Recent Articles from Guest Opinion
Climate adaptation in Arizona will require more than just federal funding, luck
The federal government just reached a historic deal with California, Arizona, and Nevada to provide cities, irrigation districts, and tribal governments with around $1.2 billion to temporarily use less water from the Colorado River. In Arizona, these solutions will require unpopular political decisions – and there isn’t much time to enact them.
SRP must transition to clean, renewable energy – now
As state elected officials, community leaders, and most importantly – parents, we are concerned about the future of our children, and believe it’s time for our utilities to start acting with some urgency.
Arizona’s water future depends on new supplies
None of us has a crystal ball, but we can be certain that our water future will require a variety of adaptive changes.
Legislature punts again on housing fixes, slashing cities’ endless red tape
The desire for change is there. So, too, is the willingness to vote yes and solve this problem. We need action now, before that 270,000 home deficit grows even larger, and the cost of housing – driven by the law of supply and demand – spirals ever higher.
Arizona senators need to protect the state’s gig workers
President Biden's Labor Secretary nominee Julie Su presided over the Administration’s proposed new worker classification rule last fall, which could force independent contractors and gig workers to reclassify as full-time W-2 employees. While intended to help contract workers access benefits and union protection, forced reclassification would wreak havoc across the economy and disrupt vital sour[...]
Pet group focuses on government, veterinary nonfeasance
Most of us consider our pets part of the family. In fact, it’s probably one of the few social beliefs broadly shared by most Americans in our too-often-divided country. We don’t usually think of our pets as being political, but neither are they immune to politics. Indeed, many of the problems our pets face are broadly similar to the problems we face and the causes also bear a great resemblance[...]
Attorney general engaging in ESA ‘witch hunt’
It’s time for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to dial back the hyperbole aimed at tens of thousands of parents who participate in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. With scarce evidence, she recently claimed that the program has “no controls” and “no accountability” – this is far from the truth.
As the legislature adjourns again, much has been accomplished
The 2023 legislative session has recessed and is expected to come back again July 31. Much has been accomplished focused on keeping the Arizona economy moving forward with investments.
Health records vindicate Arizona tamale vendors
Home cooking scares Arizona health officials, but real-world evidence should put them at ease. A new investigation finds no confirmed illnesses related to homemade meals or snacks sold in the seven states with the broadest laws.
SB1291 harms the mentally ill
In the wake of Arizona's biggest mental health fraud investigation, the Arizona legislature is about to create barriers to guardianships for disabled individuals, opening up this critical protection to untrained non-professionals.
Smart policy, technology benefit our economic development
The days of Arizona being a dusty truck stop on the way to California are long gone. Instead, recent developments have solidified the state’s stance as a burgeoning technology leader. Several technology giants are doubling down on their presence while others are exploring expansion into the Silicon Desert.
Veto of SB1234 is keeping Arizona roads safe
The veto of Senate Bill 1234, a piece of legislation that sought to prohibit the use of traffic cameras in Arizona, marks an important moment for safety on our roads. The decision to veto this bill sends a clear message about the value of these devices in ensuring the well-being of everyone who uses our state's thoroughfares.