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Don’t follow Minnesota’s failed dental therapist experiment
Dental therapists are a distraction. They solve nothing. Legislative efforts to bring this position to Arizona divert attention from the real issues and real solutions. They set us up to be the next Minnesota, scrambling a few years from now after we learn that Pew’s hollow promises only delayed the day of reckoning.
They’re both right and wrong on prosecutors’ ‘Prisoners in Arizona’ report
Ultimately, we will never achieve meaningful sentencing reform in Arizona with both sides bashing the other and making “straw dog” arguments based on false mischaracterization of the other’s positions. Instead, we must take baby steps and then measure results as they inform public safety, in much the same way that the recently released APAAC report undertook its detailed and valuable account[...]
Ballot harvesting continues in the form of proxies at GOP precincts
So, legislators, we fought hard to eliminate ballot harvesting fraud from the primary and general election process. Let’s insert the same honesty and integrity into the political party voting process.
A good intention turns into a great bill for foster children
Together, we have made a good intention a great bill. I am thankful for everyone who not only participated to create responsible legislation, but to our Arizona parents, grandparents, kin, and foster and adoptive families who sacrifice so much to help our vulnerable kids.
Lawmakers give thanks for passage of sale tax extension, call for ‘new’ Prop 301
Our goal is to ensure Arizona’s vibrant school choices are funded equally and our teachers adequately compensated. We call for the formation of a Prop 301 task force to design and build the new Prop 301. We can’t get this done without all parties at the table. The Prop 301 extension starts that conversation. We hope you will join us.
Integrated health care works in Arizona
At its core, our partnerships with Mercy Maricopa and Mercy Care Plan underscore the power of population health. But we must never forget that our population is made up of individuals – people who want to feel better and have the confidence in their ability to manage their health so they can live their life. By collaborating with other healthcare stakeholders and taking a personalized approach t[...]
Our broken mental health system – with specificity
Arizona has laws that could prevent such shootings. However, the laws are not followed by the agencies charged with executing them. Our system has the capacity to handle these screenings within 48 hours but because of custom and long misguided standards, it does not. The result is that people do not get the treatment they need and they, and our communities are harmed.
Need for dignity for incarcerated women is not a stunt
Is making that point to our legislators a stunt? Is illustrating the humanity of women behind bars a stunt? I don’t think so. We are Americans – we can do better.
Give local voters a voice in increasing teacher salaries
I am suggesting the Arizona Legislature enact a new idea: a Teacher Salary Override for districts. Again, if the state won’t act, allow voters, if they are so inclined, to address the teachers’ salary crisis locally.
SB1452 would hurt the children it is meant to help
Real solutions require reducing the number or children taken away needlessly, often when family poverty is confused with neglect and providing high quality services, including drug treatment, to speed reunification. That will give DCS time to focus on finding children in real danger and, when necessary, move swiftly to seek termination of parental rights.
Less is more when it comes to putting people in jail
So, while Phoenix may be bigger, it turns out bigger is not always better, especially when talking about jail populations. The real winners will likely be the taxpayers of Tucson and Pima County because their leaders realize less is more.
Senate bill would shine light on reasons for abortions
As a professional medical association of over 4,000 obstetrician/gynecologists and other reproductive health care professionals, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists urges Arizona lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1394, and find out the real effects of elective abortion on the women of Arizona.
