Civil Arizona Asked Me For Comments About State Spending and Jobs

Here are my Answers to www.civilarizona.org:

From Peggy Judd (Candidate for House LD 25)

(1) The level of state spending:
Spending increased proportionately with the explosive growth in Arizona in 2005 and 2006 however this growth has not only slowed, but Arizona's economy has taken a nose dive. We cannot allow this to go on and the current legislature worked very hard to cut the budget, but it wasn't enough. We will not be able to afford this budget, but will have to continue to turn down or shut off the faucets in many areas of state spending. I know it has been difficult on many government employees having mandatory furlough and cuts in benefits, but it is better in the long run to keep you jobs rather than to lose jobs as so many in the private sector have. Some of our rest areas, parks and recreation areas may need to remain closed and other items may fall into disrepair, but only temporarily we hope, while the economy truly recovers. Not because we pumped a lot of money in that we don't have, but because we provided funding to the businesses and organizations in this state in a manner that will encourage and grow the private industry; who, in turn, will pay taxes and spend money in the state and then fill the state coffers.

(2) The level of state revenues:
I know the state is still overspending and revenues raised by recent legislation, IE Proposition 100, will not begin to cover what it needed. I have one suggestion, that was made by a wise and thoughtful constituent and that is to initiate a Savings Bond Program. I will not ever vote to increase taxes and will work to lower corporate taxes to encourage business growth and new business, but I would like to see a voluntary program, such as Savings Bonds come into play. Arizona would not only get needed revenues, but participation in this program will instill a sense of renewed pride and ownership in the citizens. Hopefully, upon maturation, at least a small return on their investment will also be realized.

(3) Stimulating job growth:
There are too many government jobs and there is not enough private sector money coming in to pay for them. The government regulations and controls need to be lessened and then the need for additional clerks and assistants can be eliminated. I would suggest only by attrition, but eliminating the position as someone leaves and not rehiring is a non-evasive practice and just takes planning. This is opposite of job growth, I know, but it is one measure that allows for less spending to support the government. Therefore it becomes a way to pass savings to businesses as well as save them costs required for reporting, filing and regulating fees required to meet out of control government requirements.
Reducing business expenses in this way, as well as eliminating personal property taxes for business will give business more money to provide jobs. Giving them tax refunds and incentives when meeting prescribed new growth and increased hiring requirements, will provide more jobs in the private business sector. Corporations need to receive tax incentives and other advantages for moving to Arizona and Arizona needs to set a corporate tax rate that will be competitive with other western states, so we can attract these companies. We also cannot neglect our education system and our community infrastructure as well as local medical facilities. We cannot expect lower taxes, beautiful weather and sunsets alone to bring new businesses, industry and therefore jobs into our state.