Kevin McCarthy, Arizona Tax Research Association president, said dropping the break for historic homes won't necessarily give more money to schools. Given the way state law apportions taxes, it could mean lower taxes for other homeowners who are now subsidizing their historic neighbors.
[ATRA], a fiscally conservative organization once on record supporting the sales tax referral to the ballot, has since changed its position. Director Kevin McCarthy said the state has not done the hard work it needs to do to clamp down on spending, and he won't support any new revenues until that happens.
After adjusting for accounting tricks, state general-fund spending topped out at $10.5 billion in 2008, according to the Arizona Tax Research Association. After the last round of budget cuts, state general-fund spending is authorized at about $10 billion for this fiscal year, or a reduction of around 5 percent.
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Congressman Flake Receives the ATRA Watchdog
Award at the 2009 ATRA Outlook Conference
ATRA was honored to present the 2009 Watchdog Award to Congressman Jeff Flake in recognition of his tireless advocacy of taxpayers’ rights and his principled stands against wasteful spending in our nation’s capital.
In addition to Congressman Flake, the conference was addressed by Speaker Adams, President Burns, Democratic Leader Garcia, and State Treasure Dean Martin.