Arizona Republicans tout dependent tax rebate to hit bank accounts soon

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Senate President Warren Petersen holds news conference with Republican lawmakers in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 16, 2023. Photo by Cameron Arcand

By Cameron Arcand | The Center Square

Many Arizona families will receive a tax rebate intended to temporarily alleviate the impacts of inflation.

An estimated 750,000 families will get $250 per dependent under 17 and $100 for any dependent over 17, capping off at $750. Arizonans will receive their rebate either through an electronic deposit or by mail, depending on how they filed their taxes. There is no income limit to receive the rebate.

Officials said to expect rebates soon after Oct. 30.

Arizona Republican lawmakers touted the move on Monday morning, and said that inflation has been caused by too much spending on the federal level.

“Out of control inflation is impacting Arizona families,” Senate President Warren Petersen said. 

Jerry Brown, the director of media relations at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, told reporters that many first-time users are showing up at the food bank, even more than during the pandemic.

Mothers who spoke during the event thanked lawmakers for the rebate.

“The economy is suffering for everyone, regardless of what income bracket you’re in,” Tatiana Peña, a mother and 2nd Vice Chair in the Maricopa County Republican Committee, said.

As it is just a one-time payment, Petersen said the combating inflation and red tape are long-term goals for cutting back consumer costs. 

The inflation rate from August 2022 to August 2023 in the Phoenix Metropolitan area is 3.7%. According to a Common Sense Institute of Arizona report, this is on par with the national average, which is a welcomed update after being higher than the national average for 29 months in a row. 

Republished with the permission of The Center Square.