Petersen Pushes Trump to Embrace Arizona’s Blueprint for DOGE Management

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is advocating for a federal regulatory overhaul inspired by the state’s successful Sunset Law model. In a recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Petersen outlined how this approach could serve as a framework for the anticipated Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, under the forthcoming Trump administration.

Petersen emphasizes that all federal agencies should undergo a periodic sunset review, requiring Congressional reauthorization to continue functioning. This strategy is intended to combat government inefficiency and foster greater accountability. “To make these reforms last beyond his administration, Mr. Trump should also consider pushing for a federal law that has been effective at the state level,” he wrote.

The concept of DOGE was revealed by President-elect Donald Trump, who appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the department after the transition on January 20. Trump described DOGE as potentially “The Manhattan Project” of its time, aiming to introduce significant reforms within the federal bureaucracy.

Since its enactment in 1978, Arizona’s Sunset Law has mandated a review of state agencies every ten years, instilling a system of checks and balances that has identified inefficiencies and cut costs. The process requires transparency, demanding agency heads to address public concerns directly.

Petersen contends that the federal government can benefit from Arizona’s successful tactics. He notes that the state’s law has saved taxpayers millions by eliminating redundant regulations and reducing bureaucratic waste. “The American people, not special interests or bureaucrats, are the sole beneficiary of the sunset review process,” he asserts.

As Petersen concludes, he hopes the incoming administration will consider such mechanisms to ensure long-term efficiency and accountability at the federal level, potentially paving the way for a leaner and more effective government.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.