Across the nation today, men and women were protesting stringent anti-abortion bills that have passed in at least eight states recently. There was an impressive rally with close to 200 people at the Capitol today in Phoenix and even more in Tucson. Alabama’s bill is the most recent and the most stringent. It is essentially … Read more
Is it a coincidence that Charter School Week is the same week as the landmark Supreme Court Decision Brown vs the Board of Education? On May 16, Arizona House Republicans stood to honor Charter School Week while a proclamation was read. A few minutes later Rep. Gerae Peten reminded us all that Friday, May 17, … Read more
Vaping is a hot topic in the Arizona Legislature this session. E-cigarettes (also known as nicotine vape pens) are unregulated in Arizona. Nicotine vaping is widespread, and usage is increasing, particularly among youth. Many adults use nicotine vape pens as a way to stop smoking real cigarettes. E-cigarettes don’t have the particulates that tobacco cigarettes … Read more
Voter suppression and unnecessary tinkering with elections have been themes in the Legislature this session. SB1154 was defeated last week but passed the House today on reconsideration. This bill changes the primary date from the end of August to the beginning of August. At first blush, this doesn’t seem to be a very big deal. … Read more
Arizona House Republicans recently passed SB1451, Senator Vince Leach’s latest attempt to kill the Citizens Initiative process. Every year, Republicans add new regulations to the popular Citizens Initiative process–like dramatically increasing the number of signatures, strict compliance on petitions (forcing us to write in between the lines or risk having our signature knocked off), or … Read more