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.
California solar energy CEOs aim to confuse net metering issue, preserve profits
A recent guest opinion in the June 7 issue of the Arizona Capitol Times "Utility customers have option of installing rooftop solar systems,” authored by the CEOs of several California rooftop solar companies, got only two things right. One was the title.
Let’s end barriers to federally regulated cannabis research
In November 2010, the citizens of Arizona passed Proposition 203, thereby establishing a medical marijuana program. Despite many delays, Arizona is now in the process of awarding licenses to nearly 100 new dispensary operators. Yet as patients eagerly anticipate regulated cannabis, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a political battle they should not have to fight.
Arizona residents are the winners with Supreme Court voter registration ruling
On June 17, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the right of every eligible American to register to vote using a national standard that eliminates unnecessary barriers. The decision was authored by one of the court’s strongest state’s rights advocates, Justice Antonin Scalia.
Affirmative action in school admissions — a net loss for minorities
This month, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on affirmative action in school admissions in Fisher v. University of Texas. While affirmative action was adopted with the long overdue intention of instituting justice and righting innumerable wrongs, it was poorly designed.
Here’s why it’s important to comply with the 95% coverage rule
Health and Human Services has published under the guise of health care reform more than 20,000 pages of new rules and regulations.
Fixing the federal debt demands a comprehensive approach
Our federal budget is on a destructive and dangerous path. It is vital for our leaders to find a solution to our $17 trillion national debt, or the next generation of Americans will inherit a country in a deeply dysfunctional state.
Utility customers have option of installing rooftop solar systems
For an American energy sector that hasn’t changed much in a century, rooftop solar represents consumer choice, competition, and innovation. This is the key to understanding the increasingly anti-solar actions by APS.
Backed by state Constitution, Medicaid expansion makes sense
In this weekend’s Medicaid coverage, the governor made the point that her decision to move forward with Medicaid expansion was a combination of common sense and gut. She knew when making this tough call that the math did not work in Arizona’s favor to try to go it alone on funding a program that has, for decades, been a mix of state and federal funds.
Democrats will take the lead on issues voters care about
May 16 was an eventful day at the state Capitol. It was one of those rare occasions when some members of the state Legislature put aside petty bickering, ideological pandering and self-aggrandizement to simply do what was right for Arizona by passing Medicaid restoration in the state Senate.
Innovative approach pinpoints solutions to mental health issues
Just like diabetes and hypertension, mental illness is an ailment that is treatable — and if untreated can cause morbidity and mortality.
Medicaid debate should remain focused on the merits of expansion
Senate approval of the governor’s Medicaid expansion bill clearly reflects the will of the people. Senate Majority Leader John McComish led the charge, breaking rank from Republican colleagues who opposed the bill.