NO ON
PROP 425

For immediate release

Jay Tolkoff

Republican · Co-chair

Sen. Sally Gonzales

Democrat · Arizona State Senate · Co-chair

Luis Gonzales

Former State Senator · Co-chair

TUCSON, Ariz. — In a cross-party unity move, the No on Prop 425 campaign today announced that Jay Tolkoff (R), State Senator Sally Gonzales (D), and former State Senator Luis Gonzales will serve as co-chairs of the effort to defeat Proposition 425 this November.

Proposition 425 would permanently raise the limit on what Pima County can spend. Supporters describe it as a $70 million increase, but because of the formula used to calculate the limit, the campaign warns the real figure could exceed $610 million per year — permanent, with little accountability, and open to wasteful pet projects. The co-chairs agree that a decision this large belongs with voters, not with future officials who can redirect the money without asking.

“Voting for Proposition 425 will give the county permission to spend hundreds of millions of unrestricted dollars, every year, for any purpose it chooses without the consent of the community it serves. The choice is clear.”

“Protecting working families means protecting their right to decide how their money is spent. Proposition 425 gives the county a permanent spending increase far beyond the documented need, and renters, homeowners, and small businesses will pay for it through higher property taxes and higher costs. Pima County families deserve accountability, not a blank check.”

“As a former legislator, I know a blank check when I see one. If the county has a specific need, it should bring it to voters with a clear plan and an end date. Proposition 425 does the opposite: it makes the increase permanent and lets future officials spend it however they choose, without ever coming back to the people.”

Three reasons to vote no

1. The permanent increase exceeds the documented need. So where will the excess money go? Government programs rarely sunset, and permanent expansions lead to unsustainable spending — and more taxes.
2. Future officials can change priorities without voter approval. A one-year increase tied to specific needs would offer greater accountability and better fiscal management than a permanent blank check.
3. There is no free lunch. Supporters say there won’t be a tax increase, but someone will pay for this spending — today’s taxpayers or their children and grandchildren. That means higher property taxes on homeowners and businesses, which raises rents and the cost of goods and services.

A NO vote on Proposition 425 will

• Protect the people of Pima County from runaway government spending
• Prevent the Board of Supervisors from having an excuse to raise property taxes, which will negatively impact all residents in Pima County, especially the most vulnerable
• Keep the power of the purse in the hands of the people
• Keep Pima County more affordable
• Protect our democratic right to decide on major public financial commitments
• Force our elected officials to be accountable to the people of Pima County

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 425

About No on Prop 425

No on Prop 425 is a bipartisan coalition of Pima County residents, business owners and community leaders working to defeat Proposition 425 and keep major spending decisions in the hands of voters. Learn more at www.noonprop425.org.

Media Contact
No on Prop 425
(520) 305-6591
www.noonprop425.org

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Paid for by No on Prop 425, with 0% from out-of-state contributors. Not authorized by any candidate · www.noonprop425.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUCSON, Ariz. —September 23, 2026—The Tucson Business Council (TBC), an independent organization of local business owners and CEOs, announced its opposition to Proposition 425, the Pima County ballot measure that would permanently increase the base used to calculate the County’s constitutional expenditure limit.

Proposition 425 asks voters to approve a $70 million adjustment to Pima County’s 1979–80 base expenditure limit. Because Arizona’s constitutional formula adjusts that base for population and inflation, the measure would increase the amount of local revenue the County is legally permitted to spend in future years. Unlike a temporary override, the adjustment would become part of the County’s spending-limit calculation going forward.

TBC believes the proposal raises significant questions about long-term fiscal accountability and whether a permanent increase is necessary to address what may be more immediate budgetary needs.

“This isn’t simply a question of whether Pima County needs the ability to spend more money next year,” said Doug Martin of the Tucson Business Council. “Voters are being asked to permanently change the baseline used to determine how much the County can spend for years to come. We believe a decision of that magnitude deserves greater scrutiny, clearer justification and stronger safeguards for taxpayers.”

TBC identified three primary concerns with Proposition 425:

The increase is permanent.

Arizona law provides mechanisms for both temporary overrides and permanent adjustments to expenditure limits. TBC believes County leaders have not sufficiently demonstrated why a permanent $70 million base adjustment is preferable to a more limited approach targeted to specific, documented needs.

Future spending priorities could change.

Approval of Proposition 425 would increase the County’s expenditure capacity rather than dedicate additional spending authority to one specific program or service. Future Boards of Supervisors would therefore retain discretion over budget priorities within applicable laws and the County budget process. TBC believes voters should have greater clarity about the long-term spending the permanent adjustment is intended to accommodate.

Greater spending authority raises long-term questions about how County government will be funded.

Proposition 425 does not itself impose a new tax. However, TBC believes voters should consider the broader fiscal implications of permanently increasing the County’s capacity to spend local revenues and how future expenditures will be funded.

“Government spending ultimately has to be supported by revenue,” Martin said. “Our concern is not just what happens in the next budget cycle, but what this permanent change could mean five, 10 or 20 years from now. Pima County residents and businesses deserve a clear understanding of both the need for additional spending authority and how that spending will be sustained.”

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 in April to refer the $70 million permanent base adjustment to voters. Proposition 425 will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election ballot.

TBC said its opposition reflects the organization’s broader focus on economic competitiveness, responsible government and creating an environment in which businesses and families can prosper in Southern Arizona.

“We want Tucson and Pima County to be places where businesses invest, entrepreneurs build companies and young people can find meaningful, well-paying careers without having to leave Southern Arizona,” Martin said. “That requires quality public services, but it also requires disciplined fiscal management and accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.”

The Tucson Business Council is an independent group of local business owners and CEOs working to advance policies and initiatives that support economic opportunity, public safety, responsible government and a stronger business climate throughout the Tucson region.

Media Contact
Doug Martin
Tucson Business Council
520-247-8351

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