Arizona School Funding Should not be on the Chopping Block

With the revelation that the state may have as much as a $1.1 billion budget deficit over the next two years (as well as a reduction in sales tax revenue,) the worry that vital programs that help our most vulnerable, including children, would be on the chopping block if legislators enacted, like in the foolhardy … Read more

Good and Ugly Government at the State Capitol

The last two days at the Arizona Capitol have shown the great possibilities for the Grand Canyon State when both Republicans and Democrats work together for the betterment of the people. Unfortunately, it has also displayed how ugly it can be when fringe legislation to discriminate against people passes one of the legislative chambers. Jake’s … Read more

Arizona Republicans are on the Wrong Side of the Gun Issue Twice in One Week

People need to understand that Democrats are not out to take any law-abiding citizen’s Second Amendment Rights away. Democrats, like Republicans, recognize that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a firearm to either use for recreational activities like hunting or for self-protection in their homes. Democrats, and some Republicans, are also for sensible gun … Read more

Is 2020 the Year the Arizona ELL Law Comes off the Books?

Will the political stars finally align to repeal the law (Proposition 203) mandating English Only Instruction for students with limited English Proficiency in 2020? Proposition 203, passed in 2000, has not yielded the hoped-for outcomes as English learners have fallen behind in both English acquisition and mastery of other core and elective subjects children cannot … Read more

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman unveils a plan to create a School Safety Task Force.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman displayed decisive leadership, while the reactionaries in the state legislature paused, by announcing the intent to create a school safety task force that would address the needs of children who are suffering from behavioral and emotional stress. To be fair, the members of the Arizona State Legislature have … Read more