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Recent Articles from Guest Opinion
County attorney impugns important role of criminal defense
The defense bar consists of attorneys dedicated to justice for their clients and the system. They are as interested in just laws, and fairness within the justice system, as prosecutors may be. Defaming us is not going to deter us from meeting obligations to clients and the criminal justice system.
Economic prosperity flows in underground pipes, water mains
Water is an essential ingredient to Arizona’s economy. There is an unmistakable connection between maintaining and updating infrastructure and economic prosperity.
Arizona lawmakers lack trust, respect for the people
107 years ago, Arizona’s founders feared that legislatures could land in the pockets of special interests. They believed that ultimately, the people in power had to be accountable to the citizens. They gave us the power of referendum, recall and initiative. Today’s state Legislature wants to eliminate your access to that power.
Health care bill returns country to ‘bad, old days’ of patient discrimination
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association is not in the business of politics. As a statewide organization representing more than 80 hospitals and health care providers, our core purpose is to promote a robust and resilient health care delivery system in Arizona. That means looking out for the people, patients and communities of Arizona, and advocating for policies that do the same. Which bri[...]
Teachers, schools would benefit from renewing, expanding Prop. 301
As the Arizona superintendent of public instruction, I have traveled around the state three times on my annual “We Are Listening Tours.” These tours give fellow Arizonans the opportunity to... […]
Arizona has not funded a ‘general and uniform public school system’
The Legislature recently approved a state budget proposal that prevents any new net reductions to K-12 education in Arizona this fiscal year. Though the budget increases overall funding for K-12 education, it does not do so equally, and all students in Arizona do not have the opportunity to benefit. We are not OK with that.
New law eases ADA fixes, deters unscrupulous attorneys
During the past year, Arizona businesses of all sizes were targeted by unscrupulous attorneys filing ADA lawsuits. While the chamber encourages all businesses to comply with ADA requirements, many of these lawsuits were not focused on ADA compliance, but were attempts to extort money from business owners with often very minor ADA violations.
Prohibiting forest health management practices protects land ‘to death’
President Trump’s executive order calling for a review of expansive executive land designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906 has predictably generated a volume of debate and dire predictions. Missing from the discussion is thoughtful dialogue about the critical role of multiple-use management in natural resources conservation and the sometimes dire consequences to our natural resources of r[...]
Properly analyzing tax policy – where to start the debate
The next few weeks will include much debate about President Trump’s economic plans with a primary focus on tax cuts. The typical question will be: “So, is this good?” The typical answer by policymakers and economists will be either “yes” or “no.” That’s it. Interview over. This doesn’t come close to the bare minimum discussion that is required. Here is my offering of where to sta[...]
It’s time for tax reform – here are 6 principles for success
Between health care reform, the border wall, and growing international unrest, Washington has a lot on its plate in the weeks to come. But we must make a point of prioritizing tax reform. Thirty years have passed since the last serious reforms, and our economy has been hampered by our outdated system. We haven’t achieved growth of 3 percent or higher since 2005.
Taxpayer financial privacy outweighs third-party efficiencies
Another tax season has passed and of the millions of law-abiding taxpayers who filed, many had to wonder if their private financial information would remain secure. There is ample evidence to justify taxpayer concerns about confidentiality and security.
To ensure grid reliability, keep Navajo Generating Station operating
The state of Arizona – much like the rest of the nation – is at an energy crossroads. As demand for electricity grows, residents and policymakers are wrestling with questions that will define the future of the state’s energy grid, and will determine Arizona’s ability to keep its lights on and its economy vibrant in the years to come.
