FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Announcing the Release of ASBA’s 2012 Legislative Agenda and Annual Survey Results
Phoenix, AZ (February 3, 2012) – The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) released their 2012 Legislative Agenda outlining the association’s policy positions on taxation, regulations, economic development, education and healthcare.
The agenda was developed based on the results of a survey taken by ASBA’ 11,000 member businesses focused on public policy issues critical to small businesses in our state. Survey results are available at http://www.asba.com/survey_[2].
Survey results revealed there is still optimism among small business owners, a trait present in the DNA of every entrepreneur. Eighty-eight percent expect the overall economic environment in the state to be about the same or better a year from now. With respect to their own business, almost 50-percent expect their business to improve in 2012, while only eight percent expect a decrease. When asked about the best way to expand our state’s economic opportunities, ASBA members’ resounding answer was to create a fair and broad tax system free of loop holes.
ASBA policy positions as outlined in the agenda include, reducing the complexity and reporting requirements of Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax, expediting business permitting and licensing practices, and implementing just workers’ compensation laws that protect the rights of employers.
The non-partisan association was founded 40 years ago to create opportunities for small businesses in the state of Arizona to make money, save money and influence public policy. The association advocates on behalf of businesses located in all 15 counties and all 30 legislative districts in the state, making it one of only two statewide associations in the nation dedicated to small business.
“In Arizona, 97 percent of businesses are classified as small, using the federal definition of less than 500 employees,” said ASBA CEO Donna Davis. “Small businesses have generated 64-percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years, and we are confident that they will continue to drive job growth as the economic engine leading Arizona’s recovery. We believe what is good for Arizona small business is good for Arizona.”
Incoming ASBA Board Chair and Chair of the ASBA Public Policy Committee Joe Higgins stated, “Making Arizona an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive is our primary focus. The state legislature has a profound impact on businesses both small and large and ASBA has taken on a leadership role in addressing the issues as the unified voice of small business in the government arena.”
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry has teamed up with ASBA as a public policy partner. Chamber President and CEO Glenn Hamer said, "Together we are working to make Arizona more welcoming to businesses of all sizes. We at the Chamber look forward to working with ASBA to improve our state's tax and regulatory environments, and fostering an education system that prepares today's students for tomorrow's economy. I'm confident that this year will once again demonstrate why our state is better off because of ASBA's advocacy for Arizona small businesses."
The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is a dynamic, growing community dedicated to entrepreneurial development and small business growth. ASBA is the largest trade association in Arizona with over 11,000 member businesses in all 15 counties. ASBA creates opportunities for business to make money, save money and achieve amazing results. ASBA members enjoy access to significant group discounts, countless opportunities to do business with each other, a wide array of insurance products, and active advocacy efforts on public policy issues to protect their businesses. Discover more at www.asba.com.
