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Tax credit program answers need for affordable housing
Our housing market needs solutions right now. Low income housing tax credit program is ready to go, and we know it works. Let’s hope the Legislature and Gov. Ducey agree and vote to get it done.
Arizona election laws work – don’t try to suppress voters
Something insidious is happening in the Arizona Legislature. After an election that saw a record high turnout, exemplary election administration in Arizona, and no instances of voter or election fraud, Republican legislators would like to change the election laws.
Flat-rate tax plan would have bipartisan support
The closely divided Arizona electorate wants practical solutions, not strict ideology. They will support my tax plan as they are willing to pay in an equitable way for more government services. I ask the Arizona Legislature to put my 4.5% flat income tax plan on a ballot for voters to decide.
No more taxpayer money to for-profit prisons
The recent prison escape in Florence has once again highlighted the complete disaster that is Arizona’s prison industry. Yet it was reported in early January that the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry had floated the idea of contacting up to 2,706 more for-profit prison beds though the inmate population has decreased by nearly 5,000 since 2016. This would be an extrem[...]
Biden must focus on affordable, reliable electricity
Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, along with a new Biden administration, promise sweeping policy changes in the United States. This includes campaign pledges to remake America’s electricity mix. But with campaign season over, Democrats should put rhetoric aside and pursue a bipartisan energy plan that supports economic recovery.
The way forward – compromise with adversaries, don’t overreact
Donald Trump's America has plunged below rock bottom. The coronavirus has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Trump has spent years debasing our foundational institutions while being cheered on wildly by half the country. And Congress was assaulted by a violent mob while carrying out the most essential democratic function of all – the peaceful transfer of power after an election.
People with IDD must be moved ahead in vaccination line
Regardless of the reason why people with disabilities have been consistently ignored and overlooked throughout this pandemic, it is something we have all too often seen firsthand in Maricopa County.
Stop the lawsuit virus before it spreads
Many states already have Covid liability protection, and many other states have made it a priority for debate in this year’s session of their legislatures. Arizona has, too, and as SB1377 begins its journey through the Legislature, lawmakers should pass it at every stage with all due dispatch.
Assuring reproductive justice would make AZ truly pro-life state
On January 22, we marked the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Prior to 1973, access to abortion wasn’t considered a right in America. Many women, especially poor women, were forced to choose between an untenable pregnancy, death or serious injury from a dangerous black-market abortion – even if pregnancy itself was a threat to their life or health. Sadly, for far too many in 2021,[...]
Ban smoking in multi-housing communities
Knowing how insidious secondhand smoke is and how it can permeate electrical and plumbing outlets as well as in some cases HVAC systems, it’s long past time to start protecting health for all Arizonans in their most important location to stay healthy – their home.
Misguided criminal justice decisions got us here, better decisions can lead us out
Here’s the good news: if misguided decisions got us here, then better decisions can lead us out. And better information is an important part of that. Or at least that’s the idea behind Reforming Arizona Criminal Justice, which is a collaborative project from the Academy for Justice and the Arizona State Law Journal.
A perspective – democracy is still working
Speak out, get involved, stand up for what you believe. Democracy is alive and well. A bit bloodied, but still alive. And we need to keep it that way. That is my take.
