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Recent Articles from Guest Opinion
Navajo Nation needs no school vouchers or meddling of any kind
The fact that some non-Native politicians at the state Capitol are taking it upon themselves to change the laws around tribal nations and tribal education for Indigenous students is unnecessary, unwelcome and frankly uninformed.
Why Arizona should fund hypersonics research
You should know there is stiff competition for the future of hypersonic research. Indiana has made huge investments at Purdue and Notre Dame, and Texas A&M recently announced a joint state and university investment of $130 million specifically for hypersonics research and development. Arizona cannot afford to fall behind in our hypersonics research capability.
Now is the time to address the urban-rural divide in road maintenance
As Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, I have introduced legislation co-sponsored by House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Senate President Karen Fann to remedy this problem. My proposal will set the rate per gallon for gas and propane motor vehicle fuel at 24 cents and increase it to 30 cents in 2021 and 36 cents in 2022. Electric and hybrid vehicles would be subject to a corresponding road [...]
‘Project Rocket’ closes Arizona’s public schools achievement gap
This program targets dollars to the neediest students with proven intervention strategies that can make a difference for these students. The idea is predicated on the premise that children who are born into and continue to live in harsh socio-economic conditions should be afforded every opportunity to succeed.
10 percent pay raise would end DPS turnover, improve public safety
On those dark nights patrolling rural areas of this state, troopers often find themselves far from any backup. That’s in large part because of the considerable amount of vacancies among our ranks. Increasing pay will help the department attract more and better qualified recruits. More troopers on the road helps ensure better public safety – for our fellow troopers and the citizens we are sworn[...]
New legislation would place prisoners on path to success
All across the country, at all levels of government, Americans are changing the way they think about the criminal justice system. Just this month, President Trump launched his first official campaign ad during the Super Bowl, and chose to focus his message on criminal justice reform. That he chose to run his first major ad, which reached over 100 million viewers, on criminal justice reform shows j[...]
Arizona should be next state to rein in step-therapy
When a patient goes to their personal doctor because they are experiencing a significant health struggle, they do so with the trust that their doctor will recommend a treatment based on a specific understanding of the unique complexities of their condition. All too frequently, however, the treatment agreed between patient and doctor is being delayed if not wholly pre-empted by a process imposed by[...]
The case for U.S. leadership on advanced coal technology
While it can feel like the world is in the midst of an energy transition—where one source of energy is replaced by another—that’s not what’s happening. Instead of transition, we’re in a period of addition. The growing use of wind and solar power is actually coming on top of increased consumption of coal, natural gas, and oil.
Lack of oversight, spiraling costs hinder low-income housing tax credit program
Americans are increasingly unable to cope with the ever-increasing costs of housing. Rising costs in Arizona and across our nation should be of interest to policymakers. One program that’s being used is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
Leaders should protect a community’s right to fight climate change
One item that disturbed me is to learn about a bill moving at the capitol that seems to prioritize a deal for utility companies at the cost of community and local governments. As a deacon and regular voter, I vote for people at different levels of government to represent me. I feel that local issues should be decided by local governments, such as ensuring cities should have their own choices abo[...]
Valleywise expanding mental health services in Arizona
Our ability to ensure access to quality mental health services is as important as our efforts to provide high quality medical care to all who enter our doors At Valleywise Health, we are dedicated to allocating the resources and attention that mental health deserves.
GOP lawmakers should think twice before support anti-vaccine bills
It doesn’t take many improperly immunized individuals to upset the balance of herd immunity, as few as 6% of the population can put the rest at risk. Should that occur, fingers will begin pointing. Not to be missed in that will be lawmakers who worked to lessen vaccine policies versus protecting the public health.
