Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Loves Barry Goldwater and Milton Friedman
Jan 3, 2024
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Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, known for passing significant reforms during his time in office, discusses the future of the Republican Party, tax reform, attracting companies, economic nationalism, and the importance of federalism.
Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey successfully implemented tax reforms and achieved a budget surplus by passing a flat income tax rate of 2.5% and reducing the size of the government workforce.
Governor Ducey prioritized school choice measures, leading to the growth of charter schools and the implementation of universal educational savings accounts (ESAs) in Arizona.
Deep dives
Governor's tenure in Arizona focused on tax reforms and budget management
During his time as governor of Arizona, Doug Doocy prioritized tax reforms and budget management. He successfully passed a flat income tax rate of 2.5% and turned a budget deficit into a surplus. His administration also made significant progress in reforming occupational licensing rules and reducing the size of the government workforce. One notable achievement was his persistence in lowering taxes despite opposition, including defeating an initiative that sought to increase taxes. His focus on reducing taxes and improving the state's economy led to Arizona having the lowest flat tax rate in the nation.
Raising taxes on the rich to fund education and the role of persistence
Governor Doocy faced opposition during his tenure, including attempts to raise taxes on the rich to fund education. However, he persisted in his goal to lower taxes and simplify the tax code. He highlighted the importance of persistently working towards tax reform, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Doocy emphasized the need for a strong economy to generate surplus funds, which can then be used to gradually reduce tax rates. He also advocated for a flat tax system, stating that it promotes fairness and is harder for the left to change.
Promoting school choice and the journey to universal educational savings accounts
Governor Doocy was a strong advocate for school choice in Arizona and worked towards expanding educational opportunities. Under his tenure, the state saw significant growth in charter schools and the implementation of educational savings accounts (ESAs). In 2017, a limited ESA program was passed, but it faced opposition and was defeated in a referendum. However, the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for parents to witness the different approaches taken by various schools. This led to the passage of universal ESAs, allowing every child in Arizona to redirect a portion of their tax dollars to the school of their choice, including homeschooling or new schools.
Governor Doocy's approach to COVID-19 and the challenges of balancing lives and livelihoods
Governor Doocy made decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of prioritizing lives, livelihoods, and individual liberties. He aimed to keep businesses open and allow people to make responsible decisions while protecting the vulnerable population. While facing criticism from both sides - some accusing him of doing too much and others of doing too little - he made decisions based on what he believed was best for the state. He emphasized the importance of not playing politics with the pandemic and focusing on the well-being of Arizonans.
This week's episode of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie is hosted by Reason Editor in Chief Katherine Mangu-Ward. She sat down with former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
During his two terms as governor, Ducey managed to pass a flat income tax with a rate of 2.5 percent, reform public sector pensions, universalize important school choice measures, reform occupational licensing rules, turn a budget deficit into a surplus, and substantially shrink the size of the government work force. He also built a makeshift border wall out of shipping crates, pushed back on marijuana legalization, and was accused of doing both too much and too little by his constituents during the COVID pandemic. Today, he runs Citizens for Free Enterprise.
In December, Ducey received the Reason Foundation's Savas Award for Privatization, which is given annually to someone who is advancing innovative ways to improve the provision and quality of public services by engaging the private sector. In this week's episode, he talks to Mangu-Ward about his worries for the future of the Republican Party, his commitment to fusionism, and why Arizona politicians are so weird.