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Upcoming Election Deadlines
- September 21 – Military and Overseas Ballots Mailed
- October 7 – Voter Registration Deadline
- October 9 – Ballots Mailed & Early In-Person Voting Begins
- October 25 – Last Day to Request an Early Ballot
- October 29 – Last Day to Mail Back your Ballot
Check your Voting Ballot Status
Now that voters have successfully participated in the July 30 Primary Election and ballots are being tabulated, voters can check their status at BeBallotReady.Vote. Voters can track their ballot every step of the way and see that it is counted at BeBallotReady.Vote or by texting “JOIN” to 628-683. Stay informed on upcoming elections and how you can participate at Elections.Maricopa.Gov.
How to Help Small Businesses Drive Growth
Through the Growth and Opportunity Imperative the Chamber has been calling on candidates and elected officials to support policies that achieve at least 3% annual economic growth over the next decade.
- "Small businesses are pivotal in this growth, but they need access to capital and support from favorable policies to thrive,” Chamber Vice President for Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan told America’s Small Business Network.
Why it matters: “At 3% growth, a baby born today will see the economy double in their early 20s, as opposed to 2% growth,” Sullivan explained. At “one percentage less, they won't see the economy double until their 30s.”
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The potential economic impact of "Job Killer" bills introduced
into the AZ Legislature
Arizona faces a significant economic challenge with the introduction of numerous ‘Job Killer’ bills. This year, 72 bills have been identified that could impose substantial new taxes, costs, or administrative burdens on businesses, potentially jeopardizing the state's economic growth.
Impact: The estimated economic impact of just 20 of this year’s 72 'job killer' bills introduced at the Arizona legislature is over $37.2 billion.
Read the Full Report
Inflation Remained the Number One Operating Issue
for Small Business Owners in July
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7, the highest reading since February 2022. However, this is the 31st consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Inflation remains the top issue among small business owners, with 25% reporting it as their single most important problem in operating their business, up four points from June.
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Government Micromanagement Means Fewer Choices for Consumers
Under the “Time is Money” initiative, the Administration announced this week a slew of regulations to eliminate fees that it claims are designed to confuse or deceive consumers.
- In reality, the initiative gives the government more power to micromanage business practices, like how customers can cancel subscriptions.
- While high costs for American families remain a significant problem, these regulatory burdens will cost Americans more time and money. They will also make it harder for companies to respond to their customers.
Why it matters: The regulations will hinder businesses' ability to provide consumers with options, negatively impacting families and individuals.
Be smart: Federal policies are driving prices higher for many Americans, yet the Administration blames businesses while imposing more rules from Washington.
Our take: "Businesses succeed by being responsive to customers and have a far better track record of customer service, streamlined paperwork, and prompt response times than the federal government,” said Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley. “Imposing heavy-handed regulations that micromanage business practices and pricing is the wrong approach, inevitably raising costs for consumers.”
Inflation Falls Below 3%
Inflation is headed in the right direction. July saw annual inflation at 2.9%, marking the first dip below 3% since 2021. This is, however, still above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.
Why it matters: Moderating inflation can make business planning more predictable, helping companies be more productive. This will support faster economic growth and higher wages.
Big picture: Prices have risen by 17.5% cumulatively since inflation took off in March 2021, while wages have grown by 9.8%, leaving many behind.
- Faster economic growth leads to increased job opportunities, higher wages, and a better quality of life.
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That's why the Chamber is calling on candidates and elected officials to lay out plans to achieve at least 3% annual real economic growth over the next decade.
Looking ahead: Inflation’s slowdown, combined with a cooling labor market, likely means the Fed will lower interest rates in September.
Border Measure Will Be on the Ballot
The referendum that creates new criminal statutes barring illegal border crossings and enhancing drug offenses to include the sale of “lethal fentanyl,” HCR 2060, cleared the Arizona Supreme Court Tuesday. The measure will appear on the November ballot. In a unanimous decision, the state high court found Proposition 314 did not violate the single subject rule of the Arizona Constitution, affirming an earlier ruling from Maricopa County Superior Court according to the Arizona Capitol Times.
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