Gov. Candidate Andy Biggs Says Arizona Must Ditch Income Tax to Compete With No-Tax States

Arizona governor candidate Rep. Andy Biggs makes his case against Gov. Katie Hobbs on water, immigration, taxes, and data centers, and says he supports Proposition 141, which would ban per-mile driving taxes. The case against Hobbs: Biggs, the Republican nominee, says Arizona has gone from one of the most affordable states to one of the least affordable under Hobbs. He also says Arizona ranks last in educational attainment and is one of only two states with a rising fentanyl overdose death rate. Water: Biggs says Hobbs negotiated away the lion’s share of Arizona’s Colorado River allotment and is relying on conservation alone. He wants to tap and clean the state’s underground water stores and look for new sources. Immigration: Biggs said Hobbs tore down physical barriers erected under her predecessor, defunded the border security strike force, and would sign sanctuary bills. He says cooperating with federal detainers is safer for police, the public, and the detainee. Working across the aisle: Asked how he would govern if Democrats take the U.S. House, Biggs pointed to Hobbs’ record of 541 vetoes in three years and said he has worked with Democrats, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on the JACK Act, a corruption and transparency bill. He also said Arizona risks losing $18 billion in federal funds because Hobbs has not turned in required audits. Data centers: Biggs says Arizona already has over 160 data centers. He wants the state to set limits, including no state subsidies or tax credits and protections so data centers don’t strain power and water supplies for homes and businesses, and then let local jurisdictions decide where they go. Taxes, jobs, and right to work: Biggs wants to work toward eliminating Arizona’s income tax without raising other taxes. He says the state has lost over 100,000 jobs in the past 15 months. He says he would not allow any change to Arizona’s right-to-work status. Proposition 141: The measure would bar state and local governments from taxing drivers per mile. Biggs, a former state transportation committee chair, calls mileage taxes “a terrible idea” and says other states have tried them unsuccessfully. Who gets your vote for Arizona governor, and what issue matters most to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments. #Arizona #AndyBiggs #KatieHobbs #ArizonaGovernor #CenterSquare #TheStates