FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Governor Continues Unwillingness to Help Arizonans
Amid Crippling Inflation
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans share their extreme disappointment after the governor vetoed another tax cut bill that would have put more money back in hard-working Arizonans pockets while the cost of living remains historically high. Last month, the governor vetoed SB 1184 which would have eliminated rental tax, and today she vetoed SB 1063 which would have eliminated sales tax on groceries.
Over the past year, food prices have skyrocketed between 15% and 45% on many items Arizonans rely on to feed their families. Data shows that a family of four on a low-cost grocery budget currently spends about $1,000 per month on food. Right now, 65 cities and towns within Arizona levy a sales tax of up to 4% on food for home consumption.
"This veto is a disgraceful windfall for cities and an absolute gouge for families," said Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli who sponsored the bill. "We're not only paying inflated prices to feed our families, but we're also paying more in taxes as the cost of food rises. Food is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A tax on our groceries is regressive and hurts everyone. Over the next four fiscal years, cities and towns are estimated to receive an average of $2.3 billion per year in state-shared revenues, which is an increase of $844 million more than the average for the last four fiscal years. And yet the governor vetoed this bill, only padding cities’ bloated budgets instead of leaving more money in the wallets of hardworking taxpayers."
"Senate Republicans have been working toward introducing legislation necessary to provide financial relief to all Arizonans, especially low-income families who are feeling the tremendous burden of inflation," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "It's very clear the governor has no interest in helping with that financial burden."
The Majority Caucus will continue our mission to reduce costs for food and housing.
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For more information, contact:
Chierstin Susel
Deputy Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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