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

Given what we now know about how easily the new coronavirus spreads and the fact that it’s spreading in several countries, including South Korea and Iran, it’s only a matter of time before it starts circulating in Arizona.

It’s hard to believe that, in 21st century America, the life of a baby more than halfway through pregnancy is considered up for debate – but it’s true, thanks in part to Senator Kyrsten Sinema and her extremist Democrat friends in Congress. In many parts of the country, even newborn infants are uniquely vulnerable to being killed or left to die, all because they were slated for abortion and miraculously survived.

Arizona’s economy is growing rapidly and folks are moving here for our job opportunities, climate, and quality of life. What could be better? Yet moves are underway to radically “restructure” our electric system, something no state has done in the last 20 years and many states who did returned to traditional utility regulation.

During February, which is Black History Month, it is a good time to look upon the triumphs and tragedies in African American history. Movies like Harriet tell of heroes of the Underground Railroad and the struggle against slavery. It is good to honor those stories. There is, however, one tragedy of the African American community that is often overlooked: the tragedy of legalized abortion.

Arizona Rep. Walter Blackman, R-Snowflake, recently introduced a bill that would allow nonviolent offenders to be eligible for a reduced sentence if they participate in a rehabilitation program while incarcerated. It’s a step in the right direction, but one that needs to be expanded.

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.

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.

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 usage fee to ensure they pay their fair share for road maintenance in Arizona.

Some bills being considered at the Legislature this year pose a serious threat to community immunity. Reducing the number of vaccinated people is not freedom, as Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, says in his Feb. 7 commentary, it is an attack ...

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.