New Children’s Action Alliance CEO passionate about public service
January Contreras never forgets a face. The new CEO of Children’s Action Alliance, one of the most respected nonpartisan groups in Arizona, still vividly remembers the constituents in crisis she has served, ranging from small business owners crushed by health care costs to grandparents caregiving for loved ones struggling with substance abuse.
Border encounters dip slightly, but Tucson sector again saw most traffic
Border Patrol officers encountered 55,224 migrants in the Tucson sector in October, far outstripping the 38,211 encounters in the Del Rio, Texas, sector and almost 10 times the number seen in the Yuma sector that month.
Number of failing schools fell; alternative schools headed the other way
The number of schools getting an F on the state’s annual report card has fallen sharply, going from 49 in 2019 to 24 this year, but the number of failing alternative schools rose over the same period.
Hobbs takes credit for family tax rebate despite not wanting it in budget
Gov. Katie Hobbs is claiming credit for a $260 million tax rebate to families that she didn't want in the budget. And she is doing so even though the law sending up to $750 back to Arizona taxpayers was crafted in a way designed to preclude her from doing so.
Democrats, not Republicans saved millions of Americans from the consequences of unnecessary shutdown
Why do Republican Party loyalists turn a blind eye when their representatives make political decisions that bring the country to the verge of a catastrophe?
Tested, successful Scottsdale model ignored by Gress
With much fanfare, on Sept. 13, state Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, choreographed a committee hearing at the Scottsdale Civic Library, which Gress characterized as an “Ongoing Fight Against Scottsdale’s Taxpayer Funded Homeless Hotel Plan.”
Concerned resident raises concerns about Horne’s actions as schools chief
A concerned Arizona resident shared a letter she sent to Tom Horne, who she claims has overstepped his power since assuming the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The crisis hiding in plain sight? Advocating for 1.2+ million students facing homelessness
In 1988, about 1% of U.S. families were experiencing homelessness. Today, that number has grown to 34%. Since 2004, the number of students experiencing homelessness has risen by 63%. In a 2022 report from The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), it was reported that 1,280,886 students experienced homelessness during the 2019-2020 school year, which represented 2.5% of all students enroll[...]
Protect unborn children with genetic anomalies
Eight years ago, Samantha discovered she was pregnant and was told her baby had Down syndrome, a hole in her stomach, and only one foot. She was devastated. Some of her family members pressured her to abort the baby. Samantha didn’t want an abortion. But she worried about how her other children might be affected by having a sibling with a disability. In her despair, Samantha attempted suicide.[...]
Include families to help with serious mental illness
By now most of you have probably heard if not witnessed firsthand that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis of historic breadth and complexity. Arizona is far from alone in this crisis.
Hobbs cites new cost estimates for vouchers in attempt to convince lawmakers to scale back program
Gov. Katie Hobbs is citing new cost estimates for universal vouchers in her latest bid to convince lawmakers to scale back the new program.
As the legislature adjourns again, much has been accomplished
The 2023 legislative session has recessed and is expected to come back again July 31. Much has been accomplished focused on keeping the Arizona economy moving forward with investments.