Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

As the nation faces the unprecedented coronavirus health care crisis, Arizona’s innovative spirit and fidelity to our state’s constitutional protections has paved the way for us to have an outsized role in the way Washington is responding.

While we have paused our signature-gathering campaign, we still believe that we can improve public health in Arizona by passing our measure. The Stop Surprise Billing and Protect Patients Act would crack down on hospital infections, ban surprise bills from “out-of-network” providers, protect coverage for people with so-called “pre-existing conditions,” and give a much-deserved pay raise to everyday heroes who work in our hospitals, exposing themselves to viruses and infections on a daily basis.

All students – regardless of ability level – deserve to have their learning be supported and their needs be met. More than anything, I want to see all students succeed and I am proud to work for a private institution that supports public education.

In just one hour on March 17, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. increased by ~600.

There is plenty of time until signatures are due, and plenty of time for knocking on doors, but just a short amount of days that we must nip this virus before it infects thousands of Arizonans. It would be wise for all such contact to come to a screeching halt until this virus is contained and managed.

There is no question that lawmakers at every level of government need to work together to pass meaningful reforms that lower costs and increase access to care. However, government-controlled proposals like Medicare for All and the public option are not the right fit and could only worsen access issues for the LGBTQ+ community and all Arizonans.

As you cast your votes this election year, let’s remember our fellow community members who can’t--not because they are unwilling to participate but because of anti-democratic processes that send the message that their voices don’t count. Commit to change, not just for them, but for our country. Because when every voice is heard, that’s when true democracy exists.

Rep. Barto’s bill makes small but important changes. Doctors and patients throughout the state hope the senators follow their counterparts in the House and approve HB2314.

As a pediatrician for more than 20 years and as a dad, I know how important sports are in our children’s lives. Please contact Gov. Doug Ducey today and ask him to speak out against HB2706 and tell the Arizona Senate to drop this biased, unnecessary, and hateful law before we harm Arizona girls.

Arizona’s record of accomplishment in Adult Education is worth acknowledging and celebrating. It gives us a great foundation to do even more and to serve more adults who are ready to reach their full potential.