Governor Jan Brewer's Budget

Ah, the budget crisis. It seems like this is all anyone is talking about lately. Correction, this is all anyone is arguing about lately. It would be a shame if I weren't in on all of the commentary, so here we go.

I officially support Governor Brewer's budget proposal. Arizona is in trouble. Arizona is my home and part of my family, if my family member were in trouble, I would do all that I could to help it, and that absolutely includes me digging around in my couch cushions for an extra $1.20 a day or so for three years. That figure comes from a quote within the linked article where democratic lawmakers have estimated that a 1-cent-per-dollar increase in the state sales tax would cost the average Arizona family $438 a year.

No one likes to hear about the idea of taxes being raised, not even republicans or democrats, believe it or not. However, the truth of the matter is that we as Arizonans are facing a $4 billion deficit. That number affects us all just by living here. I for one do not want to see Arizona become a broke, fiscally ruined state like our neighbors in California.

Parts of Governor Jan Brewer's plan include:


- Nearly $1 billion in spending reductions, including about $360 million in cuts from this year that will be continued in 2010

- Using more than $800 million in federal assistance

- About $750 million in borrowing including selling future revenues from the state Lottery

- Conduct sale-leaseback deals on prisons and other state properties

- Push a payment for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System into the next fiscal year.

- The final element of the plan is a temporary, 1-percentage-point increase in the state sales tax. The increase is expected to generate about $1 billion a year and would expire after 36 months.


We can certainly all put aside our differences and do what is in the best interest of our beloved state, can't we? I am sure that many out there have their different opinions on where money should be spent, not spent, taxed, not taxed, etc. but, bottom line is, we are not in the same position that we have entrusted our lawmakers with. We have elected people to represent us, guide us and make the tough decisions. I don't envy the Governor and her staff their task, but I do support them.

For more articles on Governor Jan Brewer's budget plan, please take a look at:

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/06/02/20090602politics-phoenix0603.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/06/01/daily44.html