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Arizona Chamber of Commerce

Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Phoenix

Sales Tax Increase, Statement of Policy Preference

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the temporary sales tax increase as part of our comprehensive approach to resolving the state's fiscal and economic crisis, which is among the nation's most severe. In addition to this measure, the Arizona Chamber supports further sustained expenditure reductions, longer-term tax restructuring and job creation legislation as outlined in the Chamber's budget recommendations, and the implementation of a statewide debt policy.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that a temporary increase in the sales tax will serve as a bridge to reduce the need for borrowing and help lessen the amount of additional cuts to core state services. It also will reduce the possibility that Arizona simply becomes insolvent and is unable to pay its bills. Arizona has already cut more than $1 billion of annual expenditures, probably the most in our state's history. We have also been on a massive borrowing binge, which includes having essentially mortgaged our State Capitol. We will need to pay these borrowed funds back -- -- with interest.

In conjunction with a temporary sales tax increase, the Arizona Chamber believes that additional legislation is needed to retain and create jobs in Arizona. We must work to diversify our economy, which in the long run should help to resolve the state's structural deficit.

State Spending Levels, Statement of Policy Preference


Business Taxes, Statement of Policy Preference


Gambling Taxes, Statement of Policy Preference