
If we want to grow our economy, we should be investing in workforce development and addressing the urgent need for solutions to our water and affordable housing crises.
My First Bills
This past Thursday, Jan 5 was the first deadline for submitting bills. I was proud to co-sponsor three separate bills to lift the outdated school spending limit. Lifting this 1980-era cap would not raise a penny in taxes. It would simply let schools actually use the money already in their accounts.
Based on input from many of you, I also submitted bills proposing
A professional development grant for schools with high turnover rates to hire a staff development person who would help retain new teachers by helping them succeed,
A school mental health professionals academy that would provide university scholarships to ensure we have a ready supply of school counselors, psychologists, and social workers,
An annual cap of 5% plus the cost of living on rent unless substantial improvements have been made to a property,
A referral to let voters decide whether cities should have their local control restored so they can make their own rules about short term vacation rentals
Better ways to crack down on abuse and neglect in long term care facilities, and
Policies to stop hospitals that have bought up doctors’ practices from adding facility fees to a patient's bill.
Yuma Agricultural Tour for Legislators
I really enjoyed the Yuma Agricultural Council tour this past Thursday and Friday. I learned that Yuma farmers produces 90% of lettuce to the US between November and April, about a billion pounds a month. So, our entire nation depends on them. Also,
About 8,000 farmworkers wait three hours each morning to cross the San Luis Border Station so they can pick our food.
Farmers follow strict food safety protocols (hence, the hairnet).
The rich Colorado River soil requires deep irrigation to keep the salt from affecting our food.
While Yuma farmers have among the oldest water rights in AZ with the highest priority, they are especially concerned about using smart conservation methods.
PalomaDairy.com in Gila Bend is converting the methane produced by their 8,000 cows to renewable natural gas through a Digester system.
Governor Hobbs' Budget: An Arizona for Everyone
It was a breath of fresh air to see Governor Hobbs invitation to "work together to make a significant impact in the lives and communities of this state today and for years to come." Her budget focuses on what Arizonans need: lowering costs and investing in public education, securing our water future, tackling the affordable housing crisis, and other real issues that are holding back too many.
The game-changing investments in her proposed budget tell me that she's putting everyday Arizonans first. We'll be discussing more details this week - and in the months ahead, but I believe this is a strong start.
Keeping You Informed
Mark your calendar for the 4th Thursday evening at 7 pm each month! That's when I hope you'll join me for a Zoom Town Hall to keep you informed of the latest news from your legislature, and answer your questions.RSVP here to attend on Thursday, Jan 26 at 7 pm.
Great Sources
Ever feel like you're not hearing about news from the legislature that is affecting you? Here are some great sources. Check them out!
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting's "The Weekly". Last year lawmakers introduced over 1,700 bills. The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. That's why founding editor Melinda Merkel Iyer created the CEBV Weekly, a condensed, easy-to-follow overview that highlights notable bills each session. Sign up here to get her updates by email every Sunday morning during the session.
The Arizona Mirror is also one of my favorite online publications. It's an independent, nonprofit news organization working to connect public policy with the people it affects.