MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsay Hansen
PR Consultant
(C): 480.205.6195
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 8, 2024
The Greater Phoenix Chamber (the Chamber) announces its legislative priorities for the Second Regular Session of Arizona’s 56th Legislature. This session, the Chamber is continuing to protect businesses against harmful mandates, ensuring that Arizona has the economic development tools to continue to succeed, and a structurally balanced budget.
“The Chamber’s utmost goal is to advocate and prioritize policies this session to put Arizona in the spotlight as a leader in national and global economies,” said Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber.
Serving as a unified voice for 2,400 member businesses at each level of government, the Chamber’s public affairs team advocates for pro-business and pro-growth policies on behalf of its members. “The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s 2024 legislative agenda reflects the priorities of our members—first and foremost, we want to ensure that businesses have the tools they need to navigate through the current economic challenges,” said Mike Huckins, senior vice president of public affairs and IT operations for the Chamber.
Opposing harmful mandates on businesses
The Chamber will continue to oppose efforts that place harmful mandates on businesses. Small, medium, and large businesses should have the peace of mind to know they have the power to make decisions that are in the best interest of the business owners, operators, and employees. In recent years, there have been numerous attempts at putting measures into place that would affect how a business makes choices, whether related to healthcare, workplace policies, or the right for a business to not accept cash.
We encourage lawmakers to avoid placing undue burdens on businesses trying to navigate a post-pandemic world and rather promote policies that continue the growth and success of Arizona’s thriving environment that so many have sought out for their endeavors as business owners and operators.
Economic Development Tools
Arizona has grown over recent decades and has lent itself to attracting successful businesses through its targeted economic development and pro-business environment. The Chamber will continue to support and encourage policies at the state capitol that will ensure Arizona remains at the forefront of innovation and growth. We applaud the efforts of our state lawmakers who have promoted pro-business taxes, lowered costs for employers and employees in their everyday lives, and invested monies in companies that are moving to Arizona for a successful future.
The Chamber will support the continuation of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) as their statutory audit and sunset process goes before the legislature this session. The ACA has been instrumental in Arizona’s success by attracting new businesses, major events such as the Super Bowl and the Waste Management Open, and promoting the shared economic impacts made by public-private partnerships.
Structurally balanced state budget
The Chamber encourages lawmakers to maintain a structurally balanced budget while also supporting initiatives that aim to aid businesses during the current economic challenges. The Chamber commends the legislature for a fiscally responsible budget in 2023 and for providing sufficient funding for state services, such as education and infrastructure. While there is a budget shortfall that will likely impact many one-time spending investments for the state, the Chamber encourages lawmakers to make necessary cuts while remaining pragmatic with funding vital agencies and programs that keep everyday Arizonans and their businesses on the top of their minds.
For more information on the Chamber’s legislative priorities, please review the 2024 Public Policy Guide.
Mike Huckins, sr. vice president of public affairs and IT operations for the Greater Phoenix Chamber is available for interviews or to answer specific questions. Please get in touch with Lindsay Hanson to schedule.
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About the Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing 2,400 businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber promotes regional prosperity by serving as a catalyst for economic vitality and strong communities. The Chamber pursues this mission by collaborating with business, political, and community leaders to grow the regional talent pool, create a regional approach to economic development, and drive a pro-Arizona agenda.
Follow online:
@phxchamber
@GPCpolicy
facebook.com/phxchamber
Learn more:
www.phoenixchamber.com
[email protected]
602.495.2195
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