GOP Strikes Back: New Initiatives Clash with Local Taxes, Fees, and School Funding

Republican lawmakers in Arizona have proposed legislation that would require a supermajority for tax increases and fees across cities, towns, school districts, and state agencies. This initiative aims to align local policies with existing state-level requirements, necessitating a similar supermajority for state tax hikes.

Supporters argue that these bills protect citizens from unwarranted local tax increases while promoting greater efficiency in government operations. Opponents counter that such measures undermine local autonomy, making it increasingly difficult for municipalities and school districts to secure necessary funding.

Sen. Shawnna Bolick of Phoenix is advocating for a ballot referral that mandates a 60% voter approval for school district bond and override elections. This proposal follows a request from a local voter, who highlighted the need for consistency with the 2022 voter-approved Proposition 132, which also requires a 60% threshold for tax increases.

“He asked for basically the same percentage to apply to the school board bond elections as we do with all their taxes that we have before the voters,” Bolick stated.

Currently, Bolick’s measure, SCR1028, awaits a committee hearing after being assigned to the Senate Education and Rules committees. Education advocates are voicing strong concerns regarding the implications of requiring a supermajority for such elections.

“It puts the minority of the community in charge,” said Chuck Essigs, director of governmental relations for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials. “A bond could fail despite majority support if the minority votes against it.”

Essigs warned that successful overrides would likely decrease, adversely affecting student resources and teacher compensation. “We don’t require a supermajority for electing representatives, so why impose it on bond decisions?” he questioned.

The Arizona School Boards Association echoed this sentiment, asserting that the additional burden could cripple already financially struggling districts. “A higher threshold makes it nearly impossible for them to secure funding,” the association stated. Without funding, schools risk falling behind in essential services and resources.

Meanwhile, two similar measures focusing on municipalities and state agency fees are moving forward in the Legislature. Sen. J.D. Mesnard of Chandler recently introduced a referral aimed at amending Proposition 108, which requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature for state tax increases.

“This bill is a significant step towards protecting Arizona taxpayers from unchecked financial burdens,” Mesnard noted. His referral, SCR1009, seeks to close loopholes that allow state agencies to raise fees without legislative approval.

Senate President Warren Petersen has also introduced a bill, SB1013, that mandates a two-thirds vote from local governments for new taxes and fees. Approved along party lines, this measure targets municipalities that have raised taxes despite being “flushed with cash.”

“Arizonans are frustrated with recent hikes in taxes and fees,” Petersen said. He emphasized the need for increased government efficiency and claimed that this legislation serves as a protective measure for taxpayer interests.

Critics such as Sen. Mitzi Epstein argue that these bills restrict municipal independence. “It’s not your business what a city does with their budget,” she expressed, asserting that financial decisions should be left to local voters and their elected officials.