Arizona Tax Research Association
The taxpayer's watchdog for 70 years

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ATRA in the News: 2007

Guest Opinion: Legislature met many of its goals

East Valley Tribune
July 25, 2007
Senator Thayer Verschoor

Kevin McCarthy, president of the Arizona Tax Research Association, said, "The Legislature's enactment of this reform marks the most significant progress in decades to address Arizona's inequitable property tax burden. This promises to have a tremendous impact on capital expansion and job creation in our state."

'Pay later' approach hurts state taxpayers

The Arizona Republic
March 7, 2007
Senator Robert Burns

According to the Arizona Tax Research Association, state and local debt grew 49.9 percent from fiscal 2001 to 2006. In 2001, total state and local outstanding principal debt was $19.3 billion. By 2006, the total was $28.9 billion.

'Rainy day' raid appeals to some

The Arizona Republic
January 28, 2007
Mary Jo Pitzl

Rainy day funds exist to allow the state to operate in those kinds of dire economic times, she argues. Kevin McCarthy, executive director of the Arizona Tax Research Association, said road construction wasn't part of lawmakers' intent when they created the fund in 1990.

Napolitano unveils budget Borrowing called essential, given tax cuts

The Arizona Republic
January 13, 2007
Matthew Benson and Mary Jo Pitzl

Although lawmakers don't like the idea of a longer payback period for highway bonds, Kevin McCarthy of the Arizona Tax Research Association said Napolitano's call to change state law to allow for a 30-year bond period, up from 20, is not too worrisome. "It's not uncommon to finance debt at 30 years," he said.

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