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- All Subjects: United States. Congress (110th : 2007-2008). House.
- All Subjects: Finance, Public
- Creators: Berman, David R.
Arizona is emerging from one of the worst state budget crises in the nation. Entering 2003, its projected deficit, measured as a percentage of the general fund, was the fifth largest in the country.1 The state had slashed spending in 2002 in the face of a $900 million deficit, but still faced a $400 million shortfall for fiscal year 2003 and an estimated $1 billion deficit in fiscal 2004. Although improved revenues have reduced the anticipated gap, fundamental underlying problems remain concerning the ability of lawmakers to control the budget. Some observers consider this a revenue problem, others a spending problem. Our concern in this paper is whether state lawmakers have enough control over either revenue or spending.
David R. Berman, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Arizona State University, interviews Congressman Harry Mitchell about his early influences, political career, and service as a US Representative for the 5th Congressional District of Arizona.
Elizabeth Higgins, staffer for former Congressman Harry Mitchell, describes her experiences working for Mitchell during his time as an Arizona State legislator and as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Arizona's 5th congressional district.