The Economy

Arizona is currently mired in a major recession.  Housing, construction, and manufacturing have been particularly hard hit.  Arizona’s unemployment rate has almost doubled in the last year.  That being said, Arizona’s economy can still find growth again.   National and International economic conditions remain rocky, but Arizona can attract existing business and Arizona can create new business with a series of growth initiatives that Robert Graham has outlined.

Arizona has many things going for it.  The state is rich in natural resources.  The state is an important pathway for domestic and international trade.  Arizona has a skilled workforce fed by top quality universities.  And until recently, Arizona’s economy has been growing rapidly.

Arizona needs to make our state’s business climate more attractive for investment if we want to add jobs that are long term and stable, high paying and high skill.  Arizona must have a legal climate that limits frivolous lawsuits.  Arizona must have low taxes.  Arizona must have great schools, both K-12 and colleges.  Arizona must have an affordable quality of life.  Arizona must have infrastructure that meets companies’ needs. Arizona must utilize natural resources effectively and efficiently.  Finally, Arizona must have a regulatory climate that promotes business, not one that discourages new innovation by putting up needless obstacles.

Some politicians believe the answer to our current economic problems is to raise taxes. While that might provide some short term fiscal relief, raising taxes takes money out of Arizonans’ hands that they need to be spending now and as the nation and the world economies begin to emerge from the current recession; these higher taxes will discourage future growth.  By putting Arizona out front with our growth initiatives, Arizonans can get back to work and we can fix the current budget crisis. 

Robert Graham's Position - Change and Progress

Arizona has many things going for it.  The state is rich in natural resources.  The state is an important pathway for domestic and international trade.  Arizona has a skilled workforce fed by top quality universities.  And until recently, Arizona’s economy has been growing rapidly.  National and International economic conditions remain rocky, but Arizona can attract existing business looking to relocate and Arizona can create new business with a series of growth initiatives.

• Arizona needs to make our state’s business climate more attractive for investment if we want to add jobs that are long term and stable, high paying and high skill. 

• Arizona must have a legal climate that limits frivolous lawsuits. 

• Arizona must have low taxes, both personal and corporate to compete with Nevada, Texas and other states. 

• Arizona must have a regulatory climate that promotes business and entrepreneurialism, not one that discourages new innovation by putting up needless obstacles.
  

While the number of jobs in Arizona has returned to 2006 levels, our population continues to grow.  Arizona’s population grew by an estimated 300,000 people between 2006 and 2008 which was second only to Texas in net domestic migration.  Arizona must add jobs and the only way to do that is by having a pro-business environment that encourages growth.  We need tax reform now.   We need Robert Graham to put Arizona out Front!