Independent Businesses Demand Senate Intervention After Arizona Jobs Report

By Matthew Holloway |

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released a job report indicating that 34% of small business owners in Arizona reported difficulties in filling open positions last April. Chad Heinrich, the state director for NFIB in Arizona, urged lawmakers to take action by supporting Senate Bills 1069 and 1215 to alleviate these workforce challenges.

“Arizona’s small businesses underpin our economy, and the state has a unique opportunity to empower them further,” Heinrich stated. He emphasized the importance of passing these bills, which aim to reduce significant recordkeeping duties and protect legal processes from foreign interference.

Senate Bill 1069, introduced by Senator JD Mesnard (R-LD13), proposes raising the Business Personal Property Tax exemption to $500,000 per taxpayer. This change is expected to lighten the tax load and significantly cut down on compliance and record-keeping expenses for small businesses. The bill previously passed the Senate 17-9 and received approval from the House Ways and Means Committee on March 5.

Senate Bill 1215, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Vince Leach, mandates disclosure of third-party sponsors for lawsuits targeting Arizona’s small businesses. This bill is currently awaiting consideration by the House Rules Committee after being approved by the House Judiciary Committee on March 26. Key organizations, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, support this measure.

Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, highlighted the rise of third-party litigation funding, now estimated at $15 billion in the U.S. Coolidge stated, “This is a straightforward transparency bill designed to protect litigants from potential foreign influence in legal proceedings.” Several other states have enacted similar legislation with bipartisan support.

The NFIB report also revealed that while the percentage of unfilled positions dropped slightly, many businesses still find it challenging to attract qualified candidates. Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg noted that this struggle persists, especially in sectors like construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.