Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

As working families and businesses across Arizona already struggle with record inflation and the ongoing economic recovery, it is more important than ever that lawmakers protect patients from higher drug costs.

We know that the recognition of this value is the reason the Legislature and Governor just reauthorized the Commission on the Arts. And we are just as certain that they will recognize the tremendous return on this investment when they approve a $5 million ongoing appropriation in the budget being adopted soon.

It’s clear the current tax-and-spend agenda coming out of Washington isn’t working. Federal lawmakers should avoid doubling down and instead look to Arizona for inspiration. Slowing down the money printing press and voting to make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent before it expires would be two big steps forward.    

The irony of it is that none of these actions negate the need for mined materials. It just shifts the source to somewhere else. Depending on where it comes from, that can come with questions about environmental impacts and human rights. And even when it doesn’t, offshoring means shipping long distances and that comes with an impact. 

Looking back on my life, it’s hard to believe I’d experience a period of homelessness and later live paycheck to paycheck due to medical conditions out of my control. But the reality in America is that we are all one diagnosis away from financial ruin.

Even if the utilities are slow to adopt clean energy, consumers have new options to decarbonize the grid and decrease their dependence on the monopolies. The most recent data vividly paints this picture.

This would be a win for Arizona taxpayers and small businesses under any circumstance, never mind during this period of unprecedented inflation. This decision provides relief for every Arizonan who finds themselves spending more than ever before to fill up their cars, put food on the table, and shelter and clothe their families – and yes, that’s every Arizonan.

Much has changed in Arizona’s energy landscape since 1971, raising questions about whether the siting statutes should similarly evolve. 

There is no left or right energy. It is all just energy. Cheap is better than expensive, in-state is better than out, abundant is better than scarce, and clean is better than dirty.  For Arizonans, solar paired with storage checks all of those boxes. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just making stuff up.  

There is no doubt that Arizona students will benefit if state lawmakers stop public schools from teaching kids to treat each other differently based upon race. But ultimately, actions speak louder than words, and our public educational institutions must lead by example and never reduce our teachers, students, or staff to merely the color of their skin. HCR2001 will ensure they never do.