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Golf Tournament Impact
The 2025 WM Phoenix Open has wrapped up, but its impact on Arizona’s economy continues long after the final putt. According to a new report from Common Sense Institute (CSI), the tournament generates $407 million in statewide GDP and supports nearly 9,000 jobs each year
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Small Business Owners Say Economic Uncertainty Growing
State legislators are being urged to take action to ease the increasing economic uncertainty felt by small business owners. The latest Small Business Optimism Index, released today by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), indicates a decline of 2.1 points in February, bringing the index to 100.7.
“Inflation and costs continue to plague small business operators in Arizona,” said Chad Heinrich, state director for NFIB in Arizona. “We continue to look toward our state legislators in the current session to do everything they can to reduce costs for small business owners.”
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More Owners Report Labor Costs as a Top Business Problem,
Hiring Challenges Continue
NFIB’s February jobs report found that 38% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in February, up three points from January and the highest reading since August 2024. A seasonally adjusted net of 15% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down three points from January.
“Over half of Main Street firms reported hiring or trying to hire in February, but with little success,” said Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Meanwhile, consistent compensation increases continue to put pressure on small business owners as they look for qualified workers to fill their many open positions.”
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U.S. Chamber Poll: American Voters Want Permanent Tax Relief
So many do not feel like the economy is working for us. We continue to see prices rise and feel homeownership is increasingly out of reach. To create the future we want, policymakers must pursue policies that will significantly boost America’s growth. Smart tax reforms will help.
The latest: Making the tax reforms passed in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent is good policy and good politics, with a strong majority of American voters supporting this, a new U.S. Chamber survey finds.
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Deadline nears for ‘Real ID’ requirement; Make sure your ID complies
Twenty years ago, in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, U.S. Congress passed more stringent ID requirements if you want to travel by plane.
Now, those requirements are finally going into place, and you have two months to upgrade before the TSA requires them.
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Treasury Announces Braod Roll-Back of CTA
The Treasury Department is announcing that, concerning the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either. The Treasury Department will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. Treasury takes this step in the interest of supporting hard-working American taxpayers and small businesses and ensuring that the rule is appropriately tailored to advance the public interest.
AFamilies and Businesses Struggle with Tariffs
Tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have a real, devastating impact on American businesses of all sizes, as well as on workers and consumers. The 25% tariffs on most goods from two of the top U.S. trading partners are creating uncertainty and financial strain, particularly for businesses that rely on imported materials
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Tourism Improvement Area -HB 2873
Arizona’s tourism industry is a powerhouse, driving economic growth, supporting nearly 180,000 jobs, and generating billions in tax revenue. Yet, our state lacks the funding mechanisms many others use to stay competitive.
Support of HB2873, which would authorize the creation of Tourism Improvement Areas (TIAs)—a proven model that boosts tourism, attracts visitors and drives economic benefits without burdening local taxpayers.
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Governor Vetos Early Tabulations Bill
Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed her first bill of the legislative session. The bill modifies the deadlines and methods by which a voter may return their voted early ballot in person and allows for on-site tabulation during the period of early voting, including during the weekend and Monday before the election. The bill establishes the following methods by which a voter may return their voted early ballot:
a) mailing the voted early ballot to the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections by 7:00 PM on election day;
b) delivering the voted early ballot to the office of the County Recorder or officer in charge of elections by 7:00 PM on election day; or
c) depositing the voted early ballot at any voting location in the county by 7:00 PM on the Friday before election day.
In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs stated the bill restricts citizens' freedom to vote and disenfranchises voters.
A Guide to Securing Small Business Loans
Turning your big idea into a business requires capital, which, for many startups, can be a difficult first step. Fortunately, a variety of loan options are available. This guide will walk you through understanding these options and preparing to apply for the loan that best suits your business needs.
Food Tax Bill Moves Forward
A bill prohibiting a city, town, or other taxing jurisdiction from imposing a municipal transaction privilege tax on the sale of food items intended for home consumption passed the committee this week.
Mayors from across the state attended the committee hearing on HCR 2021 to testify against doing away with the food tax. The mayors of Globe and Winslow stated at the podium that their communities rely on taxes from travelers who use their infrastructure and purchase food items while passing through.
A deal may be in the works that would keep current food tax rates but require a vote of the people to increase the rate. The bill moves to the floor of the House for further debate.
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