College-match savings program prevents, minimizes student debt
There is no easy cure for the college affordability and labor challenges facing our state. But Earn to Learn shows what’s possible when colleges and universities, philanthropic groups, private employers and – yes – students themselves all chip in.
Here’s how and why you should vote in the SRP board election
To meet the kinds of technological changes required by the Sierra Club candidates, SRP would have to make a rapid shift at great cost to the consumer. It is estimated that their proposed changes could triple their resource capacity needs. Because SRP is publicly owned, there are no investors to make up the cost of developing those new generation assets. It will come directly from the ratepayers vi[...]
No, the Saudis haven’t stopped pumping Arizona groundwater
The law has crippled groundwater regulation in most of the state and large farming operations have been exploiting it for decades. This includes American and foreign-owned companies. Even if the state can stop foreign companies from abusing Arizona’s lax water laws, American mega-dairies and large-scale alfalfa farms will continue to pump the state’s aquifer water at alarming rates.
Arizona lawmakers shouldn’t be making investment decisions
We cannot let politics jeopardize the financial security of current and future retirees. We must keep politics out of our pensions and retirement options and stay focused on savings, investment solutions, maximizing returns, and increasing investment choices for all Americans.
Solutions to Arizona’s housing shortage vary – no silver bullet
One silver-bullet bill to end our crisis isn’t likely on the horizon. Afterall, we are 270,000 housing units short of what’s needed, according to the Department of Housing. But piece by piece, thoughtful policy coupled with reduced regulations can entice new construction to house a surging number of people moving here.
Legislators want to extend life of dirty coal plants on ratepayer expense
HB2646 ignores what data have made clear — coal is steadily declining and planning a transition to clean energy is urgently needed. Until that happens, ratepayers will bear the burden of the high cost of coal seen reflected in utility bills that will keep climbing. It’s up to Arizonans to implore our legislators to vote against HB2646, and for our state senators to listen to their constituents[...]
Attitude toward democracy is fragile, many favor autocracy
Without making educational advances, American democracy will likely further struggle to sustain the engagement of more than half of the population. Without greater focus on civics education and critical thinking, we can expect a further decline in small-d democratic belief and commitment. That portends less ability to address the issues that ail American and global society.
Get illegal vapes out of the hands of youth
All Arizonans should hope that the Legislature ignores the rhetoric from the illegal Chinese vape industry and passes a common-sense vapor directory to keep illegal products off Arizona store shelves.
Policymakers must protect Arizonans from sudden treatment changes
Here in Arizona, Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, has introduced legislation to protect patients from non-medical switching. This bill, SB1164, will prevent health insurers and PBMs from forcing a patient to move to a different medication for non-medical reasons.
Regulators must prioritize getting all Americans connected
All of these life changing effects will be in large part thanks to President Biden making good on his promise to pass common sense policies that work for all Americans. But we must make sure that overregulation does not get in the way. Regulators in Washington must rethink these overly restrictive regulations and prioritize getting all Americans connected.
Judgement Day for DEI? Voters should decide
With two mirror versions of the new ballot measure nearing the finish line, (SCR1019, sponsored by Sen. Anthony Kern, and Rep. Montenegro’s HCR 2056—cosponsored by over 30 members of the House and Senate, including Speaker Ben Toma), the Arizona state constitution is poised to make this loud and clear
Oil independence, clean energy economy at stake in presidential primary
I urge my fellow veterans, and all Arizonans who care about the future of our clean energy economy and building a more sustainable future, to keep in mind what’s at stake when they vote today and in November.