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

Expanding access to health care in Arizona is one of the most important tasks we must tackle in the wake of the Covid pandemic, particularly for our most vulnerable populations and underserved communities who had underlying medical conditions that magnified the disease’s harm. To prevent diabetes from dictating someone’s life, it’s imperative that high-quality and affordable healthcare options are available.

The political rhetoric is loud, but I know the quiet truth: there is never a reasonable time for an abortion ban. I know because I was affected by one.

With Republicans and Democrats working together, we can take Arizona to greater economic heights.

As newly elected leaders settle into their new and familiar roles at the state Legislature, it’s important to remember that the priorities of Arizonans carry weight beyond the campaign trail. Voters will be watching political deliberations at the Capitol and expecting their leaders to deliver on the things that matter most to them. 

Concerns over the Colorado River have led the everyday Arizonan to think about water in ways they haven’t before. As a result, much has been made as of late about growing “thirsty crops” in Arizona’s desert climate. It doesn’t take long to find an opinion or editorial about how farming alfalfa is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the water system in Arizona, but this rhetoric needs to stop.

Kyrsten Sinema -- Arizona's Democrat-turned-independent U.S. senator -- and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina recently negotiated an immigration package that, in theory, could solve the worst border crisis in American history. Unfortunately, in practice, the package would do little to staunch the record influx of illegal immigrants. If anything, it could make the problem even worse. 

South Phoenix has a history of redlining and racist city planning, which zoned it for heavy industrial use that contaminated the communities of color who were segregated there. It’s up to decision makers to hear us and address our concerns–it’s time for action and it’s beyond time for strict limits on the methane, soot, and other pollutant emissions that have devastating effects on human health.

Catalytic converter theft continues to rage in the City of Phoenix despite legislation enacted last May designed to deter such theft. Now, the Phoenix Police Department is joining forces with Courtesy Automotive Group to permanently etch catalytic converters with SafeCat anti-theft technology that ties a SafeCat serial number to the vehicle’s VIN and registers it in a national database.

I’ve thought many times what would’ve happened if my family were of lesser means and had to endure a similar financial hardship due to a loved one’s suddenly diminished faculties. The answer seems obvious: she’d be on the street. It’s time for reform and accountability, and it can’t begin soon enough.

As the head of agencies that benefit from the state investment in law enforcement activities related to border crime, the Arizona Sheriff’s Association members urge Gov. Katie Hobbs to consider the important work done using the border task force dollars that have gone for local law enforcement throughout the state.