Public Policy

AZTC Statement on Senator John McCain

August 27, 2018

The Arizona Technology Council had the honor of having a trusted relationship with Senator John McCain since the organization was founded in 2002. He has spoken at a number of Council events and hosted delegations of our members in his office in Washington D.C.. We are proud to have known him. The Council sends its condolences to his family and our appreciation for his services to our great state and our nation as a solider, a POW, a Representative, a Senator, a hero and, most of all, a … Read more about AZTC Statement on Senator John McCain

2018 Vote TechSmart Guide

July 11, 2018

The Arizona Technology Council is pleased to release our 2018 Vote TechSmart guide, a comprehensive review of Arizona candidate positions on key issues affecting the technology industry. Released every two years, this publication focuses on candidates who are running for the state House of Representatives and the Senate. The Vote TechSmart guide includes the Council’s endorsements based on the incumbents’ past voting records on the technology industry issues along with information from both a … Read more about 2018 Vote TechSmart Guide

AZTC Supports the Reelection of Gov. Ducey

June 27, 2018

Arizona voters will be deciding on a governor in November, and the Arizona Technology Council fully supports the reelection of Gov. Doug Ducey. He has worked hard to secure more than 160,000 private-sector jobs in Arizona, many of which resulted from our pro-technology government, and the entrepreneur and startup-friendly ecosystem he created. Governor Ducey has also been successful in attracting new businesses to our state with more than 300 companies relocating to Arizona during his time in … Read more about AZTC Supports the Reelection of Gov. Ducey

Invest in Ed is Not the Way

June 27, 2018

The Arizona Technology Council stands with much of the local business community in opposing the Invest in Education campaign to increase the state income tax. Such a measure would dramatically hurt small businesses and startups, and drive new businesses away from our state. The tax increase would be especially detrimental to the technology ecosystem in Arizona, which is a major contributor to the 160,000 jobs added since 2015. The top state income tax rate in Arizona currently is 4.54%. This … Read more about Invest in Ed is Not the Way

AZTC Legislative Update: Week 17

May 8, 2018

“Budgets are a statement of our values and I hope this isn’t what we value” – Rep. Fernandez After a long week, legislators adjourned sine die near Friday morning’s witching hour and educators ended their week-long strike. Let’s get you into this session’s last legislative report. The Budget On Monday, a source close to the governor’s office had told reporters Ducey’s revenue projections were revised and reduced to lower values. Specifically, his projections allow for 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 … Read more about AZTC Legislative Update: Week 17

AZTC Legislative Update: Week 15

April 30, 2018

Members are starting to slow down and so are the schedules. There’s only one reason for that: the Capitol is approaching Sine Die. School Safety The week started off with last week’s big news: Governor Ducey’s school safety proposal. S1519 (protective orders; schools; approp) seems to be struggling, it reportedly doesn’t have the necessary votes in either chamber to move to the Governor’s desk. A five-hour hearing on Monday resulted in a party-line vote, but even the Republicans who voted for … Read more about AZTC Legislative Update: Week 15

AZTC Legislative Update: Week 11

March 26, 2018

School Safety On Monday, Governor Ducey revealed his plan to focus on mental health services for students, boost law enforcement presence on school campuses, and closing loopholes in background checks. The plan, or some version of it, is expected to move forward this week if it is going to at all. Democrats at the Capitol have largely panned the plan for not going far enough, and many Republicans are wary of any additional measures to control access to guns. Prop 301 A major success from last … Read more about AZTC Legislative Update: Week 11

The 2018 Public Policy Guide

December 5, 2017

One of the many benefits of being a member of the Arizona Technology Council is having an advocate for driving a pro-growth, business-focused state and federal technology agenda. Through the efforts of the AZTC Public Policy Committee, the Council informs and educates policymakers on issues that are important to the future of Arizona’s technology community and testifies before the state legislature on a regular basis. The results are rewarding. Among the many achievements, the Council’s public … Read more about The 2018 Public Policy Guide

URGENT: ASK LAWMAKERS TO PROTECT DACA

September 1, 2017

The Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program allows almost 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants—the DREAMERS—to work and study without fearing deportation. These Dreamers grew up in the United States, have registered with our government, submitted extensive background checks, and have been contributing to our economy and paying their taxes. More stats on Dreamers: 97% are in school or working 72% of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies are employing DACA recipients 65% own a … Read more about URGENT: ASK LAWMAKERS TO PROTECT DACA

AZTC Public Policy Call to Action! Comment on NAFTA Regulations

June 12, 2017

Please join the Arizona Technology Council in our efforts to maintain and advance our international trade relationships and enhancing our economic security by supporting the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Comments close at midnight on Monday, June 12. How can I show my support? Go to this page and click on the 'Comment Now' button. Copy and paste the below verbiage into the 'Comment' section, or use your own message. Complete the remaining … Read more about AZTC Public Policy Call to Action! Comment on NAFTA Regulations