Arizona’s next criminal justice reform – end death penalty
Life without the possibility of parole accomplishes the needed goals of punishment without these frightful costs and risks. If a state with the troubled history of Virginia can reach this conclusion, a state like Arizona can eliminate the death penalty, too.
Bill prevents interference in doctor-patient relationship
There is optimism within the health care community that those we have trusted to represent us will see the merits of passing SB1270 and vote a resounding ‘YES’ to health, safety, and protecting the patient-physician relationship.
Arizona students need access to rigorous, challenging coursework
As a state with one of the largest and fastest growing Latino student populations in the nation, we must close the achievement gap that leaves so many students behind, especially students in low-income households or those in communities of color. Let’s all embrace this opportunity for a better future.
Arizona universities play key role in Covid recovery
So, our state universities do a lot more than just confer degrees and when we invest in them, the return comes on many different fronts. These examples allude to the critical role that our universities will continue to play in Arizona’s recovery from Covid and to the opportunities they create for their students, even in times of national crisis.
It’s past time to rein in governor’s emergency powers
If governors continuously rule by emergency orders, then the power of the state Legislature is severely reduced and its status as a co-equal branch of government called into question. Legislation like SB1084 ensures the proper balance of power between the branches while protecting the governor’s ability to respond decisively to a true emergency.
Let’s fully fund gifted education and unleash excellence in Arizona
By funding universal screening statewide, Arizona will become a national leader in systemically setting the table for identifying and nurturing brilliance. The global pandemic, the future of work, and our society’s longing for more leaders and innovators have created the perfect moment for the Arizona Legislature to fully and permanently fund the gifted programming mandate. It is time for Arizon[...]
The way to fail Arizona taxpayers: A return-free filing system
As America works to rebuild the economy following the brutal impact of Covid, it is crucial that actions are taken to revive the livelihoods of individuals and small business owners in Arizona. Although it is widely agreed upon across the political spectrum that an RFF system would be detrimental to America’s current tax system, members of Congress must make their voices heard and stand against [...]
Legislature can still help public schools
Fortunately, doing what’s best for students is also usually best for the economy. Arizona’s public schools are not the enemy. They are the way to restore public trust and confidence, and the surest sign that Arizona is coming back. We can come back weaker, or we can come back stronger.
House bill undermines established Clean Energy Rules and Arizona’s public health
HB2248 is designed to strip the ACC’s authority to adopt clean energy policies that protect health, reduce air pollution, and save on electricity costs. While it seemed the bill was stalled, HB2248 passed out of Senate Appropriations on March 31, and could be on Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk shortly.
Environmental Justice Makes Return to EPA
Our notion of the common good calls us to be in solidarity with those impacted by climate change while avoiding the temptation to pass this problem along to future generations as a result of our own neglect or narrow interests. This is why as a nation we -- including Members of Congress -- must prioritize action on climate.
PRO Act’s ABC test earns F for independent contractors
Arizona’s Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Sen. Mark Kelly will be lauded as heroes if they can persuade their colleagues to change the ABC Test to the IRS Test. Failing that, voting no would be the only way to prevent potential disaster for independent contractors in Arizona and across the country.
Semiconductor shortage highlights urgency of U.S. import dependence
Relaunching America’s computer chip industry could create hundreds of thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs. The U.S. can resume its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of semiconductors — something that would strengthen national security and America’s industrial self-sufficiency.