Arizona lawmakers want to raise the bar for taxing citizens

In Arizona, Senate President Warren Petersen introduced Senate Bill 1013, aiming to impose a more stringent requirement on local municipalities and county supervisors seeking to increase taxes or fees. Under this proposed legislation, a 2/3 vote would be necessary for any approval, reinforcing Petersen's stance that local governments should not have the ability to easily raise taxes. Petersen noted that despite the state legislature's long history of reducing taxes, local tax increases have continued unabated, presenting a problem to state taxpayers. Petersen's commitment to lowering taxes has been evident in other legislative actions, such as the significant cuts to state income tax to a flat rate of 2.5%, implementing substantial tax rebates, and concluding a tenant-paid rental tax to alleviate burdens on residents. These reforms were perceived as vital adjustments in response to what Petersen describes as