Ducey says Arizona cut more than 650 regulations, saved $48M
Feb 14, 2018, 11:02 AM
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, middle, pauses as he gives his state of the state address as he is flanked by House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, left, R-Chandler, and Senate President Steve Yarbrough, right, R-Chandler, at the capitol, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Wednesday that his state cut more than 650 regulations last year which he claimed saved taxpayers nearly $50 million.
“Clearing out over 600 needless regulations last year saved real people $48 million,” Ducey said in a release. “That’s the equivalent of a $48 million tax cut without costing the general fund a dime.”
The governor has cracked down on regulations since his first day in office, when he issued a moratorium on all new regulatory rulemaking. He issued a fourth such executive order earlier this week.
Some of the regulations removed this year included those that only allowed watercraft registrations in person or through the mail, made it difficult for contractors to switch licenses and required some businesses to file and pay taxes in paper form.
Ducey said he planned to keep removing regulations, unless they are in the best interests of public health or safety.
“Our work is not done,” he said. “For too many years, regulators have added more and more rules to our books, putting more and more obstacles in the way of our citizens and businesses. It’s time big government took a back seat to the people.”
People can suggest other regulations they would like to see removed via a website.
