Arizona Competitiveness Package Press Conference

Press Conference

Good morning!

Today, is STATEHOOD DAY-- a time when we're celebrating Arizona's 99th year as a state. So, this is a fitting moment to announce that I'm calling the Legislature into Special Session today as we launch the Arizona Competitiveness Package.

This comprehensive bill essentially marks the rebirth of Arizona.

Thanks to the hard work, dedication and diligence of President Pearce and Speaker Adams -- this is one of the most historic pieces of legislation to be considered by the Arizona House and Senate in decades.
It sets in place the FIRST of my Four Cornerstones.

At its core, is the Arizona Commerce Authority -- including two people who know Arizona -- who know business -- and who know how to get things done.
Jerry Colangelo, my co-chair on the Authority is an iconic presence in our state -- and his willingness to serve has attracted others to our mission. You will hear from Jerry shortly.

You will also hear from Don Cardon -- the Authority's president and CEO.
Don has been our visionary and guiding light the past two years as we built this new paradigm, finding a way to move the private sector front and center with the right tools -- the right leadership -- the right culture.

The Arizona Competitiveness Package includes codification of the Arizona Commerce Authority as a highly focused, highly privatized entity -- with a deal closing fund that our competitor states have.

It includes replacing our state enterprise zone laws with immediate tax incentives for quality job creation -- state wide. And, it includes phased-in tax reform starting in 2014 to address those areas where we're not competitive with other states.

The Competitiveness Package will make Arizona a magnet for business expansion -- relocation -- capital formation -- and investment. Focused on both urban and rural job creation, our agenda is based on a belief in the awesome power of free enterprise -- private businesses finally freed to compete on the global stage.
The results will be employment and personal income growth and prosperity for business -- and our citizens.

Arizona will stand in shining contrast to other states, as we limit the growth of the public sector and restrain unnecessary regulation, and stimulate the engine of free enterprise.

My primary agenda for the next four years will be dedicated to this approach.
So, I will now sign the Call for the Special Session as we move forward with the Arizona Competitiveness Package.

Now, I'd like to turn the microphone over to the Commerce Authority's co-chair Jerry Colangelo to share his thoughts about the Competitiveness Package.

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