Another hole punched in Ladner’s “Florida Ed Miracle” 4th grade scores
February 3, 2011
by David Safier If you listen to the Goldwater Institute’s Matthew Ladner, the only test score that matters in the educational universe is the 4th grade reading score on the national NAEP exam. The reason is, that’s where Florida shines compared to other states. The fact that Florida holds back lots of its lowest performing
Rep. Anna Tovar proposes bills to restore transplants, save lives
February 3, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Press release from the House Democrats: Tovar proposes bills to restore transplants, save lives STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Rep. Anna Tovar, D-Tolleson (District 13), a two-time transplant recipient, introduced four bills today to restore life-saving transplants for Arizonans. “Today is an important day for Arizonans because we have the opportunity to hold
Governor Grim Reaper’s GOP death panel: No transplant funds for you!
February 3, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Governor Grim Reaper and her GOP death panel have spoken: No to transplant funds: Arizonans who lost coverage for lifesaving organ transplants had political winds at their backs last fall, with national media attention and a sympathetic key Republican lawmaker. But Rep. John Kavanagh's support has evaporated, and there now appears little
G.I.s Matthew Ladner receives NEPC Education Bunkum Award
February 3, 2011
by David Safier You know how I've been after Goldwater Institute's Matthew Ladner for his fact- and analysis-challenged "research" work? It looks like I'm not the only one who is noticing, as Ladner extends his reach, preaching the gospel of the "Florida Education Miracle" to state legislatures across the country. The National Education Policy Center,
Neoconfederate insurrectionists in Arizona Legislature revive discredited ‘nullification’ theory
February 3, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: All elected officials in Arizona take the following oath of office: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies,
AZ Politics: Old politicos don’t go away, they just get appointed to a commission
February 2, 2011
By Craig McDermott, cross-posted from Random Musings am *such* a geek sometimes. Tonight, I took a moment to check out a couple of legislative committee agendas posted for meetings next week. One *really* caught my eye – Senate Judiciary, scheduled for Monday in SHR1 upon adjournment of the Senate Rules Committee. The agenda for
Redistricting Update: Second appointment – Jose Herrera
February 2, 2011
by Craig McDermott, cross-posted from Random Musings Earlier today, State Rep. Chad Campbell announced via a Facebook posting, that he has selected Jose Herrera of Maricopa County as his appointment to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC). Because House Speaker Kirk Adams also selected someone from Maricopa County, both Senate President Russell Pearce and House
For government numbers geeks
February 2, 2011
by David Safier This is way above my pay grade, but any of you who like to wade through numbers detailing Arizona's financial activities can go to town at Arizona Open Books, a new website from the General Accounting Office. OpenBooks.az.gov is the State of Arizona's official transparency web site, created in accordance with Arizona
