Arizona ranks low in U.S. News 'Best States' survey despite strong economic performance
Arizona ranked first in the nation in job growth and seventh for its economy, but lagging scores in a number of other categories dropped it into the nation’s bottom rung in the 2021 U.S. News Best States Rankings.
The report, released Tuesday, placed the Grand Canyon State at No. 39 overall among U.S. states, with low showings in education, opportunity, fiscal status and other categories outweighing positive performances in the economy and health care categories.
The placement is a five-point drop from Arizona’s previous spot at No. 34, returning the state to the place it held in the 2018 U.S. News report.
Washington took the top spot in the overall state rankings, with Minnesota, Utah, New Hampshire and Idaho rounding out the top five. Ranking at the bottom of the list were Mississippi (No. 48), Alabama (No. 49) and Louisiana (No. 50).
Job growth was where Arizona made its strongest showing, ranking first in the nation with an annual rate of 3.4%. The state placed fourth for overall economic growth and ranked at No. 13 for business environment and No. 27 for employment.
Arizona’s seventh-place overall ranking in the economy category was part of a trend as western states took seven of the top 10 places in that area — Utah, Colorado and Idaho took the top three spots in that category.
Under the health care heading, Arizona was fourth overall for the quality of its services but ranked 43rd for access. The state’s public health ranked 33rd. Conversely, Arizona was No. 3 for nursing home quality. All of that combined to place Arizona toward the middle of the pack at No. 21 in health care.
Arizona found itself lagging in several of the report’s categories, with its worst showing being its educational system, which ranked 46th. Higher education in the state placed at No. 33, but pre-K-12 education was No. 47.
The lower health care and education rankings made a big difference in Arizona’s overall placement because U.S. News gave those two categories the greatest weight among the report’s eight primary categories. The relative weight of each category was determined according to the average of three years of data from an annual national survey that asked nearly 70,000 people to priorities each subject in their states, the report said.
The economy had the third greatest weight. Behind that was infrastructure, in which Arizona ranked No. 23, bolstered by a 14th-place showing for its energy infrastructure. The state’s transportation infrastructure ranked No. 22 and its broadband No. 34.
None of the remaining categories helped Arizona either, with the state landing at No. 38 for crime and corrections, No. 40 for both opportunity and fiscal stability and No. 41 for natural environment — which considers air and water quality and pollution.
U.S. News said the rankings are based on more than 70 metrics and tens of thousands of data points, with most of the data coming from a period that predated the arrival of Covid-19 in the U.S. Even so, the report’s authors said the findings reflect concerns that have only been magnified by the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and evolving social climate of the past year have made a host of critical issues top of mind for Americans – from access to adequate health care and quality education to economic stability and public safety,” Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer at U.S. News, said in a statement. “The 2021 Best States report combines data-driven journalism and rankings to help citizens, business leaders and policymakers see where states stack up on key benchmarks – so that states can learn from each other and target areas for improvement.”
By Jeff Gifford –Phoenix Business Journal
Arizona ranked first in the nation in job growth and seventh for its economy, but lagging scores in a number of other categories dropped it into the nation’s bottom rung in the 2021 U.S. News Best States Rankings.
The report, released Tuesday, placed the Grand Canyon State at No. 39 overall among U.S. states, with low showings in education, opportunity, fiscal status and other categories outweighing positive performances in the economy and health care categories.
The placement is a five-point drop from Arizona’s previous spot at No. 34, returning the state to the place it held in the 2018 U.S. News report.
Washington took the top spot in the overall state rankings, with Minnesota, Utah, New Hampshire and Idaho rounding out the top five. Ranking at the bottom of the list were Mississippi (No. 48), Alabama (No. 49) and Louisiana (No. 50).
Job growth was where Arizona made its strongest showing, ranking first in the nation with an annual rate of 3.4%. The state placed fourth for overall economic growth and ranked at No. 13 for business environment and No. 27 for employment.
Arizona’s seventh-place overall ranking in the economy category was part of a trend as western states took seven of the top 10 places in that area — Utah, Colorado and Idaho took the top three spots in that category.
Under the health care heading, Arizona was fourth overall for the quality of its services but ranked 43rd for access. The state’s public health ranked 33rd. Conversely, Arizona was No. 3 for nursing home quality. All of that combined to place Arizona toward the middle of the pack at No. 21 in health care.
Arizona found itself lagging in several of the report’s categories, with its worst showing being its educational system, which ranked 46th. Higher education in the state placed at No. 33, but pre-K-12 education was No. 47.
The lower health care and education rankings made a big difference in Arizona’s overall placement because U.S. News gave those two categories the greatest weight among the report’s eight primary categories. The relative weight of each category was determined according to the average of three years of data from an annual national survey that asked nearly 70,000 people to priorities each subject in their states, the report said.
The economy had the third greatest weight. Behind that was infrastructure, in which Arizona ranked No. 23, bolstered by a 14th-place showing for its energy infrastructure. The state’s transportation infrastructure ranked No. 22 and its broadband No. 34.
None of the remaining categories helped Arizona either, with the state landing at No. 38 for crime and corrections, No. 40 for both opportunity and fiscal stability and No. 41 for natural environment — which considers air and water quality and pollution.
U.S. News said the rankings are based on more than 70 metrics and tens of thousands of data points, with most of the data coming from a period that predated the arrival of Covid-19 in the U.S. Even so, the report’s authors said the findings reflect concerns that have only been magnified by the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and evolving social climate of the past year have made a host of critical issues top of mind for Americans – from access to adequate health care and quality education to economic stability and public safety,” Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer at U.S. News, said in a statement. “The 2021 Best States report combines data-driven journalism and rankings to help citizens, business leaders and policymakers see where states stack up on key benchmarks – so that states can learn from each other and target areas for improvement.”
By Jeff Gifford –Phoenix Business Journal
What's really on the minds of business owners ahead of tonight's debate
By Graham Winfrey, senior editor at Inc.
Many entrepreneurs tuning into the first debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden tonight will have the same question on their minds: Where's the Phase 4 stimulus bill?
Various stimulus efforts designed to extend federal small-business aid programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program have been held up as lawmakers bicker over key sticking points. Meanwhile, nearly 2 million--mostly small--American firms have already closed in 2020, according to Oxxford Information Technology, an information services firm that tracks more than 30 million businesses.
Faced with the prospect of continued hardship, entrepreneurs want action. More than two-thirds of small business owners recently polled by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said that it is more important for political leaders to compromise to get things done, rather than stick to their beliefs in a time of crisis. It's unclear to what extent the plight of U.S. small businesses will register in the debate.
Before you watch the event tonight at 9 p.m. ET, check out our story for insight into how Trump likely will try to frame the conversation around economic recovery, and how Biden will aim to differentiate his own plan, should he win the election.
By Graham Winfrey, senior editor at Inc.
Many entrepreneurs tuning into the first debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden tonight will have the same question on their minds: Where's the Phase 4 stimulus bill?
Various stimulus efforts designed to extend federal small-business aid programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program have been held up as lawmakers bicker over key sticking points. Meanwhile, nearly 2 million--mostly small--American firms have already closed in 2020, according to Oxxford Information Technology, an information services firm that tracks more than 30 million businesses.
Faced with the prospect of continued hardship, entrepreneurs want action. More than two-thirds of small business owners recently polled by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said that it is more important for political leaders to compromise to get things done, rather than stick to their beliefs in a time of crisis. It's unclear to what extent the plight of U.S. small businesses will register in the debate.
Before you watch the event tonight at 9 p.m. ET, check out our story for insight into how Trump likely will try to frame the conversation around economic recovery, and how Biden will aim to differentiate his own plan, should he win the election.
Small Business Optimism Improves.
Seven of the 10 Index components improved, two declined, and one was unchanged. The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased two points in August to 90, the second-highest reading since 2017. The record reading of 100 was reached in November 2016.
The NFIB Optimism Index increased 1.4 points in August to 100.2, a reading slightly above the historical 46-year average. Seven of the 10 Index components improved, two declined, and one was unchanged. The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased two points in August to 90, the second-highest reading since 2017. The record reading of 100 was reached in November 2016.
“Small businesses are working hard to recover from the state shutdowns and effects of COVID-19,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “We are seeing areas of improvement in the small business economy, as job openings and plans to hire are increasing, but many small businesses are still struggling and are uncertain about what the future will hold.”
Other key findings include:
Read the Full article
Seven of the 10 Index components improved, two declined, and one was unchanged. The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased two points in August to 90, the second-highest reading since 2017. The record reading of 100 was reached in November 2016.
The NFIB Optimism Index increased 1.4 points in August to 100.2, a reading slightly above the historical 46-year average. Seven of the 10 Index components improved, two declined, and one was unchanged. The NFIB Uncertainty Index increased two points in August to 90, the second-highest reading since 2017. The record reading of 100 was reached in November 2016.
“Small businesses are working hard to recover from the state shutdowns and effects of COVID-19,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “We are seeing areas of improvement in the small business economy, as job openings and plans to hire are increasing, but many small businesses are still struggling and are uncertain about what the future will hold.”
Other key findings include:
- Earnings trends over the past three months improved seven points to a net negative 25% reporting higher earnings.
- Job openings increased three points to 33% of firms with at least one unfilled position.
- The percent of owners thinking it’s a good time to expand increased one point to 12%.
- Real sales expectations in the next three months decreased two points to a net 3%.
Read the Full article
On-Line Retails Sales Spike, But are Coming Down!
COVID-19's Impact on the Evolution of Online Sales
As part of tracking retail sales’ recovery, it continues to be interesting to examine how the COVID-19 shock has affected the evolution of online sales.
In July, in-store retail sales remained the vast majority of all retail sales at 84%. Non-store sales, which are mostly online sales, accounted for the remaining 16% of sales.
The long-term trend has been to online sales, but consumers still do most of their shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Prior to the pandemic, online sales accounted for around 13% of all sales, but that spiked to over 19% in April at the height of the pandemic as consumers stayed home and ordered more online.
Since April, online sales’ share of all retail sales has fallen for three consecutive months and is now at 15.7%. ( SEE CHART BELOW) That is elevated from pre-pandemic levels, but considerably lower than the April high. The decline was slight in July compared to June.
The question is whether online sales will continue to decline closer to the pre-pandemic level and resume their long-term increase from that level, or whether they will remain elevated and continue to grow. They will continue to grow, but it remains to be seen how large a one-time shift, if any, occurs because of the pandemic.
Why it matters: Aside from being an interesting behavioral change to observe, this shift matters for brick-and-mortar sellers that do not also have an online presence. They could permanently lose customers and see revenues decline. It also matters for the financiers of these retailers if the shift is large enough that the viability of the businesses becomes questionable.
–Curtis Dubay, Senior Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
COVID-19's Impact on the Evolution of Online Sales
As part of tracking retail sales’ recovery, it continues to be interesting to examine how the COVID-19 shock has affected the evolution of online sales.
In July, in-store retail sales remained the vast majority of all retail sales at 84%. Non-store sales, which are mostly online sales, accounted for the remaining 16% of sales.
The long-term trend has been to online sales, but consumers still do most of their shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Prior to the pandemic, online sales accounted for around 13% of all sales, but that spiked to over 19% in April at the height of the pandemic as consumers stayed home and ordered more online.
Since April, online sales’ share of all retail sales has fallen for three consecutive months and is now at 15.7%. ( SEE CHART BELOW) That is elevated from pre-pandemic levels, but considerably lower than the April high. The decline was slight in July compared to June.
The question is whether online sales will continue to decline closer to the pre-pandemic level and resume their long-term increase from that level, or whether they will remain elevated and continue to grow. They will continue to grow, but it remains to be seen how large a one-time shift, if any, occurs because of the pandemic.
Why it matters: Aside from being an interesting behavioral change to observe, this shift matters for brick-and-mortar sellers that do not also have an online presence. They could permanently lose customers and see revenues decline. It also matters for the financiers of these retailers if the shift is large enough that the viability of the businesses becomes questionable.
–Curtis Dubay, Senior Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Tiered PPP loan forgiveness is emerging in Republican stimulus bill
As Congress debates a series of sweeping stimulus measures to boost the economy during the pandemic, a multitiered forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program loans is gaining steam.
There's been a growing push to automatically forgive smaller PPP loans from the Small Business Administration. And while Senate Republicans have included automatic forgiveness for loans below $150,000 as part of their stimulus proposal introduced Monday, they have also introduced a middle tier of forgiveness requirements for loans between $150,000 and $2 million. For those loans, their proposal only requires businesses to complete a certification and retain relevant records and worksheets for up to three years, though banks would still need to submit a loan forgiveness application to the SBA.
Forgiveness provisions for larger loans would remain the same under the proposal. And the Treasury Department and SBA have said they will audit all loans topping $2 million after a public backlash against some publicly traded companies and larger, well-known private companies that received PPP loans.
Business owners and community stakeholder wishing to help the Chamber impact upcoming legislation should sign up for the Chamber’s ACTION ALERTS . Have a voice!
Tiered PPP loan forgiveness is emerging in Republican stimulus bill
As Congress debates a series of sweeping stimulus measures to boost the economy during the pandemic, a multitiered forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program loans is gaining steam.
There's been a growing push to automatically forgive smaller PPP loans from the Small Business Administration. And while Senate Republicans have included automatic forgiveness for loans below $150,000 as part of their stimulus proposal introduced Monday, they have also introduced a middle tier of forgiveness requirements for loans between $150,000 and $2 million. For those loans, their proposal only requires businesses to complete a certification and retain relevant records and worksheets for up to three years, though banks would still need to submit a loan forgiveness application to the SBA.
Forgiveness provisions for larger loans would remain the same under the proposal. And the Treasury Department and SBA have said they will audit all loans topping $2 million after a public backlash against some publicly traded companies and larger, well-known private companies that received PPP loans.
Business owners and community stakeholder wishing to help the Chamber impact upcoming legislation should sign up for the Chamber’s ACTION ALERTS . Have a voice!
Business Openings Start This Week
05/04/2020
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor's Ducey thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
Under an Executive Order signed Wednesday, starting TODAY, retail businesses can sell goods through delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, drive-up service, curbside delivery or appointment provided they establish and implement sanitation and physical distancing measures.
On Friday, May 8, businesses can resume partial openings that incorporate social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Arizona Department of Health Services.
In addition, the Governor announced this week a goal to resume dine-in services at restaurants in May. Arizona retail guidelines can be found HERE and general guidance see OSHA guidance on preparing and opening workplaces
05/04/2020
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor's Ducey thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
Under an Executive Order signed Wednesday, starting TODAY, retail businesses can sell goods through delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, drive-up service, curbside delivery or appointment provided they establish and implement sanitation and physical distancing measures.
On Friday, May 8, businesses can resume partial openings that incorporate social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Arizona Department of Health Services.
In addition, the Governor announced this week a goal to resume dine-in services at restaurants in May. Arizona retail guidelines can be found HERE and general guidance see OSHA guidance on preparing and opening workplaces
CE0 Promise: Your Membership Will Not Lapse!
As the pace of economic change continues to accelerate, transforming the way we work and conduct business at a breathtaking pace. We are still here for you. The Chamber will work with every business so that they can remain a member.
Daily, the Surprise Regional Chamber is meeting with elected officials, the SBA, the US Chamber and others to make sure your business needs and are addressed and not forgotten. Everything from our shop local programs to our TCS system that helps businesses get found more often on local internet searches are designed to boost your business and drive economic development.
The Chamber is confident that there will be an extraordinary opportunity for growth and job creation once the crisis is over, and keeping all business engaged in our work is paramount. Through our events, programs, and services have been impacted; you can take comfort in knowing the Chamber is working diligently on behalf of your business.
Take pride in knowing we are the VOICE in the business community, and this function is more critical that ever! The Chamber works to represent companies of all sizes by influencing the public policies that will impact your business. This is the true value of your Chamber membership, and why you often hear me say that meeting attendance is never required to receive benefits from this Chamber.
Sincerely,
Raoul
Raoul Sada, MPA
President and CEO
Serving the Business Communities of El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell, and Youngtown
Helpful Links:
- Coronia Virus Resources | Response | Impact
- Donate Now
- Advocacy Activities
- Join the Chamber
- Join our Email List
03/04/2020
2020 Legislative Session
Each year, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce makes it clear what our business community expects from their elected officials... economic growth. We emphasize again our core principles of free enterprise. And that removing obstacles to job creation and economic growth is paramount.
This year we are supporting a wide variety of bills like the continuation micro-loans for small businesses, workforce development/education bills to ensure a future pipe life of trained workers, and a host of infrastructure projects to help drive long term growth and competitiveness.
Click Here: If You Have a Concern or Issue That Needs Addressing
The following is a partial list of bills on the Chamber radar:
Improving Transportation and Infrastructure
Most businesses agree that our roads, bridges, mass transit systems, and air infrastructure are critical community assets that drive growth, jobs, safety, and global competitiveness.
S1101 – Appropriation; North Loop Interchange: For
S1156 – Appropriation; Interstate 10; Reconstruction: For
S1157 – Appropriation; State Route 101: For
S1158 – Appropriation; Widening; Interstate 17: For
Workforce Development & Education
A more robust education system provides you with better trained and qualified workers. Education is crucial to preparing people for good jobs and bright futures and sustaining a 21st-century workforce that can compete in the global economy. Our Chamber survey shows that most businesses have worker shortages, and most are having a hard time finding workers with the right skills.
H2152 – Appropriation; STEM Learning; Workforce Development: For
H2741 – CTEDS; Fourth-Year Funding: For
H2387 – Continuing High School Program: For
H2390 – Community Colleges; Districts; Workforce Development: For
S1166 – Appropriation; STEM Internships: For
S1403 – Fourth-Year Funding; CTEDS: For
S1166 – Appropriation; STEM Internships: For
S1403 – Fourth-Year Funding; CTEDS: For
Regulatory Reform and Business Friendly Rules
The Chamber recognizes the need for smart regulations to ensure workplace safety and protect public health. But often, these regulations are burdensome, and price tag in compliance costs increases every year. As the number and complexity of the rules increase each year, it’s clear the regulatory system isn’t working the way it should. Rules and regulations must consider the views of communities and businesses, carefully evaluate the impact rules will have on jobs and small businesses, and protects our economic and personal freedoms.
H2404 – TPT; Prime Contracting; Exemptions; Certificates: For
H2409 – Small Business Investment Credit; Extension: For
H2355 – Charitable Contribution; Deduction; Inflation Adjustment: For
H2356 – Charitable Contributions; Deduction; Increase: For
S1630 – Micro Business Loans; Commerce Authority: For
S1457 – DOR; E-Commerce Compliance Officer: For
S1630 – Micro Business Loans; Commerce Authority: For
Energy & Utilities
Arizona is in the midst of a real energy revolution. After decades of fear over potential energy scarcity, we are now in an era of energy abundance, driven by technological innovation and American know-how. But will we have the wisdom to capitalize on this opportunity? If we develop smart policies, we can use affordable and abundant energy to launch a manufacturing revival, based on a variety of energy resources that ultimately increases household spending power, and revitalize’ s our economy.
S1222 – Building Permits; Utilities; Restrictions; Prohibitions: For
H2674 – Water; Substitute Acreage: For
H2675 – Water Conservation Notice; No Abandonment: For
H2677 – Groundwater Replenishment Reserves: For
2020 Legislative Session
Each year, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce makes it clear what our business community expects from their elected officials... economic growth. We emphasize again our core principles of free enterprise. And that removing obstacles to job creation and economic growth is paramount.
This year we are supporting a wide variety of bills like the continuation micro-loans for small businesses, workforce development/education bills to ensure a future pipe life of trained workers, and a host of infrastructure projects to help drive long term growth and competitiveness.
Click Here: If You Have a Concern or Issue That Needs Addressing
The following is a partial list of bills on the Chamber radar:
Improving Transportation and Infrastructure
Most businesses agree that our roads, bridges, mass transit systems, and air infrastructure are critical community assets that drive growth, jobs, safety, and global competitiveness.
S1101 – Appropriation; North Loop Interchange: For
S1156 – Appropriation; Interstate 10; Reconstruction: For
S1157 – Appropriation; State Route 101: For
S1158 – Appropriation; Widening; Interstate 17: For
Workforce Development & Education
A more robust education system provides you with better trained and qualified workers. Education is crucial to preparing people for good jobs and bright futures and sustaining a 21st-century workforce that can compete in the global economy. Our Chamber survey shows that most businesses have worker shortages, and most are having a hard time finding workers with the right skills.
H2152 – Appropriation; STEM Learning; Workforce Development: For
H2741 – CTEDS; Fourth-Year Funding: For
H2387 – Continuing High School Program: For
H2390 – Community Colleges; Districts; Workforce Development: For
S1166 – Appropriation; STEM Internships: For
S1403 – Fourth-Year Funding; CTEDS: For
S1166 – Appropriation; STEM Internships: For
S1403 – Fourth-Year Funding; CTEDS: For
Regulatory Reform and Business Friendly Rules
The Chamber recognizes the need for smart regulations to ensure workplace safety and protect public health. But often, these regulations are burdensome, and price tag in compliance costs increases every year. As the number and complexity of the rules increase each year, it’s clear the regulatory system isn’t working the way it should. Rules and regulations must consider the views of communities and businesses, carefully evaluate the impact rules will have on jobs and small businesses, and protects our economic and personal freedoms.
H2404 – TPT; Prime Contracting; Exemptions; Certificates: For
H2409 – Small Business Investment Credit; Extension: For
H2355 – Charitable Contribution; Deduction; Inflation Adjustment: For
H2356 – Charitable Contributions; Deduction; Increase: For
S1630 – Micro Business Loans; Commerce Authority: For
S1457 – DOR; E-Commerce Compliance Officer: For
S1630 – Micro Business Loans; Commerce Authority: For
Energy & Utilities
Arizona is in the midst of a real energy revolution. After decades of fear over potential energy scarcity, we are now in an era of energy abundance, driven by technological innovation and American know-how. But will we have the wisdom to capitalize on this opportunity? If we develop smart policies, we can use affordable and abundant energy to launch a manufacturing revival, based on a variety of energy resources that ultimately increases household spending power, and revitalize’ s our economy.
S1222 – Building Permits; Utilities; Restrictions; Prohibitions: For
H2674 – Water; Substitute Acreage: For
H2675 – Water Conservation Notice; No Abandonment: For
H2677 – Groundwater Replenishment Reserves: For
Feb. 2020
Restaurants, Businesses Line Up Behind Bill To Preserve Access To Natural Gas
Companion bills introduced by state legislative leaders to safeguard businesses’ and homeowners’ access to natural gas are receiving strong support from Arizona’s restaurant industry, the business community, manufacturers, and organizations that assist low-income residents. Both Arizona House and Senate leaders are sponsoring bills to prevent communities from banning the use of gas in housing and commercial development projects.
The legislation will “reinforce” Arizona’s ability to regulate its own energy policy, said House Speaker Rusty Bowers, who testified in support of HB 2686 last week before the House Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. The legislation is in response to a growing number of cities in states like California that are banning natural gas, Bowers said at the hearing. A sister bill in the Senate, SB 1222, is sponsored by Senate President Karen Fann. Both bills have passed their respective committees.
Supporters of the bill who testified at the hearing said it would protect business owners’ and homeowners’ ability to determine what mix of energy sources work best for them.
For more information and source citation Click Here
Restaurants, Businesses Line Up Behind Bill To Preserve Access To Natural Gas
Companion bills introduced by state legislative leaders to safeguard businesses’ and homeowners’ access to natural gas are receiving strong support from Arizona’s restaurant industry, the business community, manufacturers, and organizations that assist low-income residents. Both Arizona House and Senate leaders are sponsoring bills to prevent communities from banning the use of gas in housing and commercial development projects.
The legislation will “reinforce” Arizona’s ability to regulate its own energy policy, said House Speaker Rusty Bowers, who testified in support of HB 2686 last week before the House Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. The legislation is in response to a growing number of cities in states like California that are banning natural gas, Bowers said at the hearing. A sister bill in the Senate, SB 1222, is sponsored by Senate President Karen Fann. Both bills have passed their respective committees.
Supporters of the bill who testified at the hearing said it would protect business owners’ and homeowners’ ability to determine what mix of energy sources work best for them.
For more information and source citation Click Here
Jan. 2020
LOCAL POLICY AGENDA SET FOR NW VALLEY CITIES
The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors approved its 2020 Local Government Policy Agenda and priorities for the region (El Mirage, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Waddell and Youngtown.) The policies addressed in the agenda were strategically chosen based on a combination of the Chamber’s State Legislative Agenda, the board of directors, and feedback from the local business community. The Chamber’s priorities represent and advocate for what citizens and business community have asked for and continue to request, and that is building a healthy and vibrant community by ensuring an environment where business can prosper.
Click Here for the Chamber Local Government Policy Agenda
Chamber1
TAKE THE SURVEY NOW
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community.
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey
