Public Policy
WVCCA Tariffs and Taxes Forum
By Alexis J. Glascock
On May 23, 2025, the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance hosted a roundtable panel to discuss the
impact of the proposed changes to tariffs and taxes. The panel included Jennings Imel, western region
director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the moderator, Mike Huckins, senior vice president of public
affairs for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and three local business leaders. The room was
packed with close to 100 people at the Buckeye City Hall at the Landing.
Arizona Egg Farmers
John Rust, chairman of Rose Farms, began the discussion about the impact of the tariffs and the recent
bird flu, which caused large egg producers in Arizona to lose up to a million chickens at their farms
this year. As a result, he anticipates egg prices rising to very high levels.
Rust explained that
regarding the new tariffs, China has also used regulations to prevent the import of non-domestic eggs.
They insist that eggs sold in their country cannot come from chickens that are vaccinated against the
bird flu. However, China inoculates all its domestic farm chickens against the bird flu. In that way,
they use regulations, in addition to tariffs, as a trade barrier to U.S. farmers. Egg producers are also
under pressure from higher feed costs, which have been hit by recent tariffs, particularly a 25% levy on
fertilizer and grain imports.
Arizona Car Dealerships
Eric Jones, a partner in Jones Automotive and general manager of Jones
Ford in Buckeye, reviewed how dealerships are grappling with tariffs, but may benefit from some of the
tax changes in the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB). He explained that manufacturers are either eliminating
rebates or enacting price increases. The deductions in the BBB may help U.S.-built models, but the
tariffs and loss of EV incentives might ultimately suppress demand. While the goal is to bring
manufacturing back to the U.S., it will take many years for manufacturers to build new manufacturing
plants in the U.S., causing delays for potential price reductions.
Experts state that the 25%
tariff on auto imports as of April 3, 2025, has driven up prices for many foreign-made vehicles
significantly, and some U.S.-assembled cars are also feeling the squeeze, with parts subject to tariffs
pushing prices up $2,000–$3,000. The BBB also provides a new deduction (up to $10,000 annually) on
interest paid on loans for U.S.-assembled cars purchased between 2025 and 2028 to counteract some of the
price hikes affecting domestically produced models.
Arizona Ranchers
Bas Aja, executive
director of the Arizona Cattle Feeders’ Association and the Arizona Beef Council, explained that
ranchers are also facing threats from escalating tariffs on feed and equipment, which inflate
operational costs. He mentioned that the tariffs, which may affect prices in the short run, will
probably not have a prolonged impact on the demand for cattle or beef. Aja thinks that the cattle
ranchers will still weather the tariffs well, and they will not cause permanent disruptions to their
business.
Alexis J. Glascock is a firm director and chair of the Government Relations and Regulatory Practice
Group at Fennemore for its offices in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington and Colorado. She has
represented the West Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance at the Capitol for the last six legislative
sessions.
www.fennemorelaw.com/people/attorneys/alexis-j-glascock/
Chamber Advocacy
Support Local Education Initiatives: Vote YES on Propositins 403 & 406
As the voice of business in Glendale and the West Valley, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce is committed
to advancing initiatives that strengthen our workforce and community. This November 4th, two critical
propositions, 403 and 406, will appear on the Maricopa County ballot. We urge our members and the public
to join us in voting YES!
The Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) is a public career and
technical education (CTE) district that serves more than 49,000 students across 3,876 square miles. Its
hands-on, industry-aligned programs prepare both high school students and adult learners for high-demand
careers in healthcare, technology, transportation, skilled trades, and more. In partnership with
businesses, educators, and community leaders, West-MEC is building a strong, sustainable workforce for
the future.
“West-MEC has become a driving force in career and technical education (CTE),
helping to strengthen Arizona’s workforce and support regional economic development. In just 20
years, the district has experienced remarkable growth, not only in size, but in its impact on students,
industries, and communities. What began as a small CTE district has evolved into a major regional
leader, now serving students from 130 high schools along with adult learners. West-MEC is equipping
individuals with the skills and credentials needed to power Arizona’s economy today and into the
future,” said Dr. Scott Spurgeon, West-MEC Superintendent.
Proposition 403 seeks voter
authorization for a $415 million bond to support the continued growth and improvement of CTE programs.
These funds will be used for new training facilities, campus expansions, and upgraded technology and
equipment—without raising the tax rate. The rate will remain at $0.13 per $100 of assessed
property value.
Proposition 406 requests voter approval for West-MEC to sell, lease, or exchange
certain district-owned properties, with proceeds invested in educational improvements. These funds could
be used to purchase new school sites, upgrade facilities, and support other approved capital
expenses.
The passage of these propositions will directly benefit our region’s economic
vitality. Local employers rely on a steady pipeline of skilled workers to meet current and future
demand. West-MEC graduates enter the workforce job-ready, often with professional certifications and
industry experience. By supporting these initiatives, we are not only investing in students, but also in
businesses, industries, and communities they will serve.
We encourage all registered voters within
the West-MEC district to learn more about these propositions, share the facts, and make a plan to vote
YES on November 4th. Together, we can ensure that Glendale and the West Valley remain a hub for
innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.
To get Proposition Facts, visit: www.bit.ly/Proposition-Facts.
2025 Bond Election
This fall, Glendale voters will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on two critical issues.
Question 1 asks voters to invest in storm drains, pipes, inlets, and catch basins to ensure safer
roads and remove water during heavy rainfall and monsoons. Question 2 asks voters to invest in city
operations facilities that help support critical operations, maintenance of public safety and other city
vehicles, fuel stations, traffic signals, streetlights, and street signs.
The deadline to register to vote for this all-mail election is October 6, 2025. All ballots must be
received by November 4, 2025. Go to https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Your-Government/Bond-2025
to learn more.