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PHOENIX (AP) — A Senate committee dominated by Republicans has voted along party lines to advance a bill granting a big property tax break for a growing private Christian university in west Phoenix.
Wednesday's 3-2 vote on Senate Bill 1402 advances the bill giving a property tax break to Grand Canyon University. Republican Sen. Steve Yarbrough's legislation would also apply to any regionally or nationally accredited private university in Arizona but Grand Canyon benefits most.
A 2014 effort benefiting the university's west Phoenix campus failed because of concerns it benefited only one university and was unconstitutional. Expanding it to other colleges addresses that concern.
Yarbrough says it's good policy to offer the expanding university a tax break.
Critics say neighboring property owners would pay higher tax bills if the bill passes.
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