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PHOENIX, Arizona: A proposed sales-tax increase introduced by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer will be placed before voters in a May 18, 2010 special election. The state senate approved of the measure on February 3, 2010 with a 16-12 vote, leaving the Arizona House of Representatives as the next and only hurdle before letting the voters decide. The House then approved of the measure with a vote of 34-25.[1][2]
The three-year sales tax increase proposal was introduced as a solution to alleviate the budget crisis happening in the state. According to reports, the state is in danger of having a shortfall of approximately $2.6 billion on spending of $9.5 billion. However, opponents such as Senators Pamela Gorman and Ron Gould have stated that the budget deficit can be solved without raising sales taxes. Opponents have also stated that balancing the budget should not be solved by using sales taxes paid by consumers.[3]
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