Arizona Mayors Unite Against Proposed Food Tax Elimination 2/12/2025

PHOENIX, AZ

PHOENIX, AZ – In a powerful display of unity, more than 20 mayors from across Arizona, including Colorado City Mayor Howard Ream, gathered at the state Capitol to voice their strong opposition to HCR2021, a proposed measure aimed at eliminating the state’s tax on groceries. Representing cities of all sizes, from urban centers to small rural towns, these local leaders warned that the repeal would have disastrous consequences for their communities.

The mayors, who traveled from every corner of Arizona, emphasized the crucial role that food tax revenue plays in supporting essential local services. They argued that removing this revenue stream would force deep budget cuts, endangering critical programs and infrastructure projects that residents rely on.

“The loss of this funding would affect 50 officers,” said Mayor Chip Wilson of Apache Junction.

Mayors from smaller towns shared similar concerns, highlighting the disproportionate impact the repeal would have on their communities.

Mayor Howard Ream of Colorado City explained, “The argument for this bill is to protect people from paying taxes on basic food items. However, the proposed solution suggests that cities should raise taxes on other goods, ultimately forcing families who rely on SNAP and WIC to pay higher taxes on items they would have previously been exempt from. This doesn’t make sense. The tax burden shifts from one essential item, like ground beef, to another, like laundry detergent, and the end result is that those who can least afford it are paying more. This isn’t helping the people who need it most. The real question we should be asking is: What services will we cut to make up for this loss of revenue?”

The mayors stressed that the food tax revenue funds a variety of essential services, such as public safety, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and senior centers. They warned that removing this funding would directly harm their constituents and undo years of progress made in improving their communities.

“It’s going to hurt. It’s going to impact the essential services we provide,” added Mayor Douglas Nicholls of Yuma.

The mayors also underscored the importance of local control, arguing that decisions about how to fund services should be made by local governments, not state legislators. They expressed concern that the proposed repeal would strip them of the ability to make decisions that best serve their residents.

“All 71 cities that impose a food tax are opposed to this measure,” said Nick Ponder, representing the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

The united front of mayors sent a clear message to state lawmakers: The food tax repeal poses a serious threat to Arizona’s cities and towns, and local leaders are committed to fighting for their communities.

The proposed legislation is still under consideration by the state legislature. The mayors’ advocacy efforts aim to convince lawmakers to reconsider the potential consequences of the repeal and prioritize the needs of local communities. The debate is ongoing, and the future of the food tax remains uncertain.