Governor says state deficit could reach $5 billion

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer told the Yuma Sun during her Wednesday visit to the city that the state faces a now-estimated $2 billion deficit for the coming year.

And she said if there isn't a solution soon, the estimated deficit could reach $5 billion.

One thing that's definitely still on the table, she said, is a proposed temporary one-cent sales tax to help increase state revenue.

That move would have to pass through the state Legislature before moving on to Arizona voters.

Brewer said that state officials have a lot of work cut out for them.

"If we don't get additional revenues, there's going to be some really drastic cuts. But we know we're going to have to come in, make additional cuts - we're going to have to be diligent.

"Then, hopefully, we'll get the Legislature to give the voters a decision whether or not they want to accept a temporary one-cent sales tax in order to bridge us across, but we are in crisis in Arizona."

In addition to cuts, another way to increase revenue could be offering tax incentives to Arizona businesses.

Brewer said one of her number one goals is to bring good-paying jobs into Arizona and "reward those businesses that have stayed with us during the tough times."

"We need to look at tax reform, that's what we keep talking about, and we have started that. We just recently signed the bill for the solar tax credit that really has helped us tremendously in getting people interested in making inquiries in regards to what we can do for solar.

"So that is a wonderful opportunity and we're going to continue to do those things; reaching out, trying to keep our tax base low and encourage those people to come to Arizona and set up businesses and provide those high-paying jobs."