Consolidating Elections – HB2826

HB2826 would consolidate elections so that all elections occur in even number years on a regular election day. That’s a good idea.  Opponents of the bill, including Rep. Cecil Ash, argue that local governments should be allowed to have their elections whenever they wish.  Looking at turnout numbers city elections vs congressional elections, one can understand why local government elections are often called “invitation only” elections.

 

HB2789 – Should the Legislature Set Policy or the Corporation Commission?

Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Phoenix) is sponsoring a bill that would from here on out prohibit the Arizona Corporation Commission from establishing policy – in most cases energy policy – and instead leave the policy making duties to the legislature.

Opponents of the bill state that establishing utility rates is, after all, the duty of the Corporation Commission.  They are right.  However, opponents of the bill also state that establishing the fee consumers must pay in order to obtain a certain percentage of energy from renewable sources falls within the commission’s rate-making ability.

They are wrong.  Crafting expensive energy policy and the rates consumers must pay is backward.  After all, the rate would not be higher if the commission didn’t establish the expensive energy policy.

Even without this bill, however, the legislature has options.  If the commission insists on doing the legislature’s job, the legislature could force them to do so with less funding from the state.

 

Arizona and the Film Tax Credit Sequel

They are at it again. After multiple bad reports, and a program that ended (yes, a government program that actually ended), the film tax credit proponents are back.  Only this time, instead of a silly five-year program, this time they want to make it 30 years.

This time, the refundable tax credit will cap out at $70 million a year . . . for 30 years.  Refundable.  No tax liability?  No problem.  The state will just cut you a check.

Proponents have argued that if this program doesn’t come back, Arizona will no longer be a mecca for movie-making.

Here’s what the Department of Commerce’s Annual Report says on that note:

“A thriving film industry in Arizona has always existed and the future continues to be bright, as evidenced
by the significant number of productions – beyond those participating in MOPIC – that were produced
here. However, it is unlikely that activities directly associated with the level of existing MOPIC tax credits
can reach revenue neutrality.”

 

Check out the ad we made (without a film tax credit) to help defeat this proposal last year.