Committees are nearing their end 

The Arizona Legislature has reached its seventy-fourth day of this year’s legislative session. The Republican-held legislature has been working away in committees and on the floor to pass their policy priorities. A sliver of bills has passed with bipartisan support, including a few Democratic bills that have made it through part of the process. Republicans sent a budget that some deemed “dead on arrival” to Governor Hobbs a few weeks ago that was ultimately vetoed. There have been discussions that another budget is being worked out for both Chambers with priorities from the minority party that may be more palatable to the Governor. The last committee meeting for both chambers will occur at the beginning of April. Another budget will likely be headed toward Governor Hobb’s desk shortly after committees meet their official conclusion.

Phoenix City Council elections finally complete

The Chamber congratulates the winners of the two City of Phoenix run-off elections. Kevin Robinson (District 6) and Kesha Hodge Washington (District 8) handily won their races and will take office on April 17^th at 10:00 a.m. The Chamber looks forward to working with these two newly elected officials, the rest of the council, and Mayor Gallego to advance the Phoenix economy.

It’s city budget time

Last week, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton transmitted the FY 2024 City Manager’s Trial Budget to the city council. The city is looking at an estimated $134M surplus this year due to higher than expected tax revenues. The city manager recommends allocating most of the surplus towards employee compensation to help address the city’s vacancy rate. Other suggested additions include services for vulnerable populations, enhanced public safety responsiveness, and healthy neighborhoods. Starting in April the city will begin 11 public hearings before final council adoption later in June. To read more about trial budget and public meeting dates, click the button below.

ElevateEdAZ shares results from Dual Enrollment Project

ElevateEdAZ, an initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, and the Maricopa County Community Colleges District (MCCCD) jointly funded a project to understand the barriers of dual enrollment (DE) and develop short-term, long-term goals to increase DE attainment.

Chamber Advocacy Day recap

The Arizona Chamber Executives held their annual ACE Advocacy Day on February 23rd. The Capitol had a busy week of activity, but Senate President Warren Petersen and Senator Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein were able to join us.

AZ in Focus recap: Midterm Election Reflections

Recently, the Chamber hosted the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and County Recorder to discuss reflections on the 2022 midterm election. Watch to see a recap of the event.