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

For those of us that do not follow the intricacies of water policy, we are left asking basic questions, such as how to deal with drought and climate change? How do we manage growth and economic development opportunities sustainably to support future generations? And importantly, how can we ensure that Arizona’s last remaining rivers, streams, and springs are preserved, not just for future generations, but right now, for all?

Many of us take our water supply for granted, yet as water becomes scarcer it is more important than ever to be clear who speaks for the diverse interests and people of Arizona. Efforts are moving forward to avert a potential crisis for Arizona due to the declining reservoir levels on the Colorado River – these are very important to manage water scarcity in the short term.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes are seeking to protect the life of the river and potentially the lives that depend on it. Any leasing of our water beyond our borders, as other tribes have done, is complex and challenging. Yet, there could be many opportunities for mutual gains for water users in the state of Arizona and economic gains for our people.

The state of Arizona is experiencing a paradigm shift. We spent the last 30 years taking as much water off the Colorado River as possible to keep it away from California. Now, the waters of the Colorado River are not only fully subscribed each year, but over-allocated compared to the true yield of the river.

One week before the race, Gabby Giffords was shot. I immediately knew I had to do something to help. I sent an email to my friends, asking them to donate money or blood to the Red Cross to help the victims of the shooting. The response was overwhelming.

The State Employees Charitable Campaign has raised $26 million for Arizona charities since its inception. This October marks the fundraiser’s 25th anniversary, and SECC is aiming to raise more money than ever have before.

The cost of legal services can be daunting, and even in our most urban settings, approximately 20 percent of our residents live at or below the federal poverty level. That percentage is often higher in rural areas. This population, however, is particularly vulnerable when faced with legal issues involving basic necessities of life.

Whether they’re conscious or not of Arizona’s reputation, legislators have over the years hunkered down to encourage charitable giving.

Valley of the Sun United Way has been investing in local communities for nearly a century with a unique model of bringing together public services, businesses, other nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

Farmworkers in the nationai??i??s largest agricultural state will be entitled to the same overtime pay as most other hourly workers under a law signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown.