Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

As we look ahead to the future, we must find new and innovative ways to produce the energy we need to support our growing economy and the businesses and communities that call Arizona home. Fortunately, we have legislators prioritizing the clean energy, technology and innovation sectors by focusing on policy solutions that will have a real and positive impact on Arizona’s economy, both in the short-term as our economy recovers and for years into the future.

To be clear, lawmakers should seek to advance policies that protect the rights and liberties of all people, regardless of race or wealth. But especially as union activists seek to point fingers in every direction but their own when it comes to “structural barriers” holding back communities of color, perhaps it is time lawmakers rethink their loyalties and take action to remove the real obstacles affecting communities in need.

Sadly, here in Arizona our governor has taken a different approach, ignoring the needs of horse racing and the multitude of rural, locally owned businesses that support the industry. There has been no meeting, no conversation, no discussion about how the state can help us modernize the industry as we can compete with other states.

When our State Senate considers D.C. statehood, they should treat this issue as a necessary and substantive pro-democracy reform rather than giving it the cursory and partisan treatment that the House did. If this issue comes up in the U.S. Senate, I hope Sens.Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly will recognize D.C. statehood for the racial justice and voting rights issue that it is.

As I look at the trajectory of Arizona, I envision a state that is thriving, welcoming and an environment that promotes opportunity and justice for all. When I think of the current state of Arizona, I am reminded that to get there it is critical for us to do the work now. We don’t have the time to wait.

During a tumultuous year where students have far too often been put last, there is a beacon of optimism and hope that could have a lasting positive impact on generations of students. There are a variety of measures currently moving through the Arizona Legislature – all laser-focused on students and increasing access to quality classrooms.

Just like America’s economy needed rescuing from the impact of Covid, our democracy needs its own rescue plan to save it from lies and laws meant to stop voters from voting. The For the People Act is that rescue package--and it can’t pass a moment too soon.

We are no doubt heading into months of debate over how to reform immigration. Fortunately, Sens. Sinema and Kelly both have reputations for constructive bipartisanship and prudent border policies.

As the iconic voting rights hero Rep. John Lewis once said, “The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument in a democratic society.” As such, ballots should NEVER EVER be trifled with by anyone, at any time, under any circumstances.

To my friends and neighbors in rural communities, I would like to draw your attention to an action by the federal government that has communities like ours in its crosshairs. Federal regulators are hoping that rural communities will fail to notice what they are doing. In Arizona this list includes Flagstaff, Prescott, and Sierra Vista.