Business groups back Arizona’s $11.8B budget

Business groups are finding plenty to like in the planned $11.8 billion budget for Arizona next year. Whether it’s increased spending on education or changes to state laws to make it possible to tax online sales, the greater business community came away from the budget with much of what it sought.

The fiscal year 2020 proposed budget, which is headed for Gov. Doug Ducey‘s desk, increased state spending about $1.4 billion over fiscal year 2019.

One key change in the budget was to make sales for online sales taxable, regardless of where the seller is located. That change came about through the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the South Dakota v. Wayfair case, which opened the door to states taxing online sellers.

Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, also cited increased education spending as well as the budget’s efforts to strengthen international business ties as helping the state’s industries.

“The Arizona Technology Council is grateful that Gov. Ducey’s and the Legislature’s FY2020 budget continued to prioritize education, innovation and strengthening our partnerships with Mexico and Israel,” he said. “This budget prioritizes keeping our promises in the 20% teacher raises, restoring district additional assistance, promotes career and technical education, funds advanced research centers for innovation and funds offices in Israel and Mexico. Additionally, the tax package that addresses both tax conformity and Wayfair helps businesses plan for the future for which we are extremely supportive.”

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