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Partisan politics not in play with most legislation
Most legislation comes from citizens, businesses, organizations and associations who are confronted by a specific problem that needs redress. They look at their options at the state and political subdivision level. They look at their legal opportunities and whether court action might address the issue. And frequently they decide that fixing a perceived statutory deficiency is their best option.
What American Health Care Act means for Arizona’s health care system
There have been a lot of opinions about the impact that the American Health Care Act, passed from the U.S. House a couple weeks ago, will have on our country. Much has been made about the impact it will have on coverage, the marketplace, and on the cost of care. But, what impact will the legislation, in its current form, have on the citizens of Arizona, on our patients and on the health care deliv[...]
Reforming FDA, not price control, is path to cheaper drugs
It is easy to see the political allure of “cheap drugs,” but what is often ignored by advocates of market distorting price controls is the long-term impact such policies will have on medical innovation and access.
Public school advocates hold some inequities sacrosanct
The annual knife fight over available revenues in the state budget is often an exercise in directing dollars toward a specific constituency. $38 million dollars into the base for K-12 education is swallowed by the enormity of the $10 billion system and is lost in the rounding.
University bonding plan is a big investment in Arizona’s future
The budget I signed this week makes significant new investments in K-12 education, with a focus on teacher salaries, making our best schools available to more students and providing added resources in low-income areas to help close the achievement gap.
Lower tax rates + biased researchers = ‘hatchet job’
If the success of supply side economics is so obvious, why doesn’t the research show it? We know the bias of the university research community – over 80 percent of their campaign contributions go to Democrats. The expression of this bias in the pages of research journals has been non-stop.
County attorney impugns important role of criminal defense
The defense bar consists of attorneys dedicated to justice for their clients and the system. They are as interested in just laws, and fairness within the justice system, as prosecutors may be. Defaming us is not going to deter us from meeting obligations to clients and the criminal justice system.
Economic prosperity flows in underground pipes, water mains
Water is an essential ingredient to Arizona’s economy. There is an unmistakable connection between maintaining and updating infrastructure and economic prosperity.
Arizona lawmakers lack trust, respect for the people
107 years ago, Arizona’s founders feared that legislatures could land in the pockets of special interests. They believed that ultimately, the people in power had to be accountable to the citizens. They gave us the power of referendum, recall and initiative. Today’s state Legislature wants to eliminate your access to that power.
Health care bill returns country to ‘bad, old days’ of patient discrimination
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association is not in the business of politics. As a statewide organization representing more than 80 hospitals and health care providers, our core purpose is to promote a robust and resilient health care delivery system in Arizona. That means looking out for the people, patients and communities of Arizona, and advocating for policies that do the same. Which bri[...]
Teachers, schools would benefit from renewing, expanding Prop. 301
As the Arizona superintendent of public instruction, I have traveled around the state three times on my annual “We Are Listening Tours.” These tours give fellow Arizonans the opportunity to... […]
Arizona has not funded a ‘general and uniform public school system’
The Legislature recently approved a state budget proposal that prevents any new net reductions to K-12 education in Arizona this fiscal year. Though the budget increases overall funding for K-12 education, it does not do so equally, and all students in Arizona do not have the opportunity to benefit. We are not OK with that.
