Tucson Metro Chamber Releases Arizona Legislature Report Card

Tucson Metro Chamber Releases  Arizona Legislature Report Card

The Tucson Metro Chamber is proud to release its Arizona Legislature Report Card for the second session of the 52nd legislature.  The report card reflects the voting records of Southern Arizona’s legislators on pro-business policies on which the Chamber advocated a position.  To access the report card, click HERE or visit tucsonchamber.org/reportcards.

The second session of the 52nd legislature was significantly longer at 117 days (2015 was 81), and featured a few substantial policy surprises.  Of the 21 legislators from Southern Arizona, only two voting records aligned 75% or better with the Chamber, a stark decrease from 2015 when eight scored 75% or better.

For the second year in a row, structurally balancing the budget was the top priority at the Capitol.  With the bare-bones budget passed in 2015 and higher than expected revenues, it became apparent early on that Arizona would be able to enact a balanced budget, restore cuts from previous budgets and increase funding to some programs.  JTED restoration quickly emerged as the premier issue from the business community and through some bi-partisan support and good maneuvering, the majority of JTED funds were restored along with some program changes.  KidsCare was also restored with bi-partisan support, as well as increased investment in education and infrastructure.

2016 was successful, with 72% of the Chamber-supported bills being acted on in favor of the Chamber’s position by the governor.  In coordination with other groups, the Chamber successfully worked to pass tax reforms which will spur job creation, protected the ability of business to manage the workplace, enabled increased trade and supported legislation to keep businesses on an even playing field, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

Advocacy at the State Legislature is a priority of the Tucson Metro Chamber.  We work with the Southern Arizona delegation to ensure business interests are represented at the Capitol during each legislative session.  Bills passed by the legislature have a direct impact on our investors as well as the general health and vitality of the local economy.

The Arizona Legislature Report Card was also published in the summer issue of the Tucson Metro Chamber’s magazine, The Chamber Edge.  You may also access the report card at any time by visiting the Chamber’s website, TucsonChamber.org, and utilizing the Advocacy tab.

If you have any questions please contact Robert Medler, vice president of government affairs, at 792-2250 x 129 or rmedler@tucsonchamber.org.