Tucson Leaders to Hold Press Conference Against Prop 414’s Tax Hike

~ Speakers to highlight the financial burden Prop 414 would place on Tucson families and businesses. ~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUCSON, AZ [February 10, 2025]– Tucson-area Democratic State Representatives Alma Hernandez (LD20), Consuelo Hernandez (LD21), and State Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (LD20) will join local labor, community, and business leaders to announce their opposition to Proposition 414 and its impact on Tucson families and businesses.

Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference on Tuesday, February 11, at 10:30 AM at the Pima County Historic Courthouse (115 N. Church Ave.).

WHAT: Press Conference on Opposition to Prop 414

WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM

WHERE: Pima County Historic Courthouse | 115 N. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ

WHO:

•Rep. Alma Hernandez (LD20)

•Rep. Consuelo Hernandez (LD21)

•Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales (LD20)

•Tucson labor, community, and business leaders

WHY: Advocates against Prop 414 argue that its passage would make Tucson the city with the highest city sales tax rate of any major city in Arizona—9.2%—for the next decade, placing an undue burden on working families and small businesses.

“Proposition 414 is a lousy deal for Tucson’s working families, especially in a community where personal incomes are already below the national average,” said Rep. Alma Hernandez. “If 414 passes, Tucson’s sales tax will be higher than any other major Arizona city. This increase will hit those struggling to make ends meet the hardest.”

Tucson Residents Deserve Real Solutions—Not Higher Taxes

Opponents argue that Tucson’s budget priorities must be addressed before imposing new taxes.

“I fully support the funding of fire and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our community, but this isn’t the right way to do it,” said Rep. Consuelo Hernandez. “While cities like Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe allocate over 40% of their budgets to police and public safety, Tucson only allocates 30%. With a Tucson city budget that has grown by over 50% in the past decade, we must ensure that essential services are prioritized before turning to new taxes.”

Media outlets are encouraged to attend to hear directly from local leaders and community advocates about why they are urging a NO vote on Prop 414.

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About the Tucson Metro Chamber

The Tucson Metro Chamber is the leading business organization in Southern Arizona, representing over 1,400 businesses and employing more than 160,000 individuals. Our mission is to lead and advocate for a successful community by fostering a vibrant economy, creating a skilled workforce, and promoting a positive business environment