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Reducing debt should be Obama’s top priority
Small businesses in Arizona employ 46 percent of the private-sector workforce. They are an important economic engine to the state, and to the nation. But the uncertainty in Washington makes it difficult for them to live up to the full potential that we all know small business can be. When I was voted CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA), I made it a priority to engage our more than[...]
AHCCCS expansion isn’t a left or right issue — it’s an Arizona issue
Today I urge our Legislature to expand Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coverage for the working poor. There is no backup plan. This is it. It is neither a left issue nor a right issue. It is an Arizona issue.
With independent expenditure committees, it’s buyer beware
There has been a lot of talk during the past few weeks about independent expenditure committees and their impacts. Specifically, there has been a lot of discussion about the direction and effectiveness of the Senate Republican Victory Fund.
The fact of the matter is there are two types of independent expenditures: IEs for “impact” and IEs for “appearance.” Think of it as work ho[...]
Medical marijuana is a responsible program — reform, don’t repeal
Arizona’s Medical Marijuana law is two years old. Patients have had the ability to get medical marijuana cards, giving them the legal protection they need. But the regulated dispensary portion of the program that was specifically called for in the law has been delayed due to numerous obstructions and legal challenges from state and local officials, primarily Republicans.
Querard’s letter against Pierce ‘sadly misinformed and bemusing’
The letter “Pierce used Victory Fund in failed effort to retain presidency” by political consultant Constantin Querard published in the Jan. 25 edition of the Arizona Capitol Times was both sadly misinformed and bemusing.
Supercross benefits Arizona when not bound by unreasonable restrictions
There is significant and measureable value when fans pack a sold-out stadium to root for their favorite team. On Jan. 12, fans did exactly that at Chase Field, pumping up the local economy by purchasing tickets to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross race, as well as buying expensive beverages costing more than a six pack of same. But the economic boost extends far beyond the event itself, if the pub[...]
Pierce used Victory Fund in failed effort to retain presidency
Former Senate President Steve Pierce’s guest opinion (12/17/12) on how and why he was ousted as Senate president is predictably self-serving, but the complete story ought to be considered.
Obama’s foreign policy reflected in Nobel Prize speech
It was three years ago last month that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech conveyed his moral vision of international affairs and provided a guide for the foreign policy successes of his first term. But the challenges confronting him in a second term show where refined direction is needed.
New AHCCCS coverage gives cancer-stricken mom hope
My name is Laura Gargiulo and I am a 45 year-old single mom to Jack, my energetic 11year-old son. I have a bachelor of science in English and a master of education in secondary education and teach part time as an English adjunct professor at Phoenix College. Oh, and one more thing, I don’t have health insurance.
Newtown and other tragedies emphasize need for behavioral health care through expanded AHCCCS coverage
A common thread runs through the Newtown, Portland, Aurora and Tucson tragedies: One young man's troubled existence shatters the lives of multiple innocent bystanders. A vigorous debate over gun control is understandable, but it's not enough to talk about these tragedies without talking about individual health.
Outgoing Senate president defends fundraising effort to retain GOP majority
On Nov. 7, I was voted out of the presidency of the Arizona State Senate, effective with the start of the 2013 session. The senators who voted against me defined themselves.
Dying man an example of why state should expand AHCCCS coverage
Dave was a homeless guy. Some blamed him for the bad choices he must have made. Some were a bit more sympathetic. A few got close enough to him to realize how little it would take to get Dave to a much better position in life — off the street, working, and even serving as a superb role model for others similarly in desperate need of a few small breaks.
