Possible sale of AZ Highways by state for Revenue

[tinyelvis]

Yes, the state is in a budget crisis. Yes, things will get worse before they get better. No, according to the state, raising taxes (revenue) is not the answer. So what is a cash-strapped entity to do when it needs some quick cash? Well, what any average college-junkie-short-sighted aerobic-instructor would do: hold a garage sale and sell your stuff and "body" for money.
Currently, the Az Fairgrounds are on the block for possible properties to be sold to private entities for quick cash upfront. Also on the block is AZ Highways, which many may not realize, but is actually a division of the Dept. of Transportation. (SB 1129)
AZ Highways is one of the only state govt. "projects" that is self-sufficient. That is, it's an enterprise and it makes a hell of a lot more money for the state, especially when the state has to invest next to nothing into the magazine. The magazine is read (has subscriptions) in 120 countries! Yes, even people in Somalia are getting to see what our beautiful trails and intricate outdoors consists of.
The state wants to sell the magazine (probably get about 10 million on the spot) to private investors. This means that ownership of the magazine would change and so would priorities and agendas. Based on deadlines and other procedural processes, AZ Highways will most likely not be sold this session.
However, there is also another bill (SB 1042) that allows the state to market the name "AZ Highways" for commercial purposes. That means that you will see the AZ Highways name on anything from coffee cups and stationary to cooperations with Nestle and Pepsi. The prime sponsor of the bill is Senator Linda Binder of Lake Havasu and her phone number is 602-542-4138. Apparently, she believes that the marketing of the AZ Highway name is a great way to increase cash for the state, even though AZ Higways already generates $300 million a year in related sales as well as reveune for businesses in the state.
Ever notice the lack of advertising in the AZ Highways? You can thank the state for that. But, all that will change (as I'm sure content will as well) with new owners and marketing partnerships.
You think the magazine is beginning to "sell out" now? Imagine what it would look like with REI ads and the newest protein bar full page ad.
There is a good chance that this will not happen, but as avid hikers and nature enthusiasts (the people that really understand and enjoy this magazine, or really, way of life) we need to write our local Legislators and ensure that their short-sighted efforts to make a quick buck do not seal the fate of a truly great journal.
Imagine if Harley Davidson sold it's assets and logo to private enterprise in order to make more money. Oh wait, they already do... That's why we get to see great things like teddy bears with the harley logo, bicycles for kids with the harley logo, trucks with the "Harley Davidson" sport package, and my personal favorite, women's leather undergarments with a big Harley logo.
No thanks, but I'd rather not have "AZ Highways H20" or "AZ highways hand sanitizer.

You can find out any ifo you need on this bill, the sponsors and how to contact your Legislators at http://www.azleg.state.az.us

Look for the "Members" section and if you need to find out what district you're in, there's an interactive map.

uh-huh,
TinyElvis

[montezumawell]

It's probably not going to happen. In the world of politics, that bill was what's called a "trial ballon."

Send it up and see who shoots at it.

The bill had the primary affect of "taking out" a lot of otherwise well-heeled and well-qualified constituents who had to decide how to "spend their bullets."

This bill was so ridiculous that a lot of people, ourselves included, went ALL OUT early on to shoot it down. In the meantime, we didn't have the energy or inclination to protest other even more nefarious legislative tricks.

Bills like this one are a classic case about all that is wrong with Arizona's 90 Dwarfs.

J&S