Phoenix-Mesa, AZ (1888PressRelease)
March 17, 2007 - Since the rest of the nation is moving into a cautious phase, in the fear of a new recession, as well as the state’s decrease in funding, the lawmakers have seen a few hurdles in their future due to the financial issues they foresee for bringing their district projects to fruitions.
This is a dramatic difference from the situation last year when there was a surplus in the budget of $1 billion.
Therefore, last year, the lawmakers were capable of providing state employees and teachers with raises, as well as permit tax cuts, and save some money for future needs or emergencies.
It also allowed for the expansion of the Mesa Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University, driving up the economy of the entire region.
However, this year, the legislators will need to lower their expectations as it is supposed that senators will be creating the new budget with a much more cautious feeling.
This being said, the lawmakers are focusing their attention on the most important issues at hand, such as education and transportation funding, as opposed to the more “minor” details that were also given consideration last year.
It is still predicted – by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee – that there will remain a state surplus of $45 million, so the East Valley is far from being in the poor house. It also means that the latest proposal by Arizona State University for constructing a new $40 million building for its Del E.
Webb School of Construction in Tempe (which will be greatly welcomed due to the dramatic increase in the program’s students) will remain possible.
The University is asking for $20 million from the Legislature for this project, having already raised over $10 million on their own through industry and private donors.
Overall, though, it looks like big-ticket plans in the East-Valley may need to be placed on the back burner for now, until the budgeting opportunities return to last year’s level of abundance.
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