Arizona progressive groups urge lawmakers to repeal data center tax breaks
Progressive groups in Arizona are urging lawmakers to repeal state tax breaks for data centers as part of upcoming budget negotiations. They argue that these tax incentives, totaling $40 million, divert funds from essential family services like housing, healthcare, and education. Residents like Yolanda Landeros of Buckeye express frustration over the projects' impact on their communities and a desire for more local input on development decisions.
A coalition of progressive groups, including Our Voice Our Vote Arizona and People First Economy Arizona, are pressuring the Arizona Legislature to eliminate corporate tax breaks for data centers from the state budget. As Republican lawmakers and Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs negotiate budget terms, these groups argue that the state's resources should prioritize housing, healthcare, education, and other family services over corporate incentives.
Gathering outside the Arizona Senate, the coalition projected messages like "Arizona isn’t broke, it’s being robbed," criticizing the $40 million in tax breaks allocated to data centers. Yolanda Landeros, a Buckeye resident, expressed anger over the tax breaks, stating she desires more local control over data center projects that she says are transforming her once-quiet community. Javena Gittens of Tempe, who assists with rental aid, also called for a reprioritization of state spending towards community needs.
Conversely, conservative groups like the LIBRE Initiative, represented by Jonathan Soto, support tax cuts for Arizona families to address affordability. Governor Hobbs has previously vetoed Republican proposals for full tax conformity that included these cuts.