For individuals, increased simplicity was the chief benefit of the Trump tax reform. Legislators also made that the chief benefit in conforming state law to the federal changes.
Category Archives: State and local
State budget notes: A missed opportunity, but lots of spending
If Republicans are going to throw a spending party, there’s no reason not to invite the Democrats.
Stanton brags about a $3.5 billion bad idea
Local projects should be funded by local taxpayers, with local political accountability.
McSally wants to keep the federal government in the electricity business
The Trump administration wants to get the federal government out of the electricity business, but McSally says no.
Let Trump prove his deal-making chops on immigration
The Kyl-Kennedy legislation provided the framework: Democrats win the argument about the past; Republicans about the future.
Don’t have politicians running our elections
Rather than arguing over which politician drafts ballot language, why not make the administration of our elections nonpartisan?
How much difference would a $1 billion rainy day fund make?
Based upon the state’s experience in the last recession, not much.
Schools, not savings or debt, should be the top budget priority
There’s the money to fully restore two K-12 programs severely cut to cope with the recession. That should come first.
Don’t turn the police into political footballs
Reduced crime rates were a big accomplishment. The unwarranted and excessive political scrutiny given to the Phoenix PD and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office are the sort of thing that might put it at risk.
More rule by judicial philosopher-kings, this time for foster care
A lawsuit would have a federal judge make the decisions about Arizona’s foster care system, and take them away from our elected officials.