News Summary
A report reveals that Arizona could face severe economic setbacks due to 85 proposed bills in the 2025 legislative session. If enacted, these measures may impose $45.9 billion in new costs on businesses and result in 660,000 job losses, threatening a decade of economic growth. Policymakers are urged to reject these bills to maintain Arizona’s business-friendly reputation and ensure continued progress in job creation and economic stability.
Arizona is facing potential economic challenges as a recent report from the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI) and the Arizona Chamber Foundation has highlighted 85 proposed bills in the 2025 legislative session that may severely undermine the state’s economic growth. The report warns that if enacted, these legislative measures could impose over $45.9 billion in new annual costs on businesses and lead to a staggering reduction of 660,000 jobs, equating to a 20% decline in employment.
According to the findings, the implementation of these bills could also reduce per-capita income by $4,600 and contract Arizona’s economy by $64 billion. These statistics emphasize the substantial risks posed by the introduction of such stringent legislation and illustrate the potential ripple effects on the overall socio-economic fabric of Arizona.
Arizona has enjoyed a decade of robust economic growth, largely due to pro-growth policies implemented since 2016, which included lower taxes, smaller government operations, and fewer regulations. However, a recent deceleration in hiring and housing, coupled with the high number of “job killer” bills being discussed, raises alarms about the state’s economic momentum.
The report draws a contrast to Colorado, which has faced a downturn attributed to over 20 “job killer” laws introduced since 2019. As a result, Colorado has witnessed significant declines in both GDP and job growth. The findings suggest that if Arizona had adopted Colorado’s regulatory path, it would currently have 113,000 fewer workers and an $18.6 billion reduction in economic output. This comparison represents a critical point for Arizona to consider while navigating its legislative landscape.
Further emphasizing the interconnectedness of public policy and economic performance, the report indicates that poor policy decisions could reverse the gains made over the past decade. Policymakers are urged to reject bills that add costs, restrict growth, or harm Arizona’s reputation as a business-friendly environment. The report warns that vigilance is essential to maintain the state’s competitiveness and economic leadership.
While none of the 85 analyzed bills have been enacted within this year’s session, the recurring introduction of similar legislation continues to pose risks to Arizona’s economic vitality. Experts caution that these actions could stall the progress that the state has accomplished in recent years. They encourage a thorough examination of the fundamental issues rather than attributing blame to specific sectors, such as real estate developers or investors, for various economic concerns.
As Arizona stands at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory, the real implications of missteps in policy-making could derail significant advancements in job creation and economic stability. The report serves as a clear reminder of the role effective public policy plays in creating an environment conducive to growth. In sum, maintaining Arizona’s economic success demands a commitment to sound legislative choices that prioritize long-term prosperity over short-term gains.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
