The Issues

1. Jobs & The Economy
Arizona has lost 323,000 jobs since the recession started in 2007 leading to unemployment of 9.6%. The key to growing our economy and bringing good paying jobs back to our state is competitiveness. We must remember that we are competing directly with other states including pro-business Texas, Utah, and Colorado for the good paying private sector jobs that businesses create.

2. Out of Control State Government
The Legislature taxes too much, spends too much, and borrows too much. All of this has led to an annual structural deficit of nearly $2 billion with no end in sight. We must once and for all enact serious fiscal reform and abandon the gimmicks that are leading Arizona down the failed path California has adopted. We must explore privatization, consolidation, and performance-based solutions.

3. Education
According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee we spend $9,700 per student per year in Arizona. Yet a recent state auditor report shows that an average of only 57% of statewide school district funding actually makes it into the classroom—the national average is 62%. We improve education through enhanced competition, increased accountability, greater autonomy and local control at the school level, and a system that rewards good teachers and removes poor teachers.

4. Border Security
It is estimated that illegal immigration costs Arizona taxpayers $2 billion every year. Our schools, hospitals, and public safety services cannot continue to absorb these costs. We must have strong laws in place that enable us to adequately address the problem at the state and local levels. Furthermore, the Legislature, working in conjunction with the Governor and our Congressional delegation, must hold the federal government to account for the costs associated with the Arizona-Mexico border problem.