By Stacey Barchenger | Arizona Republic
The Biden administration’s Build Back Better social spending bill started at $3.5 trillion. It’s now down to $1.75 trillion.
Arizona business leaders Thursday came out against President Biden’s expansive social spending and climate change plan that they say could stoke inflation, raise taxes and give unfair advantages to manufacturers that rely on union workforces.
Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also voiced his opposition to Biden’s Build Back Better agenda in a separate event hosted by Marc Short, former Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff who previously worked as President Trump’s legislative director.
“This bill is wrong for Arizona,” Ducey said during a speech in which he touted Arizona’s strong economy, the state surplus and his so-called flat tax, which is facing a legal challenge and is slated to go before voters next fall. The event was held at a Tempe warehouse owned by 21st Century, a vitamins and supplements company with over 550 employees in Arizona.
Separately, leaders representing four Chambers of Commerce blasted the legislation being crafted by Democrats for not reflecting bipartisan views and for lacking transparency. “It’s highly unlikely that any senator has actually read it,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The devil is in the details, and the details are many,” added Julie Pastrick, president and CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.
