FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 11, 2009

                                                                                                                CONTACT:              Jack Lunsford

                                                                                                                                            President & CEO

                                                                                                                                            623-435-0431

WESTMARC endorses Governor’s 2010 budget

Today WESTMARC endorsed Governor Jan Brewer’s 2010 state budget proposal.  The support comes on the heels of WESTMARC’s endorsement of the Governor’s 5-Point Plan for Building a Better Arizona.

“WESTMARC believes the Governor’s budget is transparent and honest,” said President & CEO Jack Lunsford.  “Among other things it protects from extensive harm funding and public policies for K-20 education, healthcare for the poor, public safety, transportation, and our municipalities, which are all part of WESTMARC’s Key Initiatives.” 

Lunsford said that the budget passed by the Legislature is not only significantly inadequate but that it also proposes permanent major public policy changes.  WESTMARC recognizes that certain public policies may need to be changed in the future, but it doesn’t believe making such permanent changes in the budget process without open and thorough public policy review is in the best interest of the state’s citizens.

Mike Woodard, WESTMARC Chairman, applauded Governor Brewer for her leadership.  “Tough times call for tough decisions,” Woodard said, “and we commend the Governor for taking this tough but very necessary stand for Arizona’s future.”

WESTMARC has extended to the Governor its commitment to work as a leadership partner on the long-term finance solutions for the state, including those policies protected under the Voter Protection Act.  “We’ve been a leading voice in support of many public policy issues protected by Proposition 105,” Lunsford said, “and we want to be sure that the intent of the voters’ wishes is sustained for the long term.  We are confident that the Governor respects that as well.” 

Lunsford said WESTMARC recognizes the financial straits facing all Arizonans and it is committed to being part of the leadership that resolves the state’s budget crisis for the betterment of the state.

“Our members have expressed strong support for a long-term economic and tax policy that builds a stronger knowledge-based economy and funds a more educated workforce to support that economy,” Lunsford said.  “We need an economy that has a more diversified core and has a stronger base in products and services that we can export from the state.”

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With regard to a potential tax increase, WESTMARC believes it should be short term and as modest as possible to minimize any future economic harm, and should be coupled with comprehensive tax reform to aid in job retention and creation.

About WESTMARC WESTMARC is the regional coalition of business, government, and education that promotes the West Valley and advocates on its behalf.  It was founded in 1990.  WESTMARC promotes public policies leading to responsible growth, a positive quality of life, a healthy environment, strong community development and a favorable public image. WESTMARC represents 35 percent of the population of the county and the region includes the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, West Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown.

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