by admin | Sep 29, 2016 | News and Updates
Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club PAC today has released a second slate of legislative candidate endorsements for the general election.
The candidates who received endorsements share the key beliefs in free market economics, tax reform, school choice, regulatory reform, and fair and equitable tax policy.
Endorsed candidates include:
- Frank Schmuck, District 18, Senate
- Ana Henderson, District 9, House
“The Club is honored to endorse this slate of candidates for the Arizona Legislature. Both Mr. Schmuck and Ms. Henderson are passionate about fighting for Arizona taxpayers and we are confident they will be principled in their votes on the important issues facing the state.” Free Enterprise Club President Scot Mussi said.
Mussi continued, “We are excited to see newcomer Frank Schmuck on the scene and believe he will bring a fresh enthusiasm and energy to the Senate. Mr. Schmuck is a Persian Gulf War Veteran and brings his combat instincts to campaigning. He is serious about taking a hard look at the Arizona income tax and is dedicated to the kinds of reforms that will make for a prosperous Arizona in the future.
Ana Henderson is a tireless worker from Tucson. Ms. Henderson cares deeply about the educational and employment opportunities in her district and will be a fantastic advocate for her constituents.”
For additional information on the Club PAC’s candidate endorsements, contact Scot Mussi at info@azfree.org or at 602-508-6088.
To see prior 2016 endorsements: Slate one, Slate two. General Election endorsement: Slate one.
by admin | Sep 22, 2016 | News and Updates
Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club announced today the 2016 Free Market Champion Award recipients. The Free Market Champion Award is given to members of the Legislature that demonstrate leadership and a commitment to free market, pro-growth policies in Arizona. This year’s award includes a picture and quote from world renowned economist and true defender of economic liberty, Ludwig Von Mises. The quote on the award reads, ““Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders; no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way out for himself if society is sweeping toward destruction. Therefore, everyone, in his own interests, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle.”
The two recipients of the Free Market Champion Award are:
- Senator Judy Burges (District 22)
- Representative Eddie Farnsworth (District 12)
“The Free Enterprise Club is proud to honor these two legislators for their hard work and consistent support of economic freedom and prosperity at our state capitol,” President Scot Mussi said. “They truly made a difference for Arizona taxpayers and businesses.
###
The AZFEC is a 501(c)(4) policy and advocacy group not affiliated with any other organization. For more information visit www.azfree.org
by admin | Sep 8, 2016 | News and Updates
Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club PAC today has released their first slate of legislative candidate endorsements for the general election.
The candidates who received endorsements share the key beliefs in free market economics, tax reform, school choice, regulatory reform, and fair and equitable tax policy.
Endorsed candidates include:
- Sylvia Allen, District 6, Senate
- Bob Thorpe, District 6, House
- Brenda Barton, District 6, House
- Jill Norgaard, District 18, House
- David Cook, District 8, House
- Todd Clodfelter, District 10, House
- Chris DeRose, Phoenix City Council, District 3
“The Club is honored to endorse this slate of candidates for the Arizona Legislature. Each individual is passionate about fighting for Arizona taxpayers and we are confident they will be principled in their votes on the important issues facing the state.” Free Enterprise Club President Scot Mussi said.
Mussi continued, “We are fortunate to have incumbent, Sylvia Allen, who has proven to be a stalwart champion of the taxpayer. Both her incumbent seatmates, Bob Thorpe and Brenda Barton, have also demonstrated their commitment to sound policy coupled with a practical and hardworking attitude.”
Jill Norgaard is rerunning for her seat in District 18; and she has proven to be a formidable freshman in her last two years. Jill is a true fiscal conservative who has had successfully championed and passed legislation that has given greater flexibility to schools as well as regulatory relief to the business community.
David Cook and Todd Clodfelter would both make strong additions to the legislature. Mr. Cook has deep knowledge of water, natural resources, agriculture, and mining policy issues. Mr. Clodfelter will be a passionate advocate for small businesses. Chris DeRose will be a spending hawk for taxpayers and fight the Phoenix establishment’s insatiable appetite for taxing its residents.”
For additional information on the Club PAC’s candidate endorsements, contact Scot Mussi at info@azfree.org or at 602-508-6088.
To see prior 2016 endorsements: Slate one, Slate two.
by admin | Sep 7, 2016 | News and Updates
In this edition of “P olicy Matters”, Club President Scot Mussi explains how Grand Canyon University sought a special reclassification of their property tax which would have increased property taxes for everyone else.
The Free Enterprise Club maintains good tax policy is broad based, as low as possible, and equitable for all tax payers. The government should not give preferential tax treatment to select businesses; they should not pick winners and losers. |
by admin | Aug 25, 2016 | News and Updates
The State of Nevada is known for having trail-blazed the development and expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). ESAs are public funds which go directly to accounts parents can access for school choice options as diverse as private school, tutoring, textbooks, online courses and even a portion that can be saved for university.
Teacher unions and school bureaucrats have been natural opponents to the program and two outstanding Constitutional challenges have finally reached Nevada’s highest court. Arizona has endured similar challenges to its ESA legislation, overcoming claims that the program violated “The Blaine Amendment,” a provision in 37 state constitutions with roots in 1800’s discrimination against Catholics, which prohibits state funds going to sectarian schools.
ESA programs have legally fared better than traditional voucher programs and offer a more comprehensive approach to parental choice. Though voucher programs specifically compensate religious schools for providing services to lower-income families; ESAs provide accounts directly to parents. A parent may choose to use those public funds on a number of education services that are specially tailored to their children’s learning requirements. The difference is salient; public funds go to parents, not to schools.
In Arizona ESAs have been relegated to qualifying low-income students, students whose local public school is considered “failing”, students with disabilities, and most recently Native American students living on reservations. However, Empowerment Scholarships are completely changing the dialogue around education. With the growth of charter schools and alternative methods of schooling, parents are savvier about their children’s options and are demanding more choice and control.
Despite their prevailing sentiment, this competition is good for district schools too. Currently most states fund ESAs at a lower cost per student than public schools. But successful charter schools have proven a higher-quality education can be provided at lower costs with more efficiency. Challenging the monopoly on k-12 education by allowing more providers has put pressure on district schools to respond to parents and students. This is especially true for low income households who are tied to their district school by virtue of their zip code and where they can afford to live. These families have no viable way to provide a better education to their children other than these ESAs.
Nevada ESAs have successfully emerged from lower court challenges; school choice advocates are keeping a keen and optimistic eye on its final appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court. If Nevada is ultimately triumphant, Arizona will have another motivating example for expanding our own ESAs to every family in the state.
Recent Comments