Friday, August 1, 2008
Gov Backs Tax Hike
From the Arizona Free Enterprise Club:
Napolitano Backs Two Tax Hikes as Arizona Economy Struggles ~
Sales tax increase would add $1.2 billion and property taxes another $250 million
annually in new tax burden.
Phoenix, AZ – Steve Voeller, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, today warned
Arizonans to brace for a heavy tax burden in 2010. Against the backdrop of a slowing economy,
a $1.5 billion deficit next year, and billions more in total state debt, Gov. Napolitano is
supporting two major tax increases.
This year the governor vetoed a bill that would have prevented a statewide property tax
increase from coming back on the books in 2009. Without further action, a property tax cut that
passed in 2006 will return next year at a cost of $250 million a year.
In her veto message, Napolitano said that making the tax cut permanent would “be the
height of fiscal irresponsibility.” Soon thereafter, the governor signed a budget into law that
added $2 billion in new debt, including $1 billion in university construction that is financed by a
planned expansion of the Arizona lottery.
The governor is also the lead proponent of a new statewide sales tax increase for various
transportation projects, grants to non-profit organizations, and wildlife habitat preservation (the
TIME initiative). This tax would add $1.2 billion annually to the Arizona tax burden beginning
in 2010. The new state sales tax rate would be 6.6 percent (a 17.8 percent increase) and would
give Arizona the fifth-highest sales tax rate in the country.
“Arizona’s economy just had one of the worst quarters in recent history and an
unemployment rate jump not seen since 1991,” Voeller said. “The last thing we need now is
a tax increase.”
According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Arizona personal income grew by
3.8 percent in the first quarter, the slowest growth rate since October 2003. On an annualized
basis, Arizona personal income growth ranked 42nd in the nation.
“You can’t tax your way to prosperity,” Voeller said. “What our economy needs now
is a freeze on all tax increases and a serious dose of spending restraint.”
Napolitano Backs Two Tax Hikes as Arizona Economy Struggles ~
Sales tax increase would add $1.2 billion and property taxes another $250 million
annually in new tax burden.
Phoenix, AZ – Steve Voeller, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, today warned
Arizonans to brace for a heavy tax burden in 2010. Against the backdrop of a slowing economy,
a $1.5 billion deficit next year, and billions more in total state debt, Gov. Napolitano is
supporting two major tax increases.
This year the governor vetoed a bill that would have prevented a statewide property tax
increase from coming back on the books in 2009. Without further action, a property tax cut that
passed in 2006 will return next year at a cost of $250 million a year.
In her veto message, Napolitano said that making the tax cut permanent would “be the
height of fiscal irresponsibility.” Soon thereafter, the governor signed a budget into law that
added $2 billion in new debt, including $1 billion in university construction that is financed by a
planned expansion of the Arizona lottery.
The governor is also the lead proponent of a new statewide sales tax increase for various
transportation projects, grants to non-profit organizations, and wildlife habitat preservation (the
TIME initiative). This tax would add $1.2 billion annually to the Arizona tax burden beginning
in 2010. The new state sales tax rate would be 6.6 percent (a 17.8 percent increase) and would
give Arizona the fifth-highest sales tax rate in the country.
“Arizona’s economy just had one of the worst quarters in recent history and an
unemployment rate jump not seen since 1991,” Voeller said. “The last thing we need now is
a tax increase.”
According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Arizona personal income grew by
3.8 percent in the first quarter, the slowest growth rate since October 2003. On an annualized
basis, Arizona personal income growth ranked 42nd in the nation.
“You can’t tax your way to prosperity,” Voeller said. “What our economy needs now
is a freeze on all tax increases and a serious dose of spending restraint.”
Thursday, July 31, 2008
District III Endorsements
Martin Swanty
Al & Alice Gray
Mike & Kathie Schuler
Dori Meadows
Gerald Winsko
Ann Howe
Lori Dee Doefler
Catching Up ~ Fun in Flagstaff
Hello from Flagstaff! Wow, is it gorgeous here...and quite a bit cooler!
Frank, my parents, and I packed our campers and headed to Flagstaff on Tuesday evening as I was the guest speaker at the Grand Canyon State Electrical Co-Op Association's annual summer conference luncheon yesterday. We are camping at a local KOA, enjoying the change in scenery...the guys especially are relishing the respite from pounding campaign signs.
After my speech we visited the Museum of Northern Arizona where we learned much about the geology, anthropology, fine art, and biology of Arizona. There was also a dinosaur exhibit as well as a fascinating exhibit honoring Native American Code Talkers. Today we are driving out to Sunset Crater, the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau.
I have been awarded two more endorsements:
Sonoran Alliance
Arizona Technology Council
Ciao for now!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
AZ Right to Life Endorsements
I am excited to learn that I once again, received an endorsement from Arizona Right to Life. Click the title of this post for the complete list of endorsements for most state-wide offices.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
NRA Endorsement
Returning home from Bullhead City, I rushed out to check the mail. (As much as I use email predominately for communication, nothing compares to recieving good old-fashion snail mail, in my opinion.) I was ecstatic when I read the printing on a small-sized bright orange postcard. One side of the postcard exclaimed "ELECTION ALERT". The flip side held the held this message:VOTE FREEDOM FIRST IN THE SEPTEMBER 2 PRIMARY ELECTION!
Dear Arizona NRA Member,
Tuesday, September 2 is a Primary Election Day. Your National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (www.NRAPVF.org) has endorsed Trish Groe and Nancy McClain for re-election in State House District 3.
The postcard mentions that I am an "A" rated lawmaker, that I have been a strong advocate for the Second Amendment, and have helped pass numerous bills critically important to Arizona gun owners. I am also credited for co-sponsoring HB 2629, which would have clarified defensive display of a firearm, and HB 2630, which would have made carrying a concealed weapon a petty offense instead of a misdemeanor.
If you are a registered voter, you are eligible to participate in this election! Be sure to spread the word to your family, friends, and fellow gun owners to re-elect Trish Groe!
Sincerely, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, http://www.nrail.org/
On the Road with Team Groe
Yesterday Team Groe, comprised of my husband Frank, my wonderful parents and myself, headed out to Bullhead City for the last of the sign installation. As we drove towards our destination, the heavens opened up and the rain fell. HARD. Thankfully, Team Groe is a very dedicated bunch and we pressed on towards the goal ~ an empty truck bed. (We could not stop at our eventual destination, the Sam's Club with the truck loaded up with signs; there would be no room for the important purchases of STUFF we NEED.)
* A very special thanks to a Team Groe member not featured in these photos ~ my mother, the faithful (and talented) photographer!
* A very special thanks to a Team Groe member not featured in these photos ~ my mother, the faithful (and talented) photographer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
