State of the State
This week, the Arizona legislature convenes for its 2021 session. They do so amidst a pandemic that has taken a devastating toll on millions of Arizonans across the state. Arizona has the worst infection rate in the country. This fall, more than 54,000 Arizona renter households reported that eviction was “very” or “extremely” likely, and last week, over 200,000 Arizonans filed an unemployment claim.
Against this grim backdrop, many, including the AZCenter, hoped the Governor would turn a new page to address the urgent and ongoing basic needs of Arizonans, including supporting small businesses through loan programs, extending the state’s eviction moratorium, increasing rental assistance, raising the unemployment amount, and investing in the workforce to help Arizonans get back to work. Yet, Governor Ducey opened the session with his State of the State address with a quick pivot to advocate for new tax cuts. At a time when many Arizonans are facing serious economic and health crisis, the Governor should instead be focused on fixing Arizona’s inadequate safety net and investing in employment programs to help those Arizonans who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
As we move through 2021, state lawmakers should address the health and economic crisis of the pandemic. Arizonans are looking for policy solutions and investments that uplift struggling families. While some state leaders may be inclined to support the false narrative on tax cuts, most Arizonans are looking for policy change that will leave the state stronger than before the pandemic — with a more equitable economy and healthier communities.
Learn more about our legislative priorities here.
