The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry will host its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon on Friday at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together members of Arizona鈥檚 congressional delegation and one of the country鈥檚 most closely watched political analysts.

will feature U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Greg Stanton, along with Jonathan Martin of Politico, columnist and host of the .

番茄社区 spoke with Arizona 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden about the event and what he鈥檚 most interested in hearing.

Tell us about Update from Capitol Hill. It鈥檚 one of the 番茄社区鈥檚 premier annual events, isn鈥檛 it?

Danny Seiden:

It really is one of our signature events each year. What makes it so valuable is that it brings Arizona鈥檚 business community face-to-face with members of our congressional delegation at a time when so many federal decisions are directly affecting our state鈥檚 economy.

There鈥檚 no substitute for hearing directly from the people who are in the room making those decisions鈥攚hether it鈥檚 on taxes, trade, infrastructure, or regulatory policy. And just as important, it gives our members a chance to better understand the dynamics in Washington and how those decisions translate back home to Arizona.

What topics are you anticipating you鈥檒l hear about from Congressmen Ciscomani and Stanton?

There鈥檚 certainly no shortage of issues right now. Water is always top of mind in Arizona, and I expect that to be part of the conversation given the federal government鈥檚 role in long-term solutions.

Beyond that, I think we鈥檒l hear a lot about the broader state of Congress鈥攈ow things are functioning, what鈥檚 realistic in terms of bipartisan cooperation, and what we can expect over the coming months.

There are also a lot of frontpage issues鈥攆rom border policy to economic conditions to foreign affairs鈥攖hat have real implications for Arizona employers. Having both Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman Stanton there gives us a valuable bipartisan perspective on those challenges.

This year the 番茄社区 is welcoming Jonathan Martin from Politico. What do you believe he鈥檒l add to the conversation?

is one of the most respected political commentators in the country. He鈥檚 been covering national politics for a long time, and he brings a level of experience and insight that鈥檚 hard to match.

He鈥檚 also a regular presence on the Sunday shows, so he鈥檚 constantly plugged into the national conversation. With this being an election year, his perspective on the state of politics鈥攚here things stand heading into the primaries and what to expect in November鈥攚ill be incredibly valuable.

Honestly, there are very few people who can provide that kind of real-time, informed analysis of what鈥檚 happening in Washington and on the campaign trail. I think our attendees will really benefit from hearing his take.

How do federal decisions right now directly impact Arizona鈥檚 business community, and what should employers here be paying closest attention to?

Federal policy has a very real, day-to-day impact on Arizona employers, whether people always see that connection or not. Decisions coming out of Washington affect everything from the cost of doing business to the availability of workforce and the reliability of our supply chains.

For Arizona, trade and border policy are especially important. We鈥檙e a major gateway state, so anything that affects cross-border commerce鈥攚hether it鈥檚 customs operations, infrastructure, or security鈥攈as a direct impact on our economy. The USMCA review is coming up, for example, so we鈥檙e paying close attention to that.

Energy is another major factor right now. Global uncertainty, particularly events in the Middle East, can create volatility in energy markets, and that has a ripple effect across the economy. When fuel costs rise, it impacts everything from what we pay at the pump to the cost of transporting goods, which ultimately shows up in prices on store shelves.

And, obviously, water is also an area where federal involvement matters, particularly in terms of long-term planning and investment. I know our delegation is deeply involved in that issue.

And of course, tax and regulatory policy always play a role in shaping whether businesses can grow and compete.

I鈥檇 also point to the overall economic environment鈥攊nterest rates, inflation, and federal spending decisions鈥攁ll of which influence business confidence and investment.

The bottom line is that what happens shows up here in Arizona, and that鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important for our business community to stay informed and engaged.

More about this year鈥檚 Update from Capitol Hill luncheon can be found on the Arizona 番茄社区鈥檚 .

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House Bill 4115, legislation by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro is scheduled for consideration by the full state House, while companion legislation in the state Senate by Sen. T.J. Shope is similarly ready for consideration by the full Senate.

Here鈥檚 a look at how the bills would align the local initiative process with the well-established processes at a state level and protect local economic development efforts.

Bills align local initiative processes with established statewide initiative processes

House Bill 4115, introduced by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro, seeks to standardize the regulation of initiative and referendum measures across Arizona by expanding state-level requirements to municipal and county levels. A mirror bill, SB 1489 by state Sen. T.J. Shope, has been introduced in the Senate.

The legislation focuses on three primary pillars:

• Increased transparency for paid petition circulators
• Mandatory financial disclosures for spending-related measures
• The creation of regulatory parity between state and local ballot processes

Supported by a broad coalition of the Arizona business community, the bill aims to protect the integrity of the ballot from out-of-state interests, support local decisionmaking, and provide voters with clearer information regarding the fiscal impacts of proposed local laws.

Key regulatory changes

HB 4115 and SB 1489 amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes (Title 19) to ensure that the standards applied to statewide measures are nearly as practicable for local jurisdictions.

Paid circulator requirements

The bill introduces identification and disclosure protocols for paid circulators to ensure voters understand who is soliciting their signatures, similar to the protocols in other states.

Financial disclosure and revenue sources

A critical component for local fiscal management is the new requirement for measures that mandate expenditures. Any municipal or county initiative or referendum that proposes a mandatory expenditure, establishes a specific fund, or allocates funding must:

• Provide a disclosure of the expenditure or allocation.
• Include this funding disclosure within the 200-word initiative description provided to voters.

Economic impact and business community perspectives

The Arizona business community has signaled strong support for HB 4115 and SB 1489, viewing it as a defense against out-of-state activists who leverage local processes to advance narrow political agendas that may conflict with regional economic development.

Proponent coalition

The bill is backed by a diverse group of organizations, including:

• Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry
• Arizona Restaurant Association
• Greater Phoenix 番茄社区
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
• United Dairymen of Arizona
• Valley Partnership
• Local chambers of commerce across Arizona

Leadership insights

• Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry: 鈥淭hese bills contain commonsense reforms that protect the integrity of the ballot, ensure voters know who is behind an initiative, and provide clearer information about proposals that would require new taxpayer-funded spending.鈥�
• Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 番茄社区: Coolidge has noted that out-of-state activists exploit the lack of guardrails at the local level. The goal of HB 4115 and SB 1489 is to ensure state and local processes are 鈥渆qually rigorous鈥� to prevent economic strategies from being 鈥渟idelined.鈥�

Case study in local volatility: The Marana data center dispute

Current litigation in the Town of Marana underscores the administrative and legal friction that the legislation aims to mitigate through clearer standards.

• The conflict: Residents filed a lawsuit against the Town of Marana after the town clerk rejected a referendum targeting a proposed data center.
• The technicality: The organizers behind the petition campaign argue that their submission was out of compliance and should thus be withdrawn. Supporters not affiliated with the organized referendum campaign, however, 聽argue that the petitions cannot be withdrawn.
• Business implication: Such disputes demonstrate how local economic development projects can be stalled by procedural ambiguities in the referendum process, highlighting the need for the consistent standards proposed in HB 4115 and SB 1489.

Public sentiment and voter data

Polling conducted by Cygnal in December 2025 indicates that the provisions in HB 4115 and SB 1489 align with a vast majority of Arizona voters:

• 90% believe ballot initiatives should be driven by Arizona residents rather than out-of-state organizations.
• 84% support requiring paid circulators to wear visible identification badges.
• 80% support requiring initiatives that mandate spending to identify a specific funding source.
• 70% support achieving parity between state and local initiative requirements.

The case for passage

• Uniformity is priority: Standardization of initiative processes reduces the ability of activists to target smaller municipalities with less-regulated processes.
• Fiscal accountability: Future local initiatives will be required to disclose potential costs of their proposals, potentially reducing the risk of unfunded mandates that impact the local tax base.
• Bipartisan support: HB 4115 passed the House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee with a 5-2 bipartisan vote. SB 1489 was cleared by the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee. Both bills are ready for consideration by the full House and Senate, respectively.
• Grassroots efforts unaffected: Initiative campaigns by local residents are not affected by the provisions of the legislation.

Photo courtesy Elizabeth Jenkins, licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

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The Arizona House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee on Wednesday advanced two measures designed to bring greater transparency, consistency, and voter clarity to Arizona鈥檚 local initiative process.

House Bill 4115, sponsored by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear), passed on a bipartisan 5-2 vote.

The bill鈥檚 proponents, who include a broad coalition of the Arizona business community including the Arizona Restaurant Association, Greater Phoenix 番茄社区, Valley Partnership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and local chambers of commerce across the state, say the bill ensures greater accountability in the way local ballot measures are circulated and presented to voters.

In addition, HCR 2051, sponsored by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye), passed the committee on a 4-3 vote. If approved by the Legislature, HCR 2051 would send the same reforms contained in the Montenegro bill to the November ballot.

Together, the measures reflect a growing recognition among lawmakers that while Arizona鈥檚 initiative process is a powerful and important constitutional tool, it must operate with transparency, fairness, and clear information for voters.

鈥淢ost of what the bill and referral do are already in place for statewide ballot measures,鈥� Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淏ut out-of-state activists know there are relatively few guardrails around the initiative process at a local level. We鈥檙e attempting to fix that to ensure both state and local initiative processes are equally rigorous.鈥�

Bringing parity and transparency to the process

Supporters of the legislation note that the reforms are aimed at improving disclosure, strengthening voter awareness, and ensuring consistent standards for paid petition circulators, particularly in cases where ballot measures would mandate new government spending or impose significant fiscal impacts on taxpayers.

The measures seek to:

• Establish consistent rules and accountability standards for paid petition circulators.
• Improve disclosure requirements for initiatives that mandate new government spending.
• Ensure voters receive clear, accurate information before signing petitions or casting ballots.
• Promote parity between state and local initiative requirements.

Proponents argue that these changes do not diminish the initiative process but instead protect it by reinforcing public trust and transparency.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 initiative process is a powerful tool, and it should be driven by Arizona residents with transparency and accountability,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淭hese bills contain commonsense reforms that protect the integrity of the ballot, ensure voters know who is behind an initiative, and provide clearer information about proposals that would require new taxpayer-funded spending.鈥� 

Broad support

Coolidge said the 5-2 bipartisan vote on HB 4115 underscores support from members on both sides of the aisle for strengthening disclosure and accountability in the initiative system.

鈥淲e鈥檙e hopeful that members of both parties will continue to support these bills as they make their way through the process,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ithout these reforms, communities across the state鈥攂ig and small, urban and rural鈥攁re at risk of having their economic development strategy sidelined by out-of-state activists focused more on advancing a narrow political agenda than on creating jobs here in Arizona.鈥�

During testimony in committee, Montenegro and Coolidge pointed to polling conducted by the firm Cygnal in December 2025 that found that 90% of Arizonans believe ballot initiatives should be driven by Arizona residents, not out-of-state organizations, while 84% support requiring paid circulators to wear visible badges that include their name and home state. Additionally, 80% of voters support requiring initiatives that mandate new government spending to identify a funding source, and 70% support greater parity between state and local initiative processes.  Companion legislation in the Senate, SB 1489, sponsored by state Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) will be heard on Friday by the Judiciary and Elections Committee.

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The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry will kick off the 2026 legislative session with its annual Legislative Forecast Luncheon on Friday, January 9 at the Phoenix Convention Center, bringing together Arizona鈥檚 top elected leaders and business community stakeholders for a timely discussion of the policy landscape ahead.

The event, one of the 番茄社区鈥檚 signature convenings each year, will feature a moderated conversation with state House and Senate legislative leaders, led by John Hook of FOX 10 Phoenix. The panel is expected to address major themes likely to shape the 2026 session, including the state budget, economic competitiveness, and how federal policies are affecting state-level decision-making.

In addition to the legislative leadership panel, attendees will hear directly from Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will sit down for an on-stage conversation with Arizona 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden. The discussion will provide insight into the governor鈥檚 priorities as lawmakers return to the Capitol, as well as her perspective on Arizona鈥檚 economic outlook and policy challenges in the year ahead.

The Legislative Forecast Luncheon traditionally draws a broad cross-section of Arizona鈥檚 business, civic, and policy leadership and serves as an early marker for where consensus and potential friction may emerge during the session. For employers and industry leaders, the event offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and better understand how legislative dynamics could affect Arizona鈥檚 economy.

Additional details, including registration information, are available .

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Arizona employers are taking a proactive, collaborative approach to workplace heat safety聽that recognizes聽the realities of diverse industries and job sites across the state.聽

Gov. Katie Hobbs on December 31 announced that the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force had finalized and submitted its recommendations to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, delivering a set of Heat Guidelines for Employers grounded in real-world best practices and Arizona-specific conditions . 

The task force, which was convened by a 2025 executive order, brought together leaders from business, labor, and industry, along with occupational safety and health experts, to develop commonsense guidance for employers.  

The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council participated in the process to ensure that employer perspectives were front and center throughout the discussions. 

The finalized recommendations focus on proven strategies to prevent heat-related illness, including access to water, shade, and rest; employee acclimatization; and heat safety training. Importantly for Arizona employers, the guidelines also clarify definitions, outline best practices for employer Heat Illness Prevention Plans, and include specific exemptions for emergency operations, recognizing that not all job sites or industries face the same conditions. 

For the Arizona 番茄社区 and the Arizona Manufacturers Council, participation in the task force was about ensuring that worker safety and economic sustainability go hand in hand. 

鈥淭his task force brought together employers, workers, and subject-matter experts from across Arizona to focus on what actually works in real workplaces,鈥� said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council and director of government affairs at the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淭he recommendations reflect commonsense best practices many employers already use and provide clear, Arizona-specific guidance that prioritizes worker safety while recognizing the diversity of industries and job sites across our state.鈥� 

That emphasis on flexibility was a consistent theme throughout task force discussions, particularly for sectors like manufacturing, construction, utilities, and small business, where work environments, schedules, and operational demands can vary significantly. 

Next steps, ongoing implementation 

Following the task force鈥檚 work, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) will take additional steps to implement the governor鈥檚 executive order, including publishing annual data on heat-related claims, complaints, and citations, and providing downloadable template heat plans to help employers put the guidance into practice. 

The ADOSH Advisory Committee is scheduled to review the recommendations at a public meeting on February 4 before they advance to the Industrial Commission for final consideration later this spring.  

Appelbe said that for Arizona鈥檚 business community, the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force demonstrates the value of collaboration over mandates.  

鈥淏y bringing employers, workers, and regulators to the same table, the state has produced guidance that improves safety outcomes without undermining productivity or imposing rigid, one-size-fits-all rules,鈥� she said. 

Appelbe said the Arizona 番茄社区 and the Arizona Manufacturers Council will continue to engage with state agencies and stakeholders as these recommendations move forward, ensuring that Arizona remains both a safe place to work and a competitive place to do business. 

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With Congress missing the midnight deadline to fund the federal government, leaders from across the business community are warning of the significant economic consequences a shutdown would have on employers, workers, and families. From delayed contracts to shuttered national parks, industry groups say the disruption would ripple through Arizona鈥檚 economy and beyond.

Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry: 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability鈥�

The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry is urging swift congressional action to pass a continuing resolution and keep the government open.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability,鈥� said 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden. 鈥淧rolonged debates that put government operations at risk create ripple effects of uncertainty for employers, workers, and investors alike. The effects of that uncertainty would extend across our economy, delaying critical government contracts and ultimately threatening both Arizona’s industries and the nation鈥檚 economic security. We urge Congress to act swiftly to avoid self-inflicted setbacks that weaken America鈥檚 competitiveness at home and abroad.鈥�

Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association: National parks at risk

The Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association warned that a shutdown would deal a devastating blow to Arizona鈥檚 tourism economy, particularly if it forced the closure of national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Park.

鈥淔amilies, student groups, and international travelers plan their trips around access to our national parks,鈥� said AzLTA President and CEO Kim Grace Sabow. 鈥淚f visitors are turned away, the economic ripple effects will extend far beyond park boundaries, hurting hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses. Arizona thrives because of tourism, and keeping our parks open is essential to safeguarding the jobs and economic vitality that so many Arizonans depend on.鈥�

Tourism is one of Arizona鈥檚 largest industries, supporting nearly 300,000 jobs and generating more than $33 billion annually. The Grand Canyon alone drew nearly 5 million visitors in 2024, supporting more than 8,700 jobs and generating over $1 billion in positive economic activity.

National Association of Manufacturers: Certainty needed for growth

In Washington, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) emphasized the critical role a functioning government plays in supporting industrial growth.

鈥淎 functioning government is essential for a strong manufacturing economy,鈥� said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. 鈥淢anufacturers need certainty, not disruption. Our leaders in Washington must come together and keep the government open, so it continues working for the American people. From supply chains and permitting to regulatory certainty, product approvals and facility inspections, manufacturers rely on the government to do its job and provide the stability that drives growth.鈥�

U.S. 番茄社区 of Commerce: 鈥淪hutdowns are harmful to the economy鈥�

The U.S. 番茄社区 of Commerce also issued a warning, noting that shutdowns affect more than just government employees.

鈥淕overnment shutdowns are harmful to the economy, our national security, and the American people, often in ways that are not immediately obvious,鈥� said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. 番茄社区. 鈥淔rom passports and permits to clinical trials and air travel, a well-functioning economy requires a functioning government. The 番茄社区 calls on Congress and the Administration to work together to pass legislation to avert a federal government shutdown.鈥�

Photo courtesy Flickr user reivax, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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A from the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI) and the Arizona 番茄社区 Foundation warns that dozens of bills introduced in the 2025 Arizona legislative session could have placed the state鈥檚 decade of economic growth at risk, threatening jobs, incomes, and overall competitiveness.

The 2025 Arizona Job Killers report identified 88 bills that, if enacted, would have imposed more than $45.9 billion in new annual costs on businesses, reduced employment by 660,000 jobs (a 20% decline), cut per-capita income by $4,600, and shrunk Arizona鈥檚 economy by $64 billion.

Bad bills could cost Arizona jobs

The report underscores that Arizona鈥檚 pro-growth policies since 2016鈥攊ncluding lower taxes, smaller government, and fewer regulations鈥攈elped drive some of the nation鈥檚 strongest gains in jobs and GDP. Recent slowdowns in hiring and housing, however, coupled with the volume of 鈥渏ob killer鈥� legislation considered in 2025, highlight the risks of policy missteps.

鈥淎rizona has shown the nation what happens when states embrace policies that encourage growth,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淏ut this report makes clear that the progress we鈥檝e made is not guaranteed. The sheer number of costly bills considered in the 2025 session should serve as a warning. We must remain vigilant in protecting Arizona鈥檚 competitiveness and preserving the policies that have made us an economic leader.鈥�

The costliest proposals

Among the most significant measures flagged in the report:

• Repeal of Arizona鈥檚 right-to-work law 鈥� projected to impose $18.6 billion in new costs and reduce employment by nearly 4% by 2033.
• New or increased taxes 鈥� totaling $3.7 billion, including a proposed 1% payroll tax on employers with more than 50 workers and a $1,000 minimum corporate income tax.
• Energy and environmental mandates 鈥� including adopting California-style vehicle emissions standards and requiring 50% renewable electricity generation by 2035, which CSI estimated would raise energy costs by billions and reduce job growth.
• Housing market interventions 鈥� such as rent control, which CSI cited as a policy with a 鈥渨ell-documented鈥� record of reducing supply and harming affordability.

Lessons from Colorado

The report draws sharp contrasts with Colorado, where CSI has tracked the enactment of more than 20 鈥渏ob killer鈥� laws since 2019. Once a peer economy, Colorado has since fallen behind Arizona in both GDP and job growth. CSI estimates that if Arizona had followed Colorado鈥檚 trajectory, the state would have 113,000 fewer workers and $18.6 billion less in annual economic output today.

Katie Ratlief, executive director of CSI Arizona, said the findings illustrate the direct connection between public policy and economic performance.

鈥淕ood policy choices have helped Arizona outpace much of the country in growth over the last decade,鈥� Ratlief said. 鈥淏ut as this report shows, just a handful of costly mandates could reverse those gains. The lesson from states like Colorado is clear: when lawmakers pursue policies that burden job creators, the entire economy suffers.鈥�

While none of the 88 bills analyzed were enacted this year, the report cautions that the annual introduction of such legislation reflects a continuing risk.

CSI and the 番茄社区 argue that sustaining Arizona鈥檚 economic momentum will require policymakers to reject measures that add costs, restrict growth, or erode the state鈥檚 business-friendly climate.

鈥淎rizona stands at a crossroads,鈥� the report says. 鈥淎fter a decade that brought generational change, job growth has stalled and the economy has slowed. The lessons are clear: there are pro-growth policies, and policies that hurt growth. Too often, the search for villains 鈥� developers or data centers being blamed for water shortages, or investors and short-term-rentals for housing market woes 鈥� deflects from real problems and leads to harmful policies.鈥�

Image courtesy Pixabay and was published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

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Dozens of new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect tomorrow, including several priorities championed by the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry.

鈥淎s these laws take effect, Arizona employers can count on policies that reflect their priorities,鈥� said Arizona 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden. 鈥淔rom keeping vital economic drivers in Arizona, to passing commonsense energy reforms that will deliver long-term stability and affordability, to supporting global companies, these are the kinds of policies that keep Arizona competitive and attractive for investment.鈥� 

番茄社区-backed wins

Among the most notable measures that will take effect

• Senate Bill 1543 鈥� Establishes a framework for international headquarters to build on-site workforce housing and support services, addressing a major barrier to growth for global employers.
• House Bill 2679 鈥� Allows utilities to refinance certain infrastructure investments through securitization, lowering long-term interest costs and creating more predictable energy rates.
• House Bill 2704 鈥� Authorizes renovations to Chase Field without raising taxes, securing the Diamondbacks鈥� future in downtown Phoenix while protecting thousands of jobs and strengthening surrounding businesses.
• Senate Bill 1307 鈥� Creates a policy foundation for advanced air mobility, including electric aircraft, drone deliveries, and air taxis, positioning Arizona as a national leader in next-generation transportation.
• House Bill 2201 鈥� Requires utilities and public power entities to adopt wildfire mitigation plans, protecting communities, infrastructure, and the state鈥檚 energy reliability.

Another priority, Senate Bill 1215, which sets stiffer standards for third-party litigation funding and prohibits foreign entities of concern from funding lawsuits, will take effect on December 31, 2025 due to a delayed implementation date.

In addition to the new law, the state Supreme Court earlier this month adopted new rules to enhance the level of transparency around lawsuit loans.

The business community also backed a provision in the bipartisan state budget passed earlier this year that permits the issuance of SPEED bonds, which are construction loans used by Arizona鈥檚 public universities and supported by Arizona Lottery ticket sales that help ensure recurring financial support provided to build and maintain public university facilities.

鈥淭hese are just a few of the highlights the 番茄社区 and broader business community accomplished at the Capitol in 2025,鈥� 番茄社区 Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淲hat we don鈥檛 always see, though, are the many bad bills we worked to defeat that would have harmed the state鈥檚 job creators.鈥�

Coolidge said the 番茄社区 and think tank Common Sense Institute Arizona would soon release a report about the many bills that would have harmed the state economy.

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Following the Senate’s passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that contains huge portions of President Trump鈥檚 domestic policy agenda, Arizona business leaders are reminding officials on Capitol Hill of the consequences of the bill鈥檚 health care provisions.

The legislation, which advances deep federal spending cuts to offset the extension of tax reforms originally passed in 2017, as well as new tax reductions, could lead to major pressures on state budgets.

The version of the legislation passed by the Senate would dramatically decrease states鈥� access to a tool that helps them finance their portion of Medicaid, the state-federal safety-net insurance program.

According to , cuts borne by AHCCCS, Arizona鈥檚 Medicaid program, would mean more than just fewer people with health coverage, but also risks triggering recession-level consequences across the broader state economy.

鈥淭he Medicaid cuts under consideration aren鈥檛 just a health care issue. They鈥檙e a statewide economic risk,鈥� said Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden. 鈥淗ospitals, rural clinics, small businesses, and state tax revenue all take a hit under the scenarios modeled in the research. Unfortunately, since our report was written, the impacts emerging from Washington have only gotten more alarming.鈥�

AHCCCS, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, covers more than 2 million residents and draws nearly three-quarters of its $21.1 billion budget from federal funding.

Because of a voter-approved initiative, Arizona is legally required to maintain coverage for residents earning at or below the federal poverty line, even if federal support decreases.

The potential fallout is significant. According to the 番茄社区 Foundation鈥檚 research, a $1.0 billion reduction in Medicaid spending would cost Arizona over 36,000 jobs, cut $1.7 billion in labor income, reduce economic output by $3.7 billion, and slash $138 million from state and local tax collections.

The impacts would be felt statewide, particularly in rural communities where Medicaid enrollees make up a large portion of the population. In counties like Apache, Graham, and Santa Cruz, more than 40% of residents are enrolled in AHCCCS.

The business community is also sounding the alarm about rising costs for employers. A reduction in Medicaid coverage would increase the number of uninsured residents, leading to more uncompensated care and cost-shifting to private insurance plans. For small businesses, that could mean higher premiums or difficult decisions about whether to continue offering coverage.

鈥淎s employers face higher costs, the risk is a downward spiral: more uninsured Arizonans, more pressure on providers, and a less stable health care infrastructure,鈥� Seiden said.

If federal matching funds shrink, state officials could be forced to sharply limit eligibility, trim benefits, or raise taxes to close the gap, options that carry their own set of difficult tradeoffs for state lawmakers.

鈥淢ost states are going to face tremendous pressures on their budgets,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not the feds; we can鈥檛 print money, and we can鈥檛 run deficits.鈥�

Ciscomani and House members cite concerns with Senate version

Having narrowly passes the Senate on Tuesday, the bill is now back in the House, where representatives must determine whether to accept the Senate version or further amend the legislation.

to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Ariz. Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani joined 15 of his GOP colleagues in sharing their concern over the Senate鈥檚 move to make deeper cuts to Medicaid than what were contained in the bill when it was first passed in the House in May.

鈥淭he Senate proposal also undermines the balanced approach taken to craft the Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1鈥攑articularly regarding provider taxes and state directed payments. The Senate version treats expansion and non-expansion states unfairly, fails to preserve existing state programs, and imposes stricter limits that do not give hospitals sufficient time to adjust to new budgetary constraints or to identify alternative funding sources,鈥� they wrote.

They go on to say, 鈥淭herefore, we cannot support a final bill that threatens access to coverage or jeopardizes the stability of our hospitals and providers.鈥�

Seiden said he appreciated Ciscomani鈥檚 willingness to state his position.

鈥淩ep. Ciscomani deserves credit for weighing all aspects of the bill and working with Arizona leaders to understand how the bill will affect the state,鈥� he said.For more information, visit .

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Arizona鈥檚 business community is praising a string of legislative victories from the 2025 session that leaders say will strengthen the state鈥檚 economy, improve infrastructure, and support continued improvements to Arizona鈥檚 legal and regulatory landscape.

Several of the bills passed this year align closely with priorities advanced by industry groups, including the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry.

鈥淭his session delivered real results for Arizona鈥檚 employers,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president for the 番茄社区. 鈥淔rom protecting critical infrastructure to making Arizona more competitive for global investment, lawmakers acted on policies that support growth, innovation, and long-term economic strength.鈥�

Among the most notable measures signed into law:

House Bill 2704, which authorizes long-overdue renovations to Chase Field, the publicly owned stadium in downtown Phoenix, without raising taxes. The legislation is expected to secure the long-term future of the Arizona Diamondbacks at the ballpark while preserving a critical public asset and economic anchor in the city鈥檚 core. Supporters say the bill protects thousands of jobs, boosts nearby businesses, and ensures continued fan and tourism activity in the downtown area. The policy was one of the business community鈥檚 top legislative priorities of the session and was passed as part of the broader budget package.

House Bill 2679, which permits utilities to refinance certain infrastructure investments through a financial tool known as securitization. The approach allows utilities to issue lower-cost bonds to recover specific expenses, which can result in more predictable energy prices for consumers and businesses. Supporters say the measure offers long-term rate stability and cost savings by spreading repayment over time and reducing interest costs. The policy is already in use in more than 30 states and has been a key priority for utility providers and large energy users in Arizona seeking a more stable and transparent rate structure.

Senate Bill 1543, which creates a statewide framework allowing international headquarters to construct on-site workforce housing and support services. Supporters say the measure addresses a key barrier to growth for large employers and sends a broader signal that Arizona is committed to retaining global companies and supporting long-term investment. The law is viewed as part of a larger strategy to strengthen the state鈥檚 position as a competitive destination for international business expansion.

Senate Bill 1307, which lays the groundwork for the development of advanced air mobility systems such as electric aircraft, drone deliveries, and air taxis. Supporters say the legislation does for air travel what Arizona鈥檚 early adoption of autonomous vehicles like Waymo did for ground transportation, establishing the state as a testbed for innovation. The bill is seen as further positioning Arizona as a national leader in embracing emerging transportation technologies.

Senate Bill 1215, which establishes basic consumer protection standards for third-party litigation funding agreements. The law prohibits funders from influencing legal decisions, requires disclosure of referral payments, and bars funding arrangements backed by foreign entities of concern. Supporters say the measure is a step toward greater transparency and fairness in Arizona鈥檚 legal system, responding to concerns about outside investors quietly driving lawsuits and increasing costs for businesses.

House Bill 2201, which requires electric utilities and public power entities to develop and implement wildfire mitigation plans. The policy is aimed at reducing wildfire risk through proactive safety and infrastructure management, such as vegetation clearing and power shutoff protocols in high-risk areas. Supporters say the measure not only strengthens public safety but also protects critical infrastructure and provides legal clarity for utilities, helping ensure energy reliability as Arizona鈥檚 population and development continue to grow.

These highlights represent just a snapshot of the session鈥檚 pro-growth wins. Lawmakers also advanced major policy priorities like SPEED bonding, which will fast-track university infrastructure projects tied to workforce development, and a landmark ag-to-urban groundwater conservation agreement that ensures continued access to water for high-growth communities. The business community also successfully pushed back on a slate of job-killing proposals that would have stifled economic growth and undermined Arizona鈥檚 competitive edge.

Coolidge said the session鈥檚 outcomes reflect a broader focus on the state鈥檚 long-term competitiveness.

鈥淭hese policies signal continued momentum behind efforts to align Arizona鈥檚 policy environment with the needs of a growing and diversifying economy,鈥� she said.

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