See Civil Arizona Citizen Group membership information

Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association

John R. Rivers, President , Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

Sales Tax Increase, Statement of Policy Preference

The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) is an organization of hospitals and health systems dedicated to providing leadership on issues affecting the quality, delivery and access to healthcare. We recommend a "Yes" vote on Proposition 100 to ensure healthcare is available for those who need it the most. Rising enrollment in Arizona's Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona's Medicaid agency, has created even greater financial strain on an already growing budget deficit. Since 2004, Arizona's Medicaid system has added 475,000 new members and annual costs of nearly $1.5 billion to the state's General Fund. In just the past 12 months, it has grown by 207,800 members. Economists agree that hospitals are economic engines for the state. It makes no sense to weaken hospitals, particularly at this time when they could participate in Arizona's economic recovery.

A study conducted by the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University's L. William Seidman Research Institute demonstrated hospitals are significant contributors to the state's economy. They deliver $11.5 billion annually to Arizona's gross state product. Hospitals generate a total of 198,800 Arizona jobs, including 80,000 hospital employees and 118,800 jobs created as a result of hospital operations as well as the goods and services purchased by their employees. Hospital employees account for 7 percent of Arizona's wages and salaries. For the sake of those in need and the economic recovery of the state, we urge Arizona residents to vote Yes on Proposition 100.

State Spending Levels, Statement of Policy Preference


Business Taxes, Statement of Policy Preference


Gambling Taxes, Statement of Policy Preference