Project 2025: Arizona Faces Higher Taxes Amid Cuts to Social Security and Healthcare

A recent report has sparked considerable concern among Arizonans regarding former President Donald Trump’s potential return to power and the implementation of Project 2025. If enacted, the proposal could lead to significant changes affecting taxes, healthcare, and social security in the state.

Project 2025, generated by the Heritage Foundation—a conservative think tank—aims to reshape the federal government while consolidating executive authority if Trump wins the upcoming election. Many of the document’s policy recommendations have been developed with input from Trump’s former aides and supporters.

The Heritage Foundation collaborated with over 100 conservative groups to formulate this extensive plan, which includes highly contentious proposals, such as a nationwide abortion ban and increased immigration enforcement. Additionally, it suggests heavy cuts across federal agencies.

While Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, claiming ignorance about its details on his social media platform, connections to his administration are evident. Reports suggest that key figures from Trump’s past, like former budget chief Russell Vought, are instrumental in the project.

In a noteworthy 2022 event, Trump addressed a Heritage Foundation conference, praising the organization’s ongoing efforts to develop policies for his potential administration. His assertion that the organization would “lay the groundwork” for his political commitments raised eyebrows about the genuine distance he claims from the project.

Ties between Project 2025 and Arizona-specific organizations are also significant. Notably, the anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ group Alliance Defending Freedom, alongside Turning Point USA, played roles in drafting the project.

A comprehensive analysis by the Center for American Progress highlighted how the policy shifts outlined in Project 2025 could impact Arizona residents. For instance, a typical family of four in the state could see a tax increase of approximately $2,720 annually, while high-income households may benefit from significant tax cuts.

The proposal’s ramifications extend to social security, with plans to raise the retirement age affecting 73% of Arizona’s residents. Estimates suggest this change could translate to a loss of $46,000 to $100,000 over a ten-year period for average retirees, significantly harming their financial stability.

Healthcare-related proposals are equally alarming, particularly for the 388,850 Arizonans reliant on Medicare. Suggested changes include increased prescription drug costs, the elimination of out-of-pocket cost limits, and restrictions on government negotiations for lower drug prices.

Abortion access would face severe restrictions under Project 2025, calling for the use of outdated laws to criminalize abortion-related medication and surgeries, effectively establishing a nationwide ban. Local legal authorities’ stances may not align with federal demands, complicating enforcement.

The report also examined the implications for children’s services and education. Project 2025 could eliminate the Head Start program, impacting over 16,000 low-income children in Arizona. Additionally, proposed changes could lead to increased financial burdens on student loan borrowers, who may see their payments rise significantly.

Critics contend that the proposals embody a push towards enforcing Christian nationalist ideologies within government. Some view Project 2025 as an embodiment of both Christian nationalism and Dominionism, movements advocating that Christianity should dominate all societal spheres.

Influential figures within these movements, including former national security advisor Michael Flynn, are cited as pivotal advocates for these agendas. Notably, Flynn’s controversial ties and statements reflecting Christian nationalist sentiments have raised alarm among those monitoring the potential rise of such ideologies in the political landscape.

As the political discourse develops, the implications of Project 2025 for Arizona remain a point of contention among residents, activists, and officials alike. The potential for profound changes looms large as the nation heads toward the 2024 elections.