Integrated care is happening for Maricopa County’s mentally ill
As a physician on the front lines of the public behavioral health system in Maricopa County, I see lives being positively impacted every day thanks to a highly functioning, integrated system of care.
Flake, McCain show courage on immigration reform
Serving as pastor of a large, multi-congregational church can look a lot like being an elected official. Navigating multiple stakeholder groups and many differing opinions inside congregations can be rough stuff.
Letters scolded entire solar industry
As someone who has spent the past several years defending Arizona businesses from charges of dishonesty, greed and self-serving, the June 21 letters by APS vice president of operations Mark Schiavoni and Arizona Investment Council’s Gary Yaquinto going after the solar industry caught my attention.
Arizona Medical Marijuana Program: A product of lies?
Despite the fact that voters in Arizona passed Proposition 203 in 2010 in favor of medical marijuana, there continues to be a push by those opposed. I often read statements from the opposition that simply don’t stand up to objective scrutiny. I am a former police officer who is now disabled. While I appreciate all opinions, I feel it’s paramount that debate be based on facts and logic and not [...]
The stay must go on the Maricopa County mental health care transition
When the Arizona Department of Health Services awarded a contract for a new model of care for thousands of persons with mental illness in Maricopa County, many in the behavioral health community rejoiced.
Except for Medicaid expansion, 2013 session provided solid advancements for small business
Honestly, very little of what happens each legislative session is truly memorable to the great majority of Arizonans. Just ask anyone who’s not a subscriber of the Arizona Capitol Times what distinguishes the 2007 legislative session from others… or the 2010 or 2003 sessions.
Consumer group recommends more effective scrutiny of health insurance rate increases
This month, health insurance rate increases become effective – ranging from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona with a 10.9 percent average annual increase impacting 67,248 individuals, to Aetna Small Group with a 14.1 percent increase impacting 46,916 individuals.
Lawmakers achieved election reform, tax reform and tort reform
I commend the governor and the Legislature for enduring the stress of a lengthy session and passing some much-needed legislation that will have a positive effect on our state for a very long time.
Legislative session featured rare political courage
Historians will determine the just-completed Arizona legislative session as the most significant in memory. An unlikely coalition, which included a hard-nosed, conservative and partisan governor, teamed together to pass Medicaid expansion.
Administrative costs — is less truly more?
As representatives of Arizona’s schools and districts, it is incumbent up on us to share timely, educational information in which our taxpayers and educational consumers have a vested interest. Often we hear criticism about being “top-heavy” in administration and that dollars earmarked for administrative salaries should be placed in classrooms to impact students.
Listening, sharing, communicating help tear down walls of stigma
Reducing stigma requires education and positive associations. That’s why it’s vital to fight misinformation and prejudice on all levels.
Cost shifts: The inconvenient truth of rooftop solar
A commentary in the June 7 issue of the Arizona Capitol Times “Utility customers have option of installing rooftop solar systems,” by executives from the rooftop solar industry presents a distorted and self-serving view of Arizona’s solar industry.