The continuing expansion of parity of mental health benefits
On April 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued its proposed rule for implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (“MHPAEA”) to Medicaid managed care organizations, Medicaid alternative benefit plans and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Medicaid director should champion patients
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper has rejected arguments by Tom Betlach, director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System – Arizona’s Medicaid program – that he can effectively protect our state’s expanded Medicaid program by serving as sole defender in a lawsuit filed by the Goldwater Institute.
Phoenix Forward initiative focuses on improving state’s economic base
The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s newly announced economic development initiative, Phoenix Forward, is more than an idea whose time has come: It’s an idea that’s been needed for a long time.
Good economic news could lead to more industries relocating to Arizona
Arizona received promising economic news that bodes well for the Phoenix metro region’s long-term growth: The state is expected to add 120,000 people to the employment rolls in 2015 and 2016, with jobs in the visitor industry leading the way.
Legislature is more bipartisan than most people realize
If you are ever asked what you do for a living and you reply, “I am a lobbyist” what usually follows is a rant about how the Legislature can never get anything done, that everything is so partisan and that there is incredible gridlock.
‘No new taxes’ is evading responsibility
Many people are concerned about the lack of support for education, child support, etc. in the Legislature’s recently approved budget. But, it is inevitable when the mantra of “No New Taxes” is our highest priority, as supported for years by the majority of those who voted!
Moving Arizona education into the 21st century
Last year, Linzey Leinart earned her high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Chandler-Gilbert Community College at the same time. How did she manage to do both?
Did lawmakers kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?
Joint Technical Education Districts (JTEDs) bolster the economy, not just in Arizona, but across the nation. Premier career and technical education (CTE) programs improve high school student achievement, dramatically reduce drop-out rates, and create skilled workers who are prepared to fill almost half the jobs in this country that are middle-skill positions.
Amid changing demographics, Arizona Hispanic Chamber poised to lead
The recent debate over Arizona’s state operating budget helps illustrate the genuine challenges facing our economy. Just as real is the enormous promise and potential of Arizona’s most valuable asset: its diverse communities.
Bill establishing transition program for inmates was lost
Today's (April 13) story, "Winners and Losers," regarding those who gained from legislative action at this year's recently completed session and those who “lost” was telling.
Secretary Reagan misses the point
It looks like we touched a nerve. Recently the Arizona Advocacy Foundation led a coalition of non-partisan groups to produce an in-depth study of our state’s most recent election in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act.
Report ignores logical rules for running an election
A recent report from the Arizona Advocacy Network attempts, unfairly and inaccurately, to make claims about “thousands” of uncounted votes in recent Arizona elections. The report is exceptionally biased, cherry-picks its data and is grossly misleading.