As Republican lawmakers try to do everything in their power to avoid raising taxes, they have now turned to the idea of selling off state assets.Assets YOU own as a citizen and taxpayer in this state.
Assets like Kartchner Caverns.
Yes... Kartchner Caverns, the popular tourist attraction owned by the state which has generated millions of dollars in revenue. It is on a list to be sold.
They are also considering selling the capitol buildings themselves. While jokers will say, "Why not, the politicians have been for sale for years," the idea of an outside entity owning a state seat of government seems overly creepy and just a bit irresponsible.
Other state properties being considered include the state fairgrounds, the Arizona State Hospital, the Florence maximum security prison, and the Phoenix and Tucson schools for the blind and deaf. There are 32 properties in all.
The plan is to sell the properties for immediate cash, then sign long term contracts to buy the properties back. These sale-and-lease-back options will cost the state more money in the long run, something Republicans are normally against. And that is why is it so interesting to hear Republican leaders say things like this:
"What are our choices?" asked McComish, a Phoenix Republican. "We could cut more, or we could raise taxes more. Borrowing over the long term, we think, is better for the people, better for the economy."
Republicans never think it is better to borrow money for the future-- especially to cover the day-to-day costs of running government. They railed against borrowing money when Napolitano suggested it in past budget negotiations. They called it irresponsible and "bad government."
Why do they change their tune now? Why, suddenly, do they say it is "better" to do this? Well, it is probably better for their wealthy friends who will make a pretty penny off the state in this buy-and-lease-back scam.
Not so good for us.
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