Public schools will be inspected regularly, committee will update campuses for safety
Public schools across Arizona will be inspected regularly to make sure they meet minimum standards to educate students under a new executive order issued by Gov. Katie Hobbs. And in a separate order, the governor formed a committee to update those to 2023 levels to ensure the schools have what it takes to help protect students during a campus shooting.
Historic mining town backs copper project on land Native American groups say is sacred
Competing interests have ignited a tug of war between Superior, a town of about 3,000 people who want a huge copper mine built there for its economic benefits, and Native American groups that consider the land sacred and are fighting to protect it from disturbance.
Horne warns against teaching ELL in 50-50 model
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced any school teaching English Language Learners in 50-50 dual language models are in violation of the law and are at risk of losing funding.
Attorney general engaging in ESA ‘witch hunt’
It’s time for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to dial back the hyperbole aimed at tens of thousands of parents who participate in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. With scarce evidence, she recently claimed that the program has “no controls” and “no accountability” – this is far from the truth.
Veto of public porn or book banning?
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill on Monday she said aimed to ban books, but the sponsor said it’s meant to ban the “practice” of filming pornography in public schools.
Senate considers measure to ask voters to approve constitutional change tied to emergencies
The state Senate was likely just a few minutes away from approving a measure last week that would ask Arizona voters to OK a constitutional amendment requiring the Legislature to reauthorize any state of emergency called by the governor every 30 days.
Senate approves funding that Medicaid needs to pay bills
State lawmakers on Wednesday finally approved the funding that the state's Medicaid program needs to pay its current bills.
Hobbs vetoes guns bills, saying they won’t prevent violence
Parents won't be able to bring their loaded weapons onto school campuses, at least not while Katie Hobbs is governor.
GOP lawmakers approve measures dealing with guns and students
Republican lawmakers sent two measures dealing with guns and students to Gov. Katie Hobbs on Tuesday, likely courting one veto, if not two.
When it’s working for students, let it work
At a time of urgent need for educational advancement, Arizona’s powerful student-based policies empower families and educators to take actions that create better futures for our children and for that state. We should follow their lead.
Bill to remove school blueprints, floor plans from public access stalls
A bill to remove school blueprints and floor plans from public access has stalled in the House despite it having gotten bipartisan preliminary approval a month ago.
Constitutional change would impact how state manages disaster declarations
A proposed constitutional amendment that is one vote away from being sent to the 2024 ballot for voter approval will have far-reaching impacts on how the state oversees disaster declarations and potentially impact millions of dollars in federal funding.