Cost implications of foregoing immunizations high
I’m very concerned with the increase in the number children attending Arizona schools who are not vaccinated. But, beyond posing a threat to the community-based protection many people need, as an economist I recognize the cost implications that accompany the decision to avoid vaccines.
Would you take away the ESA program from parents, or not
Families participating in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program received a warm and welcome reassurance at the Senate Finance Committee hearing on SB 1395, a bill that would alleviate many of the administrative struggles ESA parents have faced in navigating the program’s rules.
We must keep the heat on voucher backers
So, the fight continues because those in power do not care. So we watch. We attend hearings. We fill committee rooms. We report. We post. We tweet. We expose. We write these letters. We keep pushing the truth against those that want to twist, ignore or deny the facts.
Here is what is working in Arizona
The business and private sectors should appreciate the goals of the Ducey administration’s initiative to improve government referred to as the Arizona Management System (AMS), which focuses on understanding “customer” needs, identifying problems, improving processes and measuring results.
Restriction on prescription medication puts security at risk
Patients pay their insurance premiums with the expectation that the insurance company will pay their share. Just like patients who want to know their pre-existing conditions will be covered, the millions of Americans with chronic illness need to know that the cost of their life-giving medications are covered by insurance and that payment received to meet deductibles and co-pays, regardless of the [...]
Drought plan implementation must emphasize sustainability
I recommend that the Water Augmentation Council comprise a broad and diverse representation of all stakeholders, including agricultural and climate scientists, public health professionals, and concerned citizens representing our state’s mainstream population, including parents, teachers, community leaders and – yes – our children.
Let’s harness the power of free-markets to find conservation, environmental solutions
It is understood that mandates and big-government solutions originating in Washington, D.C. may not work for our western state, and therefore, we challenge ourselves, and those around us, to harness the power of free-markets to find long-term solutions.
Give voters say on 1-cent tax to fund public schools
Arizona’s public schools need help. Even as we agree with the truthfulness of that statement, a solution isn’t obvious. But, we as leaders within rural Arizona’s political and education communities want to help our colleagues focus on the heart of the problem the way we do. Then we can work toward meaningful solutions.
Secular Coalition’s censorious sledgehammer smashes free speech
It doesn’t take a great deal of sophistication, expertise, or vision to destroy somebody else’s work. Like a sledgehammer on demolition day, it doesn’t take much to damage the reputation of a company, group, or public figure. Often a false accusation will do the job, especially in this social-media age.
Five reasons Trump should build the wall himself
Abraham Lincoln famously observed that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” Well, neither can a house without walls.
Legislature must support proposal to ban ‘conversion therapy’
Conversion therapy of minors is currently illegal in 15 states, protecting only 40 percent of the U.S. population, and is not sanctioned by mainstream mental health organizations. Our children are born perfect, and Arizona has the duty to protect each one, joining these states to stop this disgraceful practice. Our legislators have the opportunity today to defend Arizona’s children by supporting[...]
We must take care of the Colorado River for economic prosperity, life
The Colorado River is entrusted to us and is a vital source of water, life, and economic prosperity, but we must take care of it in return. Protecting the river and the water it provides will require us to develop resilient solutions that reduce water consumption and efficiently share the river’s waters.