State Budget Deficit So Big Governor Asks for Public's Help

Phoenix Arizona’s budget deficit keeps growing with each passing day and money-saving ideas are needed now more than ever. Last month Governor Napolitano went so far as to set up a website to solicit ideas from the public on how the state can save money. The Goldwater Institute is answering the call with “100 Ideas for 100 Days.”

As it does every year, 100 Ideas provides one idea for each of the 100 days the legislature is supposed to be in session (and 27 more this year for good measure). Each idea aims to help lawmakers follow the Arizona Constitutions admonition that the purpose of government is to protect and maintain individual rights. This year the Goldwater Institute also highlighted money-saving ideas that can help legislators balance the budget.

“The billion-dollar deficit is a serious but surmountable problem,” said Darcy Olsen, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute. “With the straight-forward ideas found in “100 Ideas for 100 Days,” lawmakers can get spending under control and eliminate the deficit.”

Take idea number 49: Stop adding to Arizonas mounting state debt by passing a one-year moratorium on new school construction. Or number 54: Eliminate the Arizona Department of Racing and State Boxing Commission allowing self-regulation in those sports. These are just two examples of the ideas found in 100 Ideas for 100 Days that can help get Arizonas budget back in the black.

Click here to read “100 Ideas for 100 Days,” or call (602) 462-5000 to have a copy mailed to you.

The Goldwater Institute is a nonprofit public policy research and litigation organization whose work is made possible by the generosity of its supporters.