What They're Saying

Working people need strong advocacy and protection from compounding financial burdens. While broader economic pressures are difficult to manage locally, this sales tax hike is a burden that we Tempe residents can decide at the ballot box. Let’s stand up for working families, demand targeted corporate accountability, and keep Tempe affordable. Please vote NO on Proposition 424.

Mitzi Epstein

State Senator, Legislative District 12 • Chair, Tempe Coalition for Tax Fairness

Demanding more money from struggling taxpayers while failing to manage existing resources is irresponsible. The residents of Tempe deserve a city government that respects our hard-earned dollars, prioritizes essential services over vanity projects, and lives within its means. Until our city leadership demonstrates disciplined, transparent use of the funds already at its disposal, taxpayers should not be asked for more.

Co-founders, Changing Hands Bookstore

Gayle Shanks & Bob Sommer

We urge a NO vote on Prop 424 out of deep concern for Tempe’s working families already struggling under the weight of rising everyday costs. This measure asks residents — seniors, students, and low-income households — to shoulder an unfair financial burden through a 28% increase in our sales tax rate.

State Senator and State Representative, Legislative District 8

Lauren Kuby and Brian Garcia

This is a permanent tax increase, and the city hasn’t proven that it has cut out the excess spending and exhausted alternatives before reaching for handouts. They haven’t even made a plan to avoid these consistent revenue problems. We live on a budget, and the city should too.

Maple–Ash neighborhood activist

Alana Billingsley

Tempe City Council could have addressed the budget shortfalls they knew were coming for two years, with the TPT [sales tax] repeal, versus their choice to shove a rushed and bundled forever tax hike down our throats with extremely limited resident discussion.

Brittany Robinson

Neighborhood activist

It's astounding to me that our city wants a sales tax to further fund law enforcement, but what is going towards housing our most vulnerable people? Why hang a $2 million sign from a street no one cares about anymore rather than take care of the people that aren't allowed to walk down that street? It's backwards!

Bridget Ann

Neighborhood activist

In all my years dating back to the late 1960s, I can never recall a sales tax election where different items were combined into one yes or no question.

Ron Pies

Former Tempe city department head

Here’s what they’re saying.